Embarking on a journey to explore the world of CBD can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, including varying blend types and strength potencies, it can be challenging to find the CBD oil that’s right for you.
Let’s delve into the most important aspects of this fascinating compound so that you can make an informed decision on which CBD product to choose, its benefits, and how to get the most out of it. Here’s how to get started with CBD:
What Is CBD And How Does It Work?
The use of cannabis and hemp for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that scientists began studying its many benefits.
Researchers soon found several compounds shown to have direct effects on the human body, including cannabinoid compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and the well-known psychoactive component known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
In recent years, advancements in plant extraction processes have made it possible to isolate and filter specific compounds from the hemp plant, leading to the introduction of therapeutic oils, creams, and salves infused with CBD.
For example, products from Lake Tahoe CBD manufacturer Cannabiva.com include many of these beneficial compounds. They contain cannabinoids like CBD, cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and hemp-derived terpenes – all of which have been shown to act positively on the central nervous system, endocannabinoid system, and other essential bodily processes.
In clinical studies, CBD has been shown to possess several mechanisms of action that positively impact the body. Some of the most notable benefits associated with taking CBD include:
- Reduced Anxiety and Stress – Taking CBD may provide relief for these common daily health concerns because it interacts with serotonin neurotransmitters in the central nervous system that are responsible for mood regulation and stress response.
- Pain management – Research suggests that CBD can be an effective pain reliever by reducing inflammation and interacting with pain receptors in the body, making it a promising alternative medicine option for those who suffer temporary or chronic pain.
- Sleep improvement – A good night’s sleep is important. Cannabidiol has been shown to have calming effects on the central nervous system, leading to improved sleep quality in many people who use it.
How Much CBD Should I Take?
Getting started with CBD may seem a bit intimidating because of the many concentrations and products available, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are well-established scientific thresholds that provide guidance on how to start taking CBD and adjust your dose over time so that you are taking the optimal amount.
According to Cannabiva, the easiest way to find your perfect dose is to start with your body weight:
- Mild Dose (For First Time Users) – Begin taking 0.1 milligrams of CBD per pound of body weight daily.
- Average Dose – Once you’ve established your baseline and ensured that you aren’t experiencing any adverse side effects, you can begin increasing your dosage strength up to 0.5 mg per pound.
- Maximum Strength Dose – It is suggested that you not exceed 1.5 mg per lbs without first speaking to your doctor.
CBD is a very forgiving natural medicine. Its excellent safety profile leaves plenty of wiggle room for you to experiment safely while you find the optimal dose. The process of gradually increasing and moderating your CBD intake until you find the most effective daily dose is called titration. It may take just a few days up to a couple of weeks to titrate depending on your individual response to CBD.
Source: https://www.cannabiva.com/cbd-dosage-chart/
When looking at CBD oils, you’ll often see a number on the front of the bottle, such as 750, 1500, or 3000. These numbers indicate the amount of total cannabidiol found in the bottle – often referred to as the potency or concentration of CBD.
To determine which bottle is right for you, calculate your preferred dose for your body weight, and multiply this by 30 (so that you get enough CBD to last 30 days).
For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and want to take an average dose, you would need about 2,250 milligrams of CBD per month.
Here is a quick example:
150 x 0.5mg x 30 = 2,250 milligrams.
You’ll want to ensure that the bottle you have chosen has at least 2,250 milligrams of CBD.
Which CBD Blend Should I Choose?
You’ll come across three primary types as you peruse different CBD blends. Here is a quick breakdown of what each blend is composed of.
- Full Spectrum CBD contains all the natural compounds found in cannabis plants, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC (federally compliant, containing less than 0.3%). This combination adds depth to the flavor of CBD and creates what’s known as the “entourage effect,” where each compound works together synergistically to enhance their overall effectiveness.
- Broad Spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum blends, with one critical difference. These blends have THC removed during the filtration process. As they are entirely free of THC, they are an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid this psychoactive cannabinoid while still benefiting from the entourage effect.
- Pure CBD Isolate goes through additional filtration processes post-extraction so that all hemp-derived compounds, with the exception of cannabidiol, are removed. The CBD is “isolated” into a pure CBD powder and then blended into CBD isolate oil. These blends contain only CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes, and no THC.
Ultimately, it will come down to your personal preference for which CBD is suitable for your specific needs. If you’re not quite sure which way to go, consider trying a free sample of CBD for several days to a week to see which has the best effect.
Next Steps
Now that you understand what CBD does, how much to take, and the difference in blends, you can make a more informed decision when looking for the right product to maximize your benefits.
You’ll want to focus on safety and quality. The easiest way to find a reputable brand is to make that they rigorously test their products. You should be able to access and view third-party lab tests right on their website to see that the potency and cannabinoid content matches the claims being made on their product information pages.
Once you’ve found your ideal CBD product, start slowly with the dosage recommendations above. Take low doses for the first few days and gradually increase your dosage until you reach a point where you can feel its benefits.
Side effects are rare, but they happen to a small percentage of users (less than 1%), so be sure to keep an eye on your biometrics and overall response to your dosage. Lower your dosage or discontinue use if you experience any adverse side effects like dizziness, stomach upset, or headaches.
CBD is a powerful natural medicine from hemp. Its benefits have helped people relieve everything from stress to pain for thousands of years. With the right approach to taking it, you may also see similar benefits when you get started with CBD!