A Beginners Guide to CBD
New to CBD? We can help.
CBD has become increasingly popular over the last few years. You may have seen it popping up as an ingredient in lotions or sparkling beverages, for example, or even as an add-on to drinks at your local coffee shop. So…what’s the deal with this stuff, and why is it suddenly all the rage.
First, let’s explain what CBD is. CBD, or cannabidiol, is an oil extracted from either marijuana or hemp plants. The latter is legal in all 50 states, and contains less than .3% of THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that gets you high. Though there is still a stigma about the compound, more people are becoming educated about it as it becomes more mainstream.
So, what does CBD do? Users have reported a host of wide-ranging benefits, such as help with stress, mood, sleep, inflammation, pain, and focus. While CBD is not yet approved by the FDA, promising studies back up these claims. Additionally, scientists believe CBD can actually help protect the brain from dementia and stimulate neuron growth. Users report very few (if any) negative side effects.
Now let’s get into how it works. Researchers believe CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates natural processes like inflammation response, sleep, learning and memory, eating, temperature control, pain control, immune response, emotional processing, and more. Critical for nearly every aspect of the body’s functions, the ECS consists of receptors in the brain that regulate the activity of other neurotransmitters, basically turning up or down the activity of the system that needs to be adjusted.
Our bodies naturally produce molecules called endocannabinoids, which are structurally similar to molecules in the cannabis plant. These molecules stimulate the ECS, telling it when to sleep, to feel stressed, to feel hungry, to start an immune response, etc. Essentially, scientists believe CBD mimics those natural cannabinoids and interacts with the ECS receptors similarly.
CBD comes in many forms and types. Some CBD is isolate, which is to say it contains only that specific compound. Others, like Miraflora’s, are full-spectrum, which means they contain all the other compounds found in the hemp plant as well. These include terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC—all of which, when taken together, are believed to heighten CBD’s effect.
Now, let’s address some more specific questions.
Will CBD make me feel “high”?
No. CBD made from hemp contains a maximum of .3% THC, as mandated by law. Trace amounts are not enough to be psychoactive.
Is CBD legal?
If you purchase CBD made from hemp, not from marijuana, it is legal in all 50 states. Miraflora’s CBD is sourced from hemp grown on our USDA-certified organic farm.
What types of CBD are available?
CBD comes in many forms, and can be taken orally, applied to the skin, or added to food and beverages. Common forms are tinctures, soft gels, balms, beverages, lotions, gummies, and pet treats.
What CBD product is best for me?
We recommend trying several to see what works best for you. Athletes with joint pain, for example, may experience greater relief with a topical balm. People who have trouble sleeping might like a tincture or soft gel. Find out what works best for you.
Does CBD have side effects?
Most people experience no side effects. Rare side effects include lowered blood pressure, sleepiness, dry mouth, and lightheadedness. There can be potential drug interactions, however, when taken with prescription medications. If you take any medications, we recommend consulting your primary care provider before using it.
We hope our Beginners Guide has helped you. If you have more questions, check out our InFocus Journal, which has great content (if we do say so ourselves) that will further educate you about CBD and its benefits. You can always contact us, too—we’re here to help.
