The Ultimate Guide to CBD: What is it, Who Uses It & Why

CBD: A Natural Supplement for Wellness

Understanding CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, CBD is non-intoxicating (Iffland & Grotenhermen, 2017). This makes it an appealing option for individuals seeking potential health benefits without experiencing a "high."

Key Benefits of CBD

CBD has been widely studied for its therapeutic potential. Research suggests it may provide numerous health benefits:

• Supports Relaxation: Many users report reduced anxiety and an overall sense of calm (Blessing et al., 2015).
• Pain Relief: Studies indicate CBD may help alleviate chronic pain and inflammation (Xu et al., 2020).
• Improves Sleep: Research supports its role in promoting restful sleep by addressing stress-related insomnia (Shannon et al., 2019).

CBD continues to be the subject of extensive studies, with growing evidence pointing to its potential wellness applications.

Who Uses CBD?

CBD products are used by a diverse range of individuals looking to enhance their quality of life:

• Athletes: CBD may aid in muscle recovery and pain management (McCartney et al., 2020).
• Seniors: Often used for chronic pain, arthritis, and joint discomfort (Philpott et al., 2017).
• Professionals: Many report reduced stress and improved focus when incorporating CBD into their routine.
• Health-Conscious Individuals: CBD is gaining popularity among those seeking natural alternatives to traditional medications.

The versatility of CBD products makes them suitable for various needs and preferences.

Why Do People Use CBD?

CBD’s increasing popularity is largely due to its potential therapeutic benefits. Research suggests it may be beneficial for:

• Pain Management: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to modulate pain perception (Vuckovic et al., 2018).
• Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Some studies indicate that CBD may help alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety (Blessing et al., 2015).
• Better Sleep Quality: CBD may address common sleep issues, including insomnia (Babson et al., 2017).
• General Wellness: With its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, CBD is a holistic addition to a wellness regimen (Maroon & Bost, 2018).

While more clinical trials are needed to substantiate all claims, existing studies and anecdotal evidence highlight CBD’s potential as a wellness enhancer.

How to Take CBD

CBD is available in various forms, allowing users to choose the method that best suits their needs:

• CBD Oils & Tinctures: Place under the tongue for rapid absorption (Huestis, 2007).
• Capsules & Edibles: Pre-dosed and easy to consume.
• Topicals: Creams and balms applied directly to the skin to target localized discomfort (Palmieri et al., 2019).
• Vape Products: Inhalation provides the fastest onset of effects, but its safety profile remains under study (Spindle et al., 2019).

Finding the Right CBD Product

Before starting a CBD regimen, consider your goals and consult a healthcare provider. Dosage and product type vary depending on individual needs.

Pro Tip: Start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the amount that works best for you.

Quality and Safety Considerations

CBD is widely available, but not all products are created equal. When selecting CBD, look for:

• Third-Party Lab Reports: Ensure products have undergone independent testing for purity and potency (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2021).
• Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Full-spectrum CBD contains various cannabinoids, whereas CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol.
• Brand Reputation: Opt for reputable companies that adhere to high safety standards (e.g., Colorado Botanicals, Lazarus Naturals, and Canna River).
• Legal Compliance: CBD derived from hemp is federally legal if it contains less than 0.3% THC, according to the 2018 Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act, 2018).

Explore CBD Products for Wellness

With the growing popularity of CBD, numerous high-quality products are available, including:

• CBD Gummies: A tasty and convenient way to experience CBD’s benefits.
• CBD Oils: One of the most versatile and effective delivery methods.
• CBD Capsules: Pre-measured doses for easy incorporation into daily routines.
• CBD Topicals: Targeted relief for muscle and joint pain.

Each product is designed to enhance wellness and cater to individual needs.

Final Thoughts

CBD is a natural supplement with a wide range of potential benefits. Whether you’re looking for pain relief, stress reduction, or overall well-being, CBD could be an excellent addition to your wellness routine. With so many CBD products available, there is an option for every lifestyle.

Discover how CBD can enhance your life—naturally.

References

Agriculture Improvement Act. (2018). U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.usda.gov/farmbill

Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23.

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770-1804.

Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139-154.

Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical Neurology International, 9.

McCartney, D., Benson, M. J., Desbrow, B., Irwin, C., & Spriet, L. L. (2020). Cannabidiol and sports performance: a narrative review. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 30(6), 409-419.

Palmieri, B., Laurino, C., & Vadalà, M. (2019). A therapeutic effect of CBD-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. Clinical Therapeutics, 41(7), 1276-1283.

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041.

Spindle, T. R., Cone, E. J., Kuntz, D., Mitchell, J. M., Bigelow, G. E., Flegel, R., & Vandrey, R. (2019). Urinary pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in cannabis users. Clinical Chemistry, 65(8), 1171-1179.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). FDA and cannabis: Research and drug approval process. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov

Vuckovic, S., Srebro, D., Vujovic, K. S., Vuckovic, N., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids and pain: New insights from old molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1259.