Starting off CBD—A Detailed Guide

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    Today, finding CBD products is easier because they are everywhere. You can find them in grocery stores, malls, natural food stores, vitamin sellers, and pharmacies, among other places. And if you’ve heard of the potential benefits of CBD, you might want to try it out.

    But now, how do you start? Sometimes, being a cannabis newbie can be challenging. You don’t know the right products, the correct form and dosage, and other aspects. However, this shouldn’t stop you from exploring the full benefits of cannabinoids.

    So, if you’re thinking of using CBD for the first time, here’s a guide for you. Click here to explore our products.

    Understanding CBD

    Before taking or using any CBD product, you must understand CBD. You want to ensure you know exactly what you’re about to sign up for. This includes the forms, dosing, potential benefits, and side effects. So, here’s all you need to know about CBD.

    CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is the second most abundant cannabinoid after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD lacks psychotropic properties. This means you won’t get high from taking or using CBD or related products.

    What Are You Looking to Achieve?

    When it comes to using CBD products, every user has unique end goals. Your reason for using CBD will significantly impact your choice of CBD product.

    Here are some reasons and benefits of CBD;

    • Offsetting depression and anxiety
    • Pain relief
    • Treating certain addictions
    • Treating Insomnia
    • Improving skin health

    Once you understand why you need to use CBD, you can go ahead and choose the right product to suit your needs.

    Getting Started With CBD Products

    Understanding CBD is only the first step. You still have a long way to go. But not so long.

    So, the next step is to decide how you’re going to use CBD. One thing is for sure: the options are endless. What’s more, each day brings new cannabis products to the market. Here are common ways to add CBD to your lifestyle;

    Taking CBD Orally

    This is one of the most common and effective ways to take CBD. So, if you’re looking to ingest CBD through your mouth, just as you take food, consider the oral forms such as edibles. It is a straightforward and convenient way to enjoy the full benefits of CBD.

    Oral options for CBD include:

    • Capsules
    • Oils
    • Gummies

    It’s worth noting that taking CBD orally may delay the effects. Also, you must take precautions not to ingest too much CBD due to the delayed effects.

    Taking CBD Sublingually

    If you’re looking to experience the effects of CBD rapidly, consider the sublingual method. The method involves placing a CBD product beneath the tongue.

    Many CBD users agree that taking CBD sublingually often produces superior bioavailability than other forms. Some CBD forms you can take sublingually include;

    • Tinctures
    • Oils
    • Lozenges
    • Sprays

    Inhaling CBD

    If you smoke, then this will be your preferred way to take CBD as it involves inhaling CBD through the mucous membranes. You may choose to vaporize CBD oil, use a vape pen to inhale CBD concentrates, or smoke dried hemp.

    Some CBD forms you can inhale include;

    • CBD vape pens
    • CBD cigarettes
    • Vaporizing CBD oil

    However, inhaling CBD exposes you to carcinogens and other harmful chemicals that may damage or irritate your lungs.

    CBD Topicals

    The topical option is for those who want to apply CBD to their skin. CBD topicals are ideal for those looking to relieve muscle pain or simply enjoy a soothing relief. CBD topical forms include:

    • Oils
    • Ointments
    • Creams

    It’s worth noting that some CBD topicals may irritate your skin.

    Determine the Correct Dosage

    Knowing how much CBD to take at your first time can be daunting. Currently, there are no evidence-based guidelines for CBD dosing. This is due to the influx of CBD products with varying CBD contents. Therefore, dosage for individuals varies based on many factors.

    If it’s your first time, you want to start with the lowest dose and gradually work your way up as you try to find your ideal dosage. You also want to watch how your body responds to and tolerates the CBD product.

    However, the right CBD dosage depends on factors like;

    • CBD form: How you take CBD can dictate the dosage you need to experience the effects. For instance, CBD oils and tinctures contain approximately 1 mg per drop, while the standard dose in gummies is about 5 milligrams per gummy. Also, edibles and capsules take longer to kick in than tinctures and sprays.
    • What you’re using CBD for: Deciding how much CBD to take also depends on what you wish to achieve from it. For instance, you only need a few milligrams of sublingual CBD form twice daily when using it for arthritis and pain relief.
    • Your body weight: People who weigh less should take lower doses than those who weigh more.
    • The CBD concentration: CBD products have different concentrations depending on the use and the manufacturer. Therefore, when determining your ideal dose, consider the product’s concentration. Ideally, you’ll need a lower dose for a product with a higher CBD concentration and vice versa.

    Some Tips for You

    Now, you’re ready to start your CBD journey. We want to ensure the journey is smooth. Here are a few tips to help you along the way;

    Have Realistic Expectations

    CBD is not a miracle cure. So don’t expect pain relief (or any other effect) immediately after taking a CBD product. This is because you may either feel discouraged if it doesn’t work or end up taking too much CBD.

    Therefore, set realistic expectations and be patient if you’re just starting off.

    Shop carefully

    CBD products are largely unregulated in the U.S. and some other countries. This means manufacturers have complete control over labeling, quality, and concentrations. So, to ensure your CBD products don’t cause issues, only shop from trusted and licensed dispensaries.

    Talk to your healthcare provider

    Your doctor needs to know you’re starting to use CBD. They’ll offer advice on whether or not to use CBD products based on your medical history, among other factors.

    Final Thoughts

    Ready to hop into the world of CBD? We believe you now understand everything about CBD and will make a wise decision. Remember, CBD is not a one-size-fits-all. Therefore, you must find what works for you and embrace it.

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