Did you know that 26% of Americans currently use CBD? However, not all CBD products are alike and dosages can also range in intensity.
While you probably have a good idea of its popularity in recent years, you still aren’t quite sure if it’s right for you.
Get started with this guide to CBD for beginners to find everything you need to know about taking CBD for the first time.
What is CBD?
You should first understand what CBD products are and what they do once inside your body.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a legal cannabinoid found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, so it can be sold throughout the U.S. To be classified as CBD, products must contain less than .3% of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the cannabinoid that produces a high effect.
This qualification is why most CBD is extracted from hemp rather than marijuana plants. Hemp plants have little to no THC and are used for therapeutic purposes.
What is CBD Used For?
CBD oil and other forms interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system that naturally creates its own cannabinoids. When CBD is introduced, it tells the body to release more chemical hormones such as serotonin.
This process has several uses and benefits such as:
- Pain reduction
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Sleep induction
- Inflammation removal
- Seizure treatment
- Neurological disease protection
- Appetite suppression
When taken regularly, CBD also is useful as a homeostasis supplement for a holistic health approach.
Types of CBD Products
Before you start taking CBD, you should know what products are available and which ones will most benefit your health goals.
For example, CBD edibles come in many varieties and are great for prolonged effects. Trying CBD gummies for beginners allows you to take small doses, but beware that edibles take longer to absorb and take effect.
You may also want to try full spectrum CBD distillate, which contains all the components of the plant. This includes beneficial terpenes and flavonoids that have medicinal value. It will also contain small traces of THC within legal limits.
Other types of CBD include flower buds, tropicals, lotions, tinctures, concentrates, and gel capsules.
Keep in mind that each product will affect you differently depending on its cannabinoid profile (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate), the extraction process, and ingestion method.
Dosage Amounts
As a general rule, your CBD dose should start with a minimal amount. Try 5mg 2-3 times a day for up to a week while recording your reaction.
Increase your amount if you feel like the effects aren’t strong enough.
Remember that you can’t overdose on CBD, however, taking too much can interrupt your tolerance and lead to limited effects.
Finding CBD for Beginners
Just about everyone sells CBD for beginners now, from your grocery store to your local smoke shop. And, they cater to newcomers with clear labeling to indicate dosage recommendations.
You may also ask budtenders or distributors about the products to know which one is right for you.
Be sure to check our Health section for more articles about CBD.
