Generally, there is a standard elevator pitch to assure cannabis’s benefits for those still apprehensive but curious about it. A core component of cannabis is commonly cited during said pitches – and that would be CBD. Why is that? Well, for those on the fence about cannabis, their main concerns stem from the psychoactive effects of cannabis. They want to understand how cannabis can help them without feeling high as a kite -which is where CBD is brought into the picture.
CBD is a component of cannabis that doesn’t have that ‘high’ effect but still offers certain benefits that people seek. However, the average person or casual toker might not know what CBD is and what it entails. Calgary dispensaries such as BudBar can give you the rundown about CBD. If you can’t make it into your local shop, you read on to understand CBD’s relationship as a component of cannabis!
What is CBD?
The best way to understand CBD is by learning about its molecular structure and how it interacts with your body. The scientific term for CBD is known as cannabidiol, which is one of the natural components found in a cannabis plant alongside THC. CBD has the same chemical formula as THC, where they interact with cannabinoid receptors in your endocannabinoids system. What does this mean? When they interact with these receptors, it can affect the release of neurotransmitters in your brain, resulting in certain physiological processes.
Yet, CBD and THC have vastly different effects on your body based on how their atoms are arranged and their different chemical properties.
With CBD, it either binds weakly or not at all with CB1 receptors that are expressed in the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system. As a result, CBD needs THC to bind to the CB1 receptor so it can help reduce any psychoactive effects. In turn, CBD doesn’t create that ‘high’ feeling and instead works with other elements in the body to give a better sense of wellbeing.
Benefits of CBD
You can get CBD in a variety of forms. Beyond smoking, you can get cannabis that exclusively extracts CBD into oils, beverages, edibles, topical treatments, and more! Along with numerous ways to get CBD, it also has multiple benefits.
The hallmark benefits of CBD lie in its medical benefits.
Pain Management
CBD is the number one component in cannabis you want when it comes to pain. The range of pain management it provides is vast. Known for its anti-inflammatory perks, CBD has been instrumental in relieving migraines to even post-workout soreness for athletes. Yet, more impressively is how it can treat conditions like seizures and more serious diseases. Studies have found that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties helped treat Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Inflammatory bowel diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. If pain is your problem, CBD is a good solution for managing it.
Promote Wellbeing
Even though CBD is non-psychoactive, it has been known to help with various mental health conditions. Studies have indicated CBD’s capacity to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, it has even helped individuals with PTSD through its calming effect on the body. Instead of using other medications, CBD can be a good alternative to alleviate symptoms. However, if your issues are a bit more minimal, CBD can help improve your sleep quality.
Effects of CBD
The beauty behind CBD is how well tolerated it is in large doses, and you don’t have to worry about getting unnecessarily high from it. However, like anything, anyone can get side effects from trying CBD.
Some people can experience the following side effects from CBD:
- Appetite changes – this is a two-way alley. You can either lose your appetite or you can start eating uncontrollably. It all depends on the person consuming it. Either way, your appetite might get seriously affected.
- Fatigue – once you start using this product regularly, you could also start feeling some fatigue. This is not uncommon, it is just how some people react to CBD. This doesn’t mean its presence is a downside to your quality of life, but for a while, you might be feeling fatigued which is not something you should concern yourself with as it will not be permanent.
- Weight loss – go back to our first point. This is it, the continuation. People who consume this product will have their appetite affected. What this means is that if they lose their appetite they’ll also lose weight as a consequence. Some people even consume CBD oils for this sole purpose as a means of losing weight and getting healthier in the process.
- Dizziness – we’re not sure that we even need to tell you this. This is a common side effect of many products of this kind and it is not unusual if you experience it. In most cases, it only happens in the early stages of consummation. If you start feeling dizzy when consuming CBD you should lower your dosage, until you develop resistance and then slowly back it up.
- Diarrhea – no one wants to go down this street but it is a reality for some people. As you can conclude on your own by now, our stomachs could have an adverse reaction to CBD. One of the unpleasant reactions is diarrhea among others, which we’re going to mention below.
- Nausea – a little less uncomfortable compared to diarrhea but still if you feel nauseating whenever you touch this product it’s not good. Luckily nausea never lasts for too long, but it’s still not a pleasant feeling.
- Upset stomach – while we’re talking about all the effects CBD can have on our organism it is evident that the stomach is the first part of it that reacts. If you only pass the whole ordeal with only an upset stomach you can consider yourself lucky.
- Tiredness – same as fatigue and dizziness, tiredness is one of the side effects of consuming this product that can leave you feeling not too well. But, also like the same two from the above it doesn’t leave long-lasting effects. You’ll be over tired in no time.
- Lightheadedness – is another side effect that affects our head and brain. For a while, in the early stages of consumption, you’ll be feeling blue and not yourself from CBD. But this sensation will disappear as soon as you start getting used to the positive sides of the product.
- Crankiness – this differs from individual to individual. Most of you won’t feel cranky. But, some people do. But due to the rareness of this condition, it’s not often mentioned.
- Low blood pressure – this one ties well to most of what we wrote above. The fatigue, tiredness, and dizziness are often caused by low blood pressure.
If your cannabis is mainly CBD and you’re dealing with side effects like these, it’s recommended to review other medications you’re taking currently. Despite originating from a plant, cannabis is still a drug at the end of the day and combining other drugs like medication can provoke those side effects. In addition, it’s important to be mindful of how CBD could interact with medication since it can make changes to how some of your usual medicine works.
It’s no surprise that CBD is usually the best avenue for easing newbies into cannabis. You can still reap the benefits of cannabis in various ways without the worry of being constantly high. Hopefully, this has shed some light on what CBD does and can do for you, and you’re able to make a more informed decision when you decide to visit a dispensary.
