CBD For Beginners: What you Need to Know 

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As the United States begins to legalize medical and recreational cannabis, there has been an increase in available CBD products. Despite this increase, many are unaware of CBD & its benefits.

If you live with chronic ailments such as pain or anxiety, you’ve probably heard that CBD could be a solution. If you’re looking to try CBD, but you’re unsure of what to look for, we put together this guide to help you find the right product for you & help clear up common misconceptions surrounding it.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a substance extracted from hemp. Hemp, similar to marijuana, comes from cannabis plants. However, hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC, & any plant with a higher percentage than that is legally considered marijuana. Cannabis and the cannabinoids that are in it interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. The endocannabinoid system governs different aspects of your immune system, pain receptors, & mood. With CBD, you get a lot of the benefits from a cannabis plant without the “high” that comes with the THC component.

The Endocannabinoid System

Three kinds of cannabinoids can interact with your endocannabinoid system. They are endogenous, phytocannabinoids, & laboratory-derived cannabinoids.

Endogenous cannabinoids occur naturally in the body, while phytocannabinoids occur naturally in cannabis plants. These either contain molecules that include THC, or cannabidiol, aka CBD. The third kind, laboratory-derived cannabinoids, is synthesized in a lab & can be found in medical compounds, like Marinol, that have been regulated by the FDA.

CBD Oil In Medicine

CBD gained a lot of interest in the medical field when the FDA approved pure CBD oil for use in treating pediatric seizure disorders. The approval led to an increase in the public interest as people speculated that its use in the treatment of other ailments was a possibility.

According to studies conducted by the Food & Drug Administration, the most commonly reported side effects were tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite/weight. All of which were comparably better than those found in other medicines used to treat the same ailments. They also reported that chronic use and high daily doses (up to 1,500 mg) of CBD were “well tolerated in humans.” However, it can interfere with some of your laboratory tests, including your liver function panels, and it can affect the level of blood thinners, like Coumadin & anti-seizure medicines, in your bloodstream.

Legality

In 1970, the Controlled Substance Act put marijuana & all related products under the jurisdiction of the DEA & made it an illegal substance. When the DEA passed the Agricultural Act in 2014, they made hemp legal for research purposes. The bill also legally defined cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3 percent THC as hemp plants. In 2018, the DEA revised the Agricultural Act, federally legalizing hemp & hemp-related products like CBD oils & tinctures.

At a national level, you are allowed to grow & make products from hemp plants that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. However, guidelines differ between states, so it is essential to research your state’s CBD regulations before purchasing any products.

Different Kinds Of CBD Oil

There are three different types of CBD oils: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and purified CBD oil.

Full-spectrum CBD oil, like the ones sold by the company Naternal, is extracted from all parts of the hemp plant without removing anything from the final product. This process leaves small traces of THC behind as well as CBD & a compound called terpenes.

Broad-spectrum oils, also sold by Naternal, are derived from the entire plant. The final product is void of any THC & recommended if you live in a state where THC is illegal or if you work anywhere you're required to get periodic drug screens.

CBD isolates are entirely purified. Products made from these are void of any terpenes & THC.

Choosing A Product

There are three things you want to look for when buying CBD oil.

Firstly, you should check the method of extraction. There are three extraction methods: Co2, solvent, & ethanol extraction. The safest & healthiest is Co2 extraction, so you should choose products that use this method.

Next, you should check if the oil was batch tested or if the company offers batch testing. Any product that was batch tested has a QR code that you can scan with your phone, which links you to the certificate of analysis from the lab. This certificate allows you to check if your product is under the legal limit of THC.

Lastly, you should make sure the product doesn't contain any heavy metals or pesticides & if it's certified by a government-regulated agency, like the USDA or FDA. Checking these ensures that the product is not only legal but safe for consumption.

CBD oil is a versatile supplement that many have used to treat chronic physical & mental ailments as well as enhance the quality of their lives. It has a long history of medicinal use & the FDA has classified it as a dietary supplement. When choosing any CBD product, it is essential that you check that the product is legal, government-regulated, & fit for consumption. Before taking any product, you should consult your physician or care provider, as CBD may affect your current medications.