Rules to Follow When Using CBD
One of the many things that we enjoy about CBD is how forgiving it is. We can experiment with all kinds of CBD products/delivery methods, milligram strengths, and terpene profiles to our heart’s content, without worrying about toxicity, dependency or anything else of that nature. But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some rules that one must follow when building a hemp regimen.
What to Quickly Know About CBD
For anyone new to the world of CBD, knowing what it is will help you better understand the rules to follow about it. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is primarily derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940, and it’s one of over 100 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound found in cannabis, CBD isn’t psychoactive. This means it does not cause the 'high' associated with cannabis use.
Cannabidiol is still being studied for various potential benefits. Research suggests it may help with anxiety, chronic pain, epilepsy, and other conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential uses. While generally considered safe, CBD can cause minor side effects in some people, such as dry mouth, dizziness, or changes in appetite. It could also interact with certain medications.
The extraction process of cannabidiol typically involves the use of solvents like CO2 for example. This allow CBD to be available in various forms, including tinctures/oils, capsules, edibles, topicals, and more. The choice of form depends on the intended use and personal preference. Keep in mind, you can find products containing just CBD, and products containing this cannabinoid along with other cannabinoids (psychoactive and non-psychoactive).
What Rules Should Be Followed When Using CBD?
Now, we will be covering some of the most important rules so that you can have the most effective and safest experience possible using cannabidiol, while also being able to possibly reach your goals with this amazing cannabinoid.
Rule #1: Talk to Your Doctor Before Taking CBD
First and foremost, it’s always imperative to speak with your doctor before taking cannabidiol, or any other hemp-based products. Because CBD is legal without a prescription, a lot of people assume that they can sidestep this chief rule. But, ultimately, only your doctor can give you medical advice, and can tell you whether or not it’s safe for you to take.
Your medical history and your current medications can impact how you should take CBD. Make sure that you have a thorough conversation with them prior to beginning a routine.
Rule #2: Only Buy from a Company That Provides Lab Reports
One of the most key rules when it comes to using CBD is making sure that it’s legitimate and high in quality. Sadly, there are lots of companies that don’t produce high-quality products, largely because the industry is too new to be thoroughly regulated by external bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Low-quality CBD will have reduced effectiveness at best, and it can even be downright dangerous at worst.
So, how can you know that you’re getting a legit, high-quality product? Well, the best thing to do is seek out lab reports. Any reputable hemp brand will provide customers with third-party lab reports on their website. This means that they send off each batch of hemp extract to an unbiased laboratory which analyzes the product carefully. These lab reports supply vital information that indicates the overall quality of the product.
Rule #3: Take CBD Daily if Possible to Do So
Since CBD is a cannabinoid, it supports the endocannabinoid system’s (ECS) role in helping the body achieve homeostasis. But, in order to support this system as much as possible, daily use is recommended. That’s because the ECS needs a consistent and relatively high amount of cannabinoids to use them as efficiently as possible. Sure, you can just take your CBD as needed, but it likely won’t be as effective this way.
Rule #4: Avoid Going for Cheap
In today’s times, most of us are very budget-conscious, and because CBD can be a bit pricey, it sure is tempting to opt for the cheapest hemp products that we can find. But, resist the urge to opt for the cannabidiol with the lowest price tag. We said that the hemp industry is largely unregulated. So, CBD products that are especially cheap may be that way for a reason. They may contain low potency levels, tons of filler ingredients or hemp extract that was produced using inappropriate methods that reduce the bioavailability of the overall product.
Rule #5: Start Slow
Even though CBD is nontoxic to the body, and can be taken in large doses, it’s still best to start slow, for a few reasons. One is that it gives you a chance to observe the way in which cannabinoids interact with your particular body. Another reason is that it helps you determine how much CBD you might actually need each day in order to reach the desired results. So, it’s ideal to start with one dose a day, and go with the suggested dosage level on the product’s label, before increasing how much you take and the frequency at which you take it.
Rule #6: Wait Two Weeks Before Changing Your Routine
One thing that a lot of people don’t know about CBD is that it can take up to a couple of weeks to really kick in, if you’re taking it daily. This is because of the nature of the endocannabinoid system. When you first start feeding it cannabinoids, it’s more inclined to store away most of them to make sure that it has a supply ready in case of an emergency. But, by maintaining a daily routine for a while, it begins to adjust to the idea that it will always be getting more.
Therefore, if you’ve been only taking your CBD for a few days and feel like it’s not working, give it some time before deciding that you need to change your daily regimen.
Rule #7: Do Your Homework
If you’re going to be taking CBD regularly, it’s crucial that you do some research on it beforehand. There is a lot to learn when it comes to CBD, and it’s in your best interest to know what it’s capable of, how it should be taken and the various forms it comes in ahead of time, so that you can better craft a routine that’s customized to your particular needs and body.
Rule #8: Know the Limitations of Your Product in Terms of Its Usage
Understand what your product can and cannot be used for is highly important. An example is buying a CBD oil meant to be used as a tincture, and simply thinking that you can pour it into a vape tank even though its formula is not conducive to that delivery method. Read what the manufacturer has to say about the product and its usage instead of attempting to use your product in a way that can ultimately be detrimental.
Rule #9: Monitor the Effects
When you start taking CBD, it’s imperative hat you pay close attention to how you feel. Overall, anyone can take CBD, but at the end of the day, our bodies are all unique, and some people may be more sensitive to the compounds in hemp than others. It’s extremely rare to have negative effects from taking it, but if you do, it’s crucial that you seek medical attention immediately.