A Beginner’s Guide to Usage of CBD – How to Choose the Best?

Updated on June 16, 2020

If you are on this page now, then you may have probably heard a lot of CBD by now, especially if you are looking for potential solutions for conditions like chronic pain or anxiety. Many US states have legalized the medicinal use of cannabis and the market lately has an influx of many CBD products as creams, oils, and more. Despite the publicity it got over recently, many out there are still doubtful about the legality of CBD, its usage and dosage, as well as its effectiveness.

If you are looking forward to using CBD for the treatment of any given diseases conditions, where we are trying to put together some essential points, which will help answer your queries satisfactorily and help you take a clear decision about its usage.

What is CBD?

CBD is the abbreviation sued for Cannabidiol, which is one among many of the active compounds extracted from the plant of cannabis sativa. Another popular compound extracted from the same plant is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) which is known for its psychoactive properties. THC can offer you the “high,” but CBD doesn’t have that effect.

CBD is primarily non-psychoactive; however, offers many of the same medicinal benefits as of THC. However, all these therapeutic benefits of CBD come without the users being fallen into the stony state as with THC.

Provided this, the CBD products which are marijuana-derived and the CBD products containing THC could be more effective compared to the fiber hemp. However, there are many states in the United States itself where the usage of medical marijuana is illegal. So, such strains as discussed above are unavailable in such states, but the usage of hemp CBD is legal in all states of the USA, so you get such products in plenty for medicinal use.

However, there is a bit of haziness still remains about the legality of CBD. Even though it is said that it is legal to use in all 50 states if the product is hemp derived. This further implies the products extracted from the cannabis plants and having the THC consistency of less than 0.3 percentage. So, while ordering the CBD oil, it is essential to check local state’s law to see if it can be shipped to your place or not.

What is CBD used for?

There are tons of articles online about the medicinal use of CBD in treating a handful of diseases, both physical and psychological. There are many case studies and research reports also out there as the best guide to CBD for your reference, and most of these seem to be promising and reassuring. Some of these studies have found that CBD is highly effective in offering relief from pain and mental health conditions also including:

  • Anxiety related to the disorder. If you are using CBD in anxiety management, then for quick relief, you can try vaping. Other forms of CBD may take an hour or two to show the effect.
  • PTSD
  • Addiction
  • Schizophrenia etc.

Along with mental health conditions, CBD is found largely effective in physical ailments as well. One study had shown that the CBD oil would treat pain related issues in case of chronic arthritis and another study revealed that CBD is largely effective as an anti-inflammatory. Similarly, CBD is effective in treating the conditions related to childhood epilepsy as well as seizure disorders. Some evidence, even though not clinically proven, also point out the anticancer properties of CBD and its benefits in alleviating the side effects of various cancer treatments.

CBD is also very effective in treating digestive problems, for which you can consume its oral forms like capsules or gummies. As seen above, for headaches, back pain, and arthritis, it is ideal to consider the topical application of CBD as cream or oil. Those who suffer from chronic pain can consider the use of sublingual oils. 

How to take CBD?

CBD is now available in various consistencies and many forms. There are a lot of online shops and offline pharmacies selling CBD products. The users can choose tailor-made CBD solutions for their specific needs. Here are the most common applications of CBD.

Oil and tincture

In liquid consistency, CBD is infused using a dropper and placed under the tongue. Our oral mucosa consists of many small capillaries which can absorb the CBD compound instantly and offer rapid relief. This format is ideal for someone who is not willing to swallow capsules and pills.

Lotion and cream

The topical products or CBD are ideal for treating joint and muscle pains. Lotion and cream consistency are also used to treat skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema etc.

Pill and capsule

Usually, CBD pills and capsules are used in systemic treatment of digestive issues and seizure disorder, etc. FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the United States) approved the high-potency CBD drugs recently for treatment of a seizure. The major drawback of capsule and pill form is that it will take some to experience the effect of it.

Edibles

Toffees and gummies are also popular forms of consuming CBDs. They are much more affordable and portable. They are also made very tasty and discrete for even those who hate pills. You also know what dose you are exactly taking in edible format CBD.

Vaping

Vaping of CBD is a very common practice. There is oil CBD and e-cig CBD available which can vape in. Vaping is considered to be one of the quickest modes of getting relief. CBD compounds are absorbed directly through inhalation from the lungs to the bloodstream. However, you need to practice care and caution while choosing to vape CBD.

According to the certified medical professionals, it is ideal to start low on CBD and then slowly increase your dose as tolerate and as effective. The researches have shown the ideal dosage as 40 mg a daily to 1500 mg based on the condition. Some suggest starting as low as 20 mg to 40 milligrams and then increasing slowly to the desired effect. In any case, it is important to talk to your physician first before you purchase CBD and start using it.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.