The idea of using CBD as a regular dietary supplement is still a relatively new concept, but one that is quickly becoming the norm for many people. An increasing number of people are looking to try CBD supplements, thanks to the long list of potential health benefits that are thought to be found within CBD.
There has been a great deal of interest in researching the health benefits of CBD, which has, in turn, helped to deplete much of the stigma that once surrounded the natural health supplement.
So, what is CBD, and what are the best ways to use it?
What Exactly Is CBD, and Where on Earth Does It Come From?
CBD is a cannabinoid that can be found in both hemp and cannabis plants. CBD is not the only cannabinoid found within these plants; there are actually hundreds of different cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, and CBDA. These compounds appear in varying levels depending on the exact hemp strain. However, the majority of the hemp market sources from plants that contain a high CBD to THC ratio, this is largely due to legal regulation.
Part of the stigma that once surrounded CBD supplements came from the confusion between healthy cannabinoids and psychoactive cannabinoids. THC is mainly associated with its intoxicating effects and recreational cannabis use. Most CBD products do not contain THC, and when they do, it is such a small amount that it doesn’t create any noticeable effects.
CBD is very different from THC and does not cause any psychoactive effects; instead, it helps support the body’s cannabinoid system and can provide many health benefits. CBD can be extracted and then used to make products such as the best CBD gel caps and CBD oil tinctures. There are three different terms used to describe the type of CBD found within a product and the range of cannabinoids it contains, we’ll explain these below.
Understanding the Different Types of CBD
CBD falls within one of three categories: isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum. These terms help clarify the range of cannabinoids that each product contains and how they have been extracted and processed.
CBD isolate products contain pure CBD, meaning all of the other cannabinoids within the plant having been removed. Intensive filtration methods are used to ensure that products are 100% free from THC and other cannabinoids such as CBN and CBDA.
Full-spectrum products are different in that they retain all of the cannabinoids within the plant. There are limits as to how much THC these products can contain, so some filtration is still required. The legal limit, for example, in the USA is 0.3% and is thought to be a safe amount causing no obvious effects.
Broad-spectrum CBD offers a middle ground between isolate and full-spectrum products. While THC is removed from broad-spectrum CBD products, they still contain a range of hemp’s natural phytonutrients.
There is an ongoing debate among those who use CBD as to which option is better. Some people prefer to use much purer CBD isolate. However, others like to take full advantage of the enhanced effects which can occur from the combination of cannabinoids found within full-spectrum CBD.
What Are the Best Ways to Use CBD?
The CBD industry has changed and evolved a great deal over the last few years, and there are now more options than ever before. This makes it incredibly easy to work CBD into almost any daily routine.
Popular ways to use CBD include CBD oil drops, CBD capsules, CBD edibles, and CBD topicals. Oil drops offer a simple way to use CBD and benefit from being made from very few ingredients.
CBD topicals can be useful when looking to treat muscle and joint pain, as well as minor skin blemishes and irritations. Topicals can be applied directly to any problematic or troubled areas of the body for more precise treatment.
CBD edibles are a tasty alternative that makes consuming CBD enjoyable. Common edibles include infused gummies and cookies. There are also slightly newer products, such as CBD water and CBD infused coffee beans which offer exciting new ways to work CBD into each day.
One of the great things about CBD supplements is that they can be used in many different ways, making them much more accessible than other natural supplements. CBD allows the consumer to really tailor how they use a product to suit their lifestyle and the health benefits they desire.
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