CBD for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

We’re sure you’ve heard a thing or two about CBD and hemp-related products. As more and more people are becoming aware of the potential benefits CBD can bring to overall wellness, have you been wondering what sets it apart from other similar products on the market? Well, don’t worry! Our CBD for beginner’s guide will give you a comprehensive overview of the world of CBD and all its products.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the 150 cannabinoids that make up the cannabis plant. It accounts for nearly 40% of the plant’s extract. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce any “high.” It is still believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain and inflammation levels, moods, sleep, and appetite. CBD works to maintain a natural balance in the body without altering or affecting cognitive abilities.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help maintain balance in the body. The ECS regulates cannabinoids that are naturally produced, like anandamide and 2-AG.

When you consume CBD, it binds to various cannabinoid receptors throughout your body, including CB1 and CB2. Different organ systems have different cannabinoid receptors, which are activated or inhibited when interacting with CBD. CB1 receptors take care of several bodily functions like appetite, sleeping, pain regulation, digestion, mood, nausea, and memory. CB2 primarily controls inflammation since these receptors are mainly found in the immune system. So, the effects of CBD depend on how it interacts with these receptors.

For example, CBD works to inhibit the CB1 receptor. This receptor is found mainly in the brain and the nervous system. This CB1 inhibition is why CBD does not produce any mind-altering effects. On the other hand, THC has a strong affinity for CB1 receptors, binding and activating them. This process leads to the user feeling a sense of euphoria, increased appetite, and increased dopamine levels.

CBD Vs THC

Like CBD, THC is also one of the many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. However, while their chemical structures are similar, THC’s effects are vastly different from those produced by CBD.

CBD won’t get you high, but THC will. Feelings of euphoria and increased appetite are common effects of consuming THC. However, as many stoners know, smoking weed can often cause the user to experience insatiable hunger. Meanwhile, CBD can trigger hunger, but its effects on appetite are less potent than THC.

The Various Uses of CBD

Because CBD does not get you high, its uses are more medicinal and therapeutic than recreational. It is primarily used to manage pain or to take the edge off stress at the end of the day.

Overall, CBD has a wide range of health benefits. It is used to help with conditions including:

Chronic pain: CBD is very helpful in managing pain, especially for people who suffer from chronic pain. CBD inhibits pain receptors and helps overcome discomfort and unnecessary suffering.
Insomnia: Consuming CBD right before bed has been known to help people fall asleep. So if you’re struggling with insomnia, experimenting with CBD products may help you find restful sleep again.
Inflammation: CBD may help reduce inflammation and other neuropathic pains. Many people who suffer from joint pains use CBD to alleviate their aches.
Depression and anxiety: One of the most essential benefits of CBD is its ability to uplift moods. Anxiety and depression can be hard to treat, and many patients are wary of medication for psychological disorders. CBD helps reduce feelings of panic, fear, and dread by activating the release of serotonin. With increased serotonin in the system, you start feeling calm, happy, and safe.

CBD Effects

While you won’t feel the mind-altering sense of high associated with cannabis when you ingest CBD, there is still a wide range of effects it has on the mind and body.

Let’s look at the positive effects first:

Relaxation
Anxiety relief
Pain relief
Drowsiness in case of higher doses
Stress relief
Mood elevation

CBD can, however, also produce side effects that you should be aware of. Whether or not you experience these side effects depends on your general health and age. Some of the side effects are:

Nausea
Fatigue
Irritability
Dizziness
Diarrhea

Everyone has a different endocannabinoid system, so what works for one person may not work as well for someone else.

Forms of CBD

While looking at CBD products online or in dispensaries, you must have noticed them labeled “full-spectrum” or “CBD isolate,” among others. This essentially refers to the form of CBD used in the product.

To be able to pick the right product for yourself, you should have some knowledge of the different forms of CBD out there. These include:

Full-Spectrum

This kind of CBD includes all the naturally produced chemicals in hemp plants. So, in addition to CBD, you will also have other cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, CBN, and not more than 0.3% THC. You’ll also get various terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, and trace minerals.

The idea with full-spectrum CBD is to produce an “entourage effect” where different elements of the hemp plant play off each other and enhance the overall effect.

Broad-Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD contains various compounds in the hemp plant, like cannabichromene, cannabinol, and terpenes, but typically does not contain any THC.

CBD Isolate

As the name suggests, CBD Isolate is pure CBD from which other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and minerals have been isolated. These are usually preferred by those who do not want any THC in their CBD product. However, it is generally considered weaker in terms of effectiveness than broad and full-spectrum CBD.

CBD vs Hemp Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil

When it comes to CBD, there are a handful of products available in the market. To name a few: CBD oils, full-spectrum CBD oil, hemp-derived CBD products, and more. It’s important to note that not all these products contain the same type of cannabinoid compound.

Hemp oil, on the other hand, is extracted from hemp seed and contains fatty acids, minerals, nutrients, and vitamins. Hemp oil can be consumed in its raw form but is generally found in skincare products like lotions and soaps.

Hemp seed oil is made by pressing the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It does not contain any CBD or other cannabinoids. It is, however, rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.

When it comes to picking the right CBD product for yourself, it’s important to be mindful of your needs and health goals so that you can choose the form of CBD that will most likely give you the desired results.

CBD Products for Beginners

For a beginner, exploring the world of CBD products can be daunting. After all, there is so much to choose from! There is an endless list of ways to use CBD, from oils, vapes, and edibles to tinctures and drinks.

Here are some of the most popular products to try that will leave you utterly relaxed and carefree:

Tinctures

CBD tincture or CBD oil is taken orally with a dropper. A few drops on your tongue, and you’re good to go. One of our favorites is Mary’s Medicinals’ CBD Oil which promises to deliver a calm, relaxed, happy, and clear mind.

Topicals

CBD balms and lotions can be excellent for joint and muscle pain relief. Papa & Barkley’s CBD Rich Balm is perfect for easing aches and pains. The balm needs to be applied topically and absorbed into the skin.

Edibles

You can choose from a huge variety of gummies, cookies, candies, and chocolates to get your CBD fix. We recommend you try Relief Pomegranate Gummies by Plus. With a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC, they are the perfect vehicle to deliver the entourage effect.

Drinks

We’ve got an exciting range of CBD drinks, juices, tonics, seltzers, and teas that you can sip on even when you’re on the go! For example, CANN’s Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic is perfect for a chill social scene where you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy pleasant conversations.

Bath Bombs

A great way to relax after a long and hard day is to enjoy a hot water bath using CBD-infused bath bombs. Cannabis is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin and relieves body pains and headaches. Try the Lavender Sweet Dreams Rosin Infused Bath Bomb the next time you need to wind down.

Vapes

Vapes are now the most popular tool to inhale CBD oil. A vape is like a pen or an e-cigarette heated by a battery on each inhale. The effects are immediate, and the vape itself is easy to carry. Care By Design’s 1:1 ratio CBD-rich oil is a great option.

Tips for Taking CBD

CBD is a natural remedy that can help you maintain an active lifestyle and overall wellness. Here are some tips to consider when taking CBD:

Start with a low dose at first and increase it gradually.
Keep track of how much you’re consuming and any side effects.
Talk to your doctor before taking CBD if you’re on any prescribed medications.
Take CBD consistently and at the same time of day — this will help you track its effects better.
Choose products that are organic, non-GMO, vegan, and free from artificial ingredients.

No matter what your end goal is — whether it’s reducing muscle aches or improving overall well-being — choosing the right CBD product is essential to get desired results.

FAQ

Is CBD Legal?

Even though CBD has become pretty mainstream, there is still a lot of confusion about whether it’s legal or not. So let’s clear things up a bit. Essentially, the legality of CBD depends on which state you are in.

At the federal level, CBD derived from hemp, which contains less than .3% THC, is considered legal. At the state level, however, rules regarding the possession and consumption of CBD change pretty wildly. Some states outlaw cannabis use altogether, while others allow the medical use of CBD. You can check what laws apply to the consumption of cannabis in your state here.

Will I Fail A Drug Test If I Take CBD?

No, CBD does not show up on a drug test. This is because drug tests don’t check for CBD. They test you for THC instead, as the high experienced while consuming cannabis is a result of THC.

However, many CBD products also contain .3% THC, and, in some cases, this can show up on drug tests. For example, this can happen if the product you consumed contains more THC than the label suggests.

How Do I Choose Between Full-Spectrum CBD Oil And Hemp-Derived Products?

Full-spectrum CBD oil is derived from the entire cannabis plant, including the flowers, stalks, and leaves. This means it contains all of the beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids present in cannabis plants — including trace amounts of THC.

Hemp-derived products are extracted from hemp plants, containing only trace amounts of THC. Therefore, hemp-derived products are the way to go if you’re looking for a CBD product that won’t cause any psychoactive effects.

CBD Yourself into Bliss

Congratulations on making it through this guide to CBD for beginners! We hope it has answered all your questions and helped you understand why CBD is so popular. With the proper knowledge, you can now choose the best CBD products for yourself and make conscious decisions about what wellness products are good for you.

So go ahead, take a leap of faith and try out some of our amazing CBD products — we’re sure you’ll find something that works for you. All the best, and happy CBD-ing!

CBD for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide