This article was originally published on I Heart CBD Oil. To view the original article, click here. 

You may have heard the phrase ‘CBD’ spreading like wildfire today. Indeed, CBD-infused projects are all the craze, and the market for CBD is ever-expanding. But what exactly is CBD, and what does it do? This article gives a surface-level overview of the fundamentals of CBD. Without further ado:

What is CBD?

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a chemical component found in the Cannabis plant. It is a naturally-occurring substance.

Will I get high from CBD?

No. CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical found in cannabis plants. For the most part, CBD will not leave you euphoric or sedated. In rare cases, however, some people react differently to CBD. Additionally, improperly extracted CBD may have enough THC to get a person high, which is why we recommend checking the labels on CBD that you purchase.

Is it legal?

In short, mostly. CBD, by itself, is a legal substance to consume. In 2018, President Trump signed the Farm Bill, legalizing the production of hemp (and, therefore, CBD) on a federal level. This bill effectively removed hemp from the oversight of the Drug Enforcement Administration. However, state governments have their own rules and regulations for marijuana and CBD. As of January 2020, CBD remains illegal in Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Be aware that impure CBD may have federally illegal amounts of THC. To qualify as “pure,” CBD must have less than 0.3% THC content (the federally legal limit). If you are located in a state that has not yet fully legalized marijuana, be sure to check the label of any CBD products that you purchase to ensure that you can legally consume them in your state.

What are the benefits of CBD?

It is worth noting that CBD is by no means a cure-all for anything. Clinical studies have tested that CBD can treat certain illnesses and symptoms, but human trials have been limited. The only FDA-approved drug that is CBD-based is Epidiolex, which is used to treat epilepsy. However, CBD is commonly promoted as an over-the-counter treatment for several maladies.

While not medically proven, many people attest that CBD has helped to alleviate joint and muscle pain and some even report as helping with cancer. CBD binds to endocannabinoid receptors and reduces activity, curbing inflammation. Again, all of these uses are anecdotal. Scientific evidence to support such claims does not yet exist.

Both musculoskeletal and nerve pain can be treated with CBD, which binds to pain receptors as a reuptake inhibitor. Essentially, this has a numbing effect: CBD prevents the breakdown of chemicals in the brain that transmit the signal of ‘pain,’ causing your brain to tell your body that you are in less pain than you actually are.

CBD is also known to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression, as its effects are generally calming. By binding to serotonin receptors and activating them, CBD can reduce the effects of anxiety and promote overall wellness. CBD also enables you to think more clearly when stress hormones are released, allowing you to make more rational decisions in otherwise fight-or-flight situations.

Remember: CBD is not a cure-all, nor is it sufficient. It is recommended that CBD be used as a supplement to proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise. If your symptoms are severe, we recommend that you contact a medical professional.

Is it the same as marijuana? What about hemp?

The Cannabis sativa plant is divided into two main species: hemp and marijuana. Hemp has high CBD content and very low THC content, where marijuana has a much higher THC to CBD ratio. Hemp oil is drawn from hemp plant seeds and contains no cannabinoids (CBD or THC).

How do I take CBD?

There are four primary varieties of CBD: edibles, vapes, oil tinctures, and topical creams.

Edibles are any food or drink that is infused with CBD. Products range from baked goods to candies to teas and sports drinks. Because edibles are processed through the digestive system, their effects take up to an hour to kick-in. Once they do, they remain in effect for up to six hours, depending on your metabolic rate.

Vapes, short for vaporizers, on the other hand, take only ten minutes to reach peak saturation in your bloodstream. CBD vape liquid is inhaled via a vaporizer into the lungs and absorbed through capillaries into the bloodstream. This inhalation bypasses the digestive tract, but the effects generally wear off in approximately two hours. Few studies have been conducted to study the long-term effects of inhaling CBD.

The final ingestible method of consuming CBD is via oil tinctures. These are vials of CBD oil that typically have a dropper, which enables you to drop the oil under your tongue. This method is called ‘sublingual administration,’ in which the CBD oil absorbs through a mucus membrane under your tongue into your sublingual gland and the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. After holding the CBD oil under your tongue for about a minute, the remaining CBD oil can be swished around in your mouth, where it absorbs into capillaries in the gums and cheeks. This method is called ‘Buccal administration.’ After swishing, the remaining oil is swallowed. The effects of sublingual administration activate faster but last shorter than the effects of edibles.

If you prefer not to ingest anything, a topical CBD cream, lotion, or ointment may fir your needs. Where the effects of ingested or inhaled CBD are dispersed throughout the entire body via the bloodstream, topical CBD is effective at treating localized pain or stiffness. It can be rubbed on joints, ligaments, and muscles.

Shopping for CBD

CBD is now available in many brick-and-mortar retail locations, as well as online. Look for specialty grocery stores, wellness and vitamin shops, convenience stores, and dispensaries for your CBD products.

When shopping for CBD, be sure to check the product label. Legitimate CBD products will have labels, as any food would have a nutrition label. CBD labels typically have a batch number that you can use to look up specific manufacturing information about your product, as well as any third-party laboratory testing information about that batch and brand. Labels will also show you whether the CBD is full-spectrum or isolate, as well as what other ingredients are in the product.

If this information is not available on the CBD products you are investigating, we recommend that you not purchase those products; instead, purchase products whose manufacturing and ingredient information is readily available. Typically, products found in brick-and-mortar locations have already gone through a screening process.

Dosage

Because CBD is processed in the body, its effect depends on a person’s individual biological, metabolic, and digestive health. Dosage also depends on the method in which you consume CBD—through ingestion, inhalation, sublingually, or topically. The term ‘bioavailability’ refers to the percentage of the whole ingredient that is available to your body once it enters the bloodstream. For example, when you eat 10 mg of CBD in a cookie, some of the CBD content is broken down by gastric acids, and the liver neutralizes another portion of the CBD. Once the CBD finally enters your bloodstream, only 13-19% of the original CBD can take its effect on your body. Thus, edible CBD has a bioavailability of 13-19%. By comparison, inhaling CBD yields 10-60% bioavailability, while taking CBD sublingually yields 20-30% bioavailability. Applying CBD topically yields about 5% bioavailability.

However, there are ways to increase these numbers. For example, CBD is fat-soluble; thus, combining it with a high-fat snack, such as peanut butter, avocado, or hemp-seed oil, can help distribute more CBD to your body.

If you are unsure what dosage to take, start with a lower dose, and increase as needed to attain the desired effect. Studies have shown that even at extremely high doses, up to 1600 mg per day over a sustained period, CBD is safe. However, high doses may yield to unpleasantness such as diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, sleepiness, and a reduced appetite. CBD may also interfere with blood thinners and other medications. If you are new to CBD, you may want to consult a medical professional to see what dosage may be right for you.

Traveling with CBD

As of 2018, when the Farm Bill was passed, it is legal to travel state-to-state with CBD. Just be cautious about TSA-approved quantities of liquid if you are flying with CBD oil tinctures or vape liquid.

Drug Testing

If you have done your due diligence with shopping, your CBD will be pure (0.3% THC or less). In this instance, you are unlikely to test positive for THC on a drug test. However, if you undergo more sensitive testing — for example, as professional athletes do — then trace amounts of THC may appear on your lab results.

CBD for Pets

Although there are several CBD products marketed for cats and dogs, limited research exists to rank products in terms of efficacy in curbing pet pain and anxiety. The FDA has cleared all CBD-infused pet products available in stores as safe for animal consumption, but results vary.

This article was originally published on CBD Topicals. To view the original article, click here.

CBD has been considered a messiah for many of those all over the globe. The organic alternative has been picked over prescription drugs, all because of the side-effects that over-the-counter prescriptions come bundled with. Long-term side-effects include increasing the risk of heart ailments and strokes. All medicines have come a long way; but there are still a few tears in its fabric that stop it from being the perfect source of medication. CBD can be the source of help we were all looking for.

The type of CBD and the method of intake play importance in deciding the effectiveness of the organic medicine. If you had walked down the aisles of the local CBD retailer and checked the labelling, you would have been greeted with the unfamiliar terms like “full-spectrum” or “isolate”. What do these mean? Well, you’ll learn just that in a minute. And not just that, but also what sort of CBD best supplements your health! Keep reading…

Before we begin, let us look into what CBD is, and what makes it tick…

What Is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is an active ingredient that you find on extracting marijuana or cannabis plant. Matter of fact CBD is only one of many hundreds of such active ingredients you find, that are classified as “Cannabinoids”. These include other compounds like THC and terpenes among others.

Apart from marijuana, CBD can be obtained from hemp seed plant, although its quality and efficacy is slightly lower in comparison.

Can I Safely Take In CBD Without Being Intoxicated?

Absolutely! CBD has a wrongfully attached stigma to it which is pushing away a lot of people that would otherwise gain from its line-up of benefits! The feeling of intoxication and giddiness you feel when you smoke or ingest marijuana is because of a compound called THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol. The THC is a psychoactive substance, whereas CBD is non-psychoactive. So, Marijuana contains THC and CBD among other cannabinoids, and it is only CBD that you are consuming to help you.

There are traces of THC in CBD products as well depending on what form of extract you choose. But as a thumb rule, the THC present is less than 0.3%! You cannot possibly get intoxicated with this amount!

How Does CBD Work?

CBD does it magic by means of interacting with the ECS system. The ECS or Endocannabinoid system is one that is present in all mammals, and is responsible for a range of functions. These functions are paramount to an organism’s survival and well-being such as sleep and appetite among others. The body creates cannabinoids that interact with various neuron receptors in the ECS. The CBD works in a similar fashion, and interacts with two main receptors, namely CB1 and CB2. The interaction causes a several positive effects, which we’ll be looking at next.

What Benefits Does CBD Offer?

The interaction of the CBD with the ECS causes effects including controlling of pain, reduction of inflammation at joint or otherwise, help in reducing anxiety and stress, allows for better and deeper sleep, helps with more severe psychological ailments like PTSD, OCD, ADHD etc. The plethora of benefits knows no bounds.

CBD-Full Spectrum

When extraction from cannabis or hemp seed plant occurs, the extract contains all sorts of cannabinoids and compounds in it. Full-spectrum CBD contains all these cannabinoids and undergoes considerably no further processing for the removal of these elements. So cannabinoids like THC, Flavonoids etc. are all present. The plus point of which is the “Entourage effect”!

The entourage effect is the amplified effect produced, when each cannabinoid uplifts and enhances the properties of others. The result is a better-rounded CBD extract that has a wide range of benefits attached to it! This sort of extract however tastes bitter due to the presence of other cannabinoids, and can’t be incorporated well if you’re into infusing CBD in your cooking. Further, due to the presence of THC, it could flag a false positive in drug tests at work and you may have issues if your local government hasn’t declared THC legal.

CBD Isolate

This is the separated or isolated form of CBD. This extract requires much more processing to remove the other cannabinoids that are present with it, owning to its higher pricing. Since other cannabinoids are not present, there is an absence of the Entourage effect. However, the CBD extract is very potent!

The CBD isolate is odorless and tasteless, hence is perfect for infusion into your cooking. Since THC is absent, there is no chance for a false positive showing up in your drug test either. If your local government has given the thumbs up for CBD use, then you’re in the clear!

This article was originally published on iHeart CBD Oil. To view the original article, click here. 

CBD is a natural element that can be derived from the hemp plant and also from the cannabis plant. Since the cannabis derived CBD is known to have a high concentration of THC, it is illegal in many parts of the world. Even in places where such products are legal, many people are hesitant to use the same due to various reasons. THC can be found in some hemp derived CBD products also. Many consumers are confused if such products are bad for health and whether such products have the same properties like that of non THC / CBD products. This article will give you an idea about the effectiveness of CBD products with THC.

What Is CBD And THC?

Even though CBD products are very popular in the market, many people still don’t know much about this product. CBD and THC are two major active cannabinoids present in the plants of the cannabis family. Yet, there are so many differences between these two.

THC is an element that has so many psychoactive and intoxicating properties. The presence of THC is what makes the people psychoactive when they use cannabis or marijuana. It can also alter the minds of the people and can make them experience euphoric feelings. If someone is having this element in high quantity, it can trigger anxiety and sometimes make the users feel hungry.

The biggest difference between CBD and THC is that CBD cannot make the users high like THC. It is non intoxicating and many people are using it in their daily life for the improvement of their mental and physical health.

What Are The Effects Of CBD With THC?

CBD products with the traces of THC are common in the market. Most of the hemp derived CBD products are having a small proportion of THC because it is not easy to separate full THC from the compound. Some manufacturers will label the proportion of THC in a product, while some will not because it will be present only in a negligible proportion. However, you can also buy CBD isolate products if you need CBD with zero THC. If you are buying any product labeled as full spectrum or broad spectrum, it is certain that it contains a small quantity of THC. Actually, any product having not more than 0.30 percent THC is legal in most of the countries. The effect of CBD with and without THC will be slightly different due to a phenomenon known as entourage effect.

What Are The Benefits Of CBD With THC?

Many experts are suggesting people to use full spectrum CBD products or those products with THC because it can cause an entourage effect. It is the process by which different cannabinoids work together to provide better effectiveness. In short, the effect of having CBD products with and without THC is different. The CBD functions to encourage different systems or to produce more endocannabinoids within the system while THC will bind with the receptors to promote the functioning of CBD. It is well known that THC can make the user high, but if consumed along with CBD in a very mild dosage, it will not trigger any euphoric feelings but will enhance the effectiveness of CBD and other cannabinoids.

What Are The Advantages Of Using CBD Without THC?

The main advantage of using CBD without THC is that the user will not have to worry about the high effects caused by cannabis products. This is because none of the cannabinoids except THC is capable of creating such effects on the user. If a person is using CBD isolate products, it will never show up during drug tests because most of these tests are concentrated on finding THC. It will also give the user more relaxation than using the products containing THC. Since the process of separating THC from the hemp extract is a time consuming one, CBD isolates are more expensive than the rest. Most of the CBD isolates come in powder or crystal form, making it easy for the user to consume them in different methods.

Both CBD products with and without THC have so many uses and advantages. The Endocannabinoid systems of the people are different; therefore, we cannot rank these products precisely because they function differently in people. So, if you are planning to use CBD, it is better to use these products separately and choose the one that is more suitable for you. However, if you are looking for a product with lower price, it would be ideal to use full spectrum CBD or those with the presence of THC.

This article was originally published on CBD Topicals. To view the original article, click here.

Do you have coffee? If you have coffee on a daily basis or once in a while, you will know how delicious and addictive it is. You will keep wanting more of it every day and science has reasons for it. Over 50% of Americans are regular coffee drinkers and the number is still increasing with the variety of coffee products- cappuccino, latte, mocha, espresso, etc.

Since coffee is a beverage many love, improvising it has become fun that sells; because of which you will find CBD infused coffee in trend now.  Moreover, there are many CBD coffee recipes! The list of coffee products is increasing and CBD coffee is something you should really try.

How Do CBD And Coffee React In Our Bodies?

Even though CBD and coffee are from different sources, they share a few properties. And they also react in the body differently.

CBD is a cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant. Being similar in structure to the cannabinoids secreted in our body, CBD can trigger reactions in the brain enabling us to reach homeostasis. Using its properties, it can regulate sleep, anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, and many other conditions.

Being a coffee lover, you must know about what happens when you drink coffee. Coffee has the power to sharpen our brain making it easier for us to concentrate. It also acts as a power booster. But, it has been observed that coffee worsens anxiety and sometimes, when consumed in high concentrations, cause panic attacks.

When these two are put together, the resultant beverage is not only mouth-watering but also super-healthy.

Why Mix CBD To Your Coffee?

CBD infused coffee is new in the industry and more research has yet to be done on how useful the drink is. However, those who have had the drink continuously have attested its claimed effects.

Related: Are you a senior citizen curious about CBD and how it could benefit you? Click here to learn more.

Energy Booster

Coffee is known for its energy-boosting properties which is the main reason why people have it in the morning. CBD has shown making its recipient relax. The combination of these two will give you a drink which on consumption will help you stay calm and give you the enthusiasm to start the day.

Antioxidant

CBD and coffee are strong antioxidants, which on mixing becomes stronger.

Brain Functioning

CBD is known to increase the functioning of the brain. And coffee has created a name by preventing the neurons from degenerating.

Mood Enhancer

Since both of them have positive effects on the brain, it does a good job of acting as a mood enhancer. Sometimes, all you might need is a few CBD coffee pods, sweetener, and milk.

Anxiety

Coffee is not good for anxiety. On the other hand, CBD is largely used to treat anxiety. When CBD is mixed with coffee, the former eradicate this property of coffee- making it good for people with anxiety.

This article was originally published on CBD Balm Salves. To view the original article, click here.

CBD has become so much popular among people in recent years. It is a herbal supplement that is used for the treatment of many conditions like epilepsy, seizure, inflammation, etc. It is available in different compositions like isolate, full spectrum, etc. It is also available in different forms like pills, oils, vape juices, etc. Among those, CBD salves are one of the most preferred products by the people. Since CBD is new in the market, there are a lot of questions among the people regarding its effectiveness and also its benefits. Some of the frequently asked questions about CBD salves are as follows.

What Are CBD Salves?

Salves are ointments used for the protection of skin or to promote healing of a skin condition. CBD salves are products that are infused with CBD. Salves, balms, and ointments are similar products but there is a lot of difference between them and creams or lotions. Even though both of them are used for topical application, the mixture and functioning are entirely different. One of the main differences between salve and lotion is in the water content, that is, salves are made with minimum water to make it consistent and highly concentrated.

How Is It Made?

The basic ingredients of all the salves are beeswax and carrier oils like coconut oil and olive oil. The first step of making CBD salves is mixing the CBD extract with the carrier oil. While making CBD salves, coconut oil is the most commonly used oil because it has fatty acid which will help in the better carriage of CBD. This mixture will be then combined with melted beeswax to make the salves. Some of the CBD salves will be having many other ingredients to serve more needs or to make it more effective. Some of the products will be also having elements like lavender oil to make better fragrance.

How Does It Work?

The functioning of CBD salves is very much different than infusing CBD orally or through vaping. Skin is the largest organ in our body and it has so many pores for sweat release. When CBD salves are applied to a particular area, it will get into the blood vessels through those pores in the skin. Since there are Endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, it will help the CBD to surpass the protective layer and reach the blood vessels more easily. The interaction of CBD with the ECS will also help in repairing the skin problems in the applied area.

Related: Are you interested in learning more about CBD and its benefits for senior citizens? Click here.

How CBD Salves Are To Be Used?

CBD salves can be used just like using a normal ointment or balm. Before applying CBD salves, the person must make sure that their hands and the targeted area are clean because an unclean surface may reduce its absorption capacity and also its effectiveness. While applying CBD salves it is better to take a small quantity and increasing it until the required effect is obtained because using more than the optimum quantity will not give any extra benefit or faster relief to the user. It is also better to rub the applied area with hands to generate heat because it will improve the blood flow and result in a faster effect.

What Are Its Uses?

The main benefit of using CBD salves is that it will give immediate relief to pain and faster recovery from skin diseases compared to other CBD products like oils and pills. This is because the CBD present in the salves can skip all the processes of digestion and reach the blood vessels directly. Since CBD is effective in removing inflammation, it will help in faster recovery from pain. It is also better at making the skin moist and hydrated.

What Are The Side Effects Of CBD Salves?

There are not many side effects associated with the usage of CBD salves. Since it is not consumed orally, it will not exhibit the common side effects of CBD like dryness of mouth, dizziness, etc. However, there are some problems reported about CBD salves. The first and the main problem faced by users of CBD salves is that it is not equally effective in all people, that is it may be helpful in healing all the skin problems in some but it may not give the same result on some other people. Another problem of CBD salves is that it can make the skin of the users oily.

If you are suffering from any skin ailments and if you are looking for a CBD product that can give you an immediate effect, CBD salves are the best choice. If you are in no position to orally consume CBD for pain relief as you are on some existing medications, you can use CBD salves safely as it will not have any counter effects on the user.

This article was originally published on Best CBD Planet. To view the original article, click here.

The compounds made of cannabis is gaining a lot of popularity over the past years as it is used in most products from makeup essentials and bath bombs to pharmaceuticals and dog treats. Choosing products made of cannabidiols from many varieties of products that are available in the market can be quite difficult, especially for selecting the most common form of it – CBD oil.

However, it is essential to choose good-quality cannabidiol oil since it could mostly be devoid of toxins and can offer high health benefits than low-quality cannabidiol products. In order to ensure that you are taking good-quality cannabidiol oil, here are a few things to consider about the descriptions, labeling as well as standards of production of the products.

Cannabidiol Labels

It can be found that some of the descriptions are quite common among the CBD products that are of good quality, and this is the reason why the words are of importance while checking the labels of the products. CBD products that are deemed as “full-spectrum” or “whole-plant” are often different from the isolated CBD.

Though the percentage of CBD isolates is ninety-nine percent or above, it is usually refined in order to exclude the other molecules like terpenes and flavonoids found from the cannabis plant. These are believed to work well when mixed with cannabidiol thereby making the uses more effective than when CBD is used alone.

One of the other important factors that need to be considered is whether the product label reads “hemp seed oil” or “hemp oil”. Hemp seeds are widely used in the making of hemp oil and it would not have any content of cannabidiol in it. Unlike hemp oil, cannabidiol oil is made using the leaves, stalks and flowers of the hemp plant, which is where CBD is present in the plant.

Production

The quality of cannabidiol oil can be analyzed by finding out how it is manufactured. Some companies which sell products at low price might incorporate questionable methods of extracting cannabidiol oil by using harmful solvents such as butane, propane, pentane, and hexane.

Safe methods of CBD extraction include the use of pharmaceutical-grade ethanol and the extraction of supercritical extraction of carbon dioxide.

One of the other factors that should be considered is the origin of the product. Plants grown in rich soil from which cannabidiol get extracted would have absorbed a greater amount of nutrients from the soil, whereas plants that grow in soil having metal would have higher amounts of toxins in it.

This article was originally published on iHeart CBD Oil. To view the original article, click here.

CBD has been regarded as one of the exciting medications that you can buy in most countries. It was only a few decades back when this picture was indeed painted very grim. CBD had terrible cases of being stigmatized due to its somewhat weak association with marijuana. It took a while for the people to start seeing what they were missing out on, by choosing to look the other way. The streets started to be lined by supporters of CBD and finally, the wall was broken through when the Farm Bill was passed 2018.

CBD is a lot of things – a potent anti-inflammatory agent, a credible pain reliever, a sleep inducer, a holistic medication that helps soothe anxiety and stress, and a healing cream etc … so many titles and so many CBD health benefits. Nevertheless, one thing that CBD isn’t is tasty.

Taste: The Chink In Its Armor

People who have tried pure CBD would pin the taste of this lifesaving extract much like that of the earth, although nourishing it tasted like dirt. The earthy flavor can be compared to the strong smell of the soil that you may get of the whiff of when it rains heavy. For some, this is simply unbearable. They are long past the age of grimacing while drinking bitter cough syrups and they do not want a trip through memory lane.

This becomes a problem especially for kids, who find it even harder to ingest it. If you are someone who doesn’t want to let CBD go to waste and still want to be able to reap its rich benefits, we are willing to tell you some ways in which you can consume it…minus the after taste.

CBD Pills

This has to be undoubtedly one of the easiest ways of taking CBD in. It ranks as the second most popular way to consume CBD after CBD oil. The combination is simply perfect; we have the gel coating that encapsulates the contents of the CBD oil and it saves your taste buds from chancing the earthy flavor of CBD. This is ideal especially for those who find the dreaded idea of tasting the strong flavor too sensitive.

Another reason that makes CBD capsules a winner is that you are spared from accidental spillage. Carrying a bottle of tincture or CBD oil can cause the cap to loosen and the contents to spill into your carrying bag. Plus CBD capsules are one the best inconspicuous ways of getting CBD into your system. You can be sitting amid a bustling office or a public bus and you can simply reach for a CBD capsule and enjoy it.

Related: Curious about the differences between THC and CBD? Click here to learn more.

CBD Vapes/ CBD E-Oil 

If you are someone who fancies a smoke or are accepting the idea of inhaling fumes, then CBD vapes are the perfect additions to your CBD entourage of products. The best thing about having a CBD vape pen is that the effects of the CBD are much faster acting. If you are in excruciating pain and want a fast, safe, and natural relief, then CBD vape is your go-to. The dense network of alveoli in the lungs acts as an interface that takes in all of the CBD from the fumes and directly passes it into the bloodstream. Not only will, taking CBD in this method throw out the possibility of you catching its taste; but also to make matters easier, the fumes are generally added with different flavors of menthol, sweet berries, and even chocolate or vanilla. It is a sweet indulgence that you can look forward to. However, this is not a method that would go well with those of younger ages, for reasons you already know.

CBD Gummies

These are going to be a star among the younger ones among us. You are indulging in a sweet treat that just happens to be CBD. The taste of CBD is completely masked with sweetness. Because of this, the dosage of CBD is also not very high. For kids, however, this is perfect. They only require doses in accordance with their low body weight. Many other CBD products mask the feeling of it being a medication like CBD chocolates, CBD gum, and many more. The sheer versatility of CBD allows it to be fused into most food stuff, so the choices are endless if you are ready to search for it.

The Final Note

The sheer list of CBD products that are available on the market is far too many to list out. If you don’t like one form of CBD, we can assure you that you will be able to find other attractive options. As they say, “there is always something for everyone,” and in the case of CBD, this couldn’t be any more truer! Take the plunge with any of the numerous CBD products and find yourself to be in for a pleasant surprise.

This article was originally published on CBD Topicals. To view the original article, click here.

Different types of CBD products are now available in the market. We all might have wondered how these products are manufactured. There are several procedures involved in making CBD products. It starts from the cultivation of the hemp plant to bottling the final products. CBD extraction is one of the major steps involved in the manufacturing process of this substance.

Today’s world is curious about knowing the manufacturing procedures of all the things that are available for consumption. If you have ever searched for the steps involved in making CBD products, you would have come across the word CO2 extraction. This is one of the commonly used techniques of extracting CBD. A few things to know about this method of extracting CBD are as follows.

What Is CO2 Extraction?

Extraction is the process of removing or separating beneficial elements from the plants or any other substance. CBD extraction is the process of deriving the element and other essential cannabinoids from the flower, leaf, and stem of the dried hemp plant. CO2 extraction works using an intensely pressurized carbon dioxide. For this procedure, CO2 will be frozen under -69 degree F and compressed into a state in which it can behave as both a gas and also as a liquid. This CO2 will be later passed into a chamber containing a dried hemp plant. At this stage, the compressed CO2 will act as a solvent and helps in deriving all the necessary elements from the plant material.

Why Is It Not Used By All The Producers?

The process of converting a gas like carbon dioxide into supercritical form is an expensive one. It not only takes much time but also requires so much expensive machinery. The cost of building the extraction chamber and storage units for the compressed solvent is also very high. In addition, it requires frequent supervision of experts during the making and also during the usage of such substances. Therefore, only the manufacturers who can invest a lot of money in the extraction process can only use this technique. This unique extraction process makes for the purest of CBD products, meaning the highest effectiveness on pain and other ailments. 

What Are The Other Methods Of CBD extraction?

There are many methods used for extracting CBD from the hemp plant other than the CO2 extraction method. The solvent method is one such commonly used method for extracting CBD. This method uses chemicals like ethanol and butane to extract CBD from the plants. Even though it is an effective method, it has many drawbacks. Firstly, the chemicals used in this procedure are highly inflammable, therefore, there is a high risk of fire during the extraction phase. Another risk involved in this procedure is that if these chemicals are not properly separated from the CBD after the extraction process, its traces will be carried to the final product.

Why CBD Extraction Is Considered Better Than Other Methods?

There are many reasons to consider CO2 extraction as the best method for deriving CBD from the hemp plant. Firstly, CO2 is a natural element. It can be found in the air we breathe and also in many foods that we eat. It is also an approved element that is used in many beverages. The human body is also capable of producing CO2 during the respiration process. Therefore, if there are any traces of CO2 after extracting CBD, it will not lead to any adverse effects. Secondly, it will not stay in the extract for a long time, when the compressed carbon dioxide makes contact with the air, it will suddenly get dissolved in the atmosphere. Hence it is the safest solvent that can be used for CBD extraction.

Related: Curious about CBD Topicals and how they work in the human body? Click here to learn more. 

What Are The Other Benefits of This Method?

There are many advantages associated with the CO2 extraction method. Firstly, it is easier for producers to undertake the process involved in this method. Since it is a non-compostable element, it is easier to handle compared to other solvents like butane. Secondly, it is an environmentally friendly technique. This method will not emit huge loads of harmful gases to the atmosphere. In addition to that, CO2, which is used in the absorption of CBD can be reused by reversing its form back to that of a solvent.

There are many methods available for the extraction of CBD from the hemp plant. Among these methods, the CO2 extraction method is considered the best technique. This is because it is equally safe for the producer, consumer and also the environment. This method also allows the producer to reuse the solvent which was once used for the same. This method plays a major role in manufacturing high-quality CBD products. However, due to the requirement of a huge cost for setting up the facility for this method, only those producers who have abundant capital are practicing this technique.

This article was originally published on iHeart CBD Oil. To view the original article, click here. 

You may have heard the phrase “CBD” spreading like wildfire today. Indeed, CBD-infused projects are all the craze, and the market for CBD is ever-expanding. But what exactly is CBD, and what does it do? This article gives a surface-level overview of the fundamentals of CBD. Without further ado:

What is CBD?

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a chemical component found in the Cannabis plant. It is a naturally-occurring substance.

Will I get high from CBD?

No. CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical found in cannabis plants. For the most part, CBD will not leave you euphoric or sedated. In rare cases, however, some people react differently to CBD. Additionally, improperly extracted CBD may have enough THC to get a person high, which is why we recommend checking the labels on CBD that you purchase.

Is it legal?

In short, mostly. CBD, by itself, is a legal substance to consume. In 2018, President Trump signed the Farm Bill, legalizing the production of hemp (and, therefore, CBD) on a federal level. This bill effectively removed hemp from the oversight of the Drug Enforcement Administration. However, state governments have their own rules and regulations for marijuana and CBD. As of January 2020, CBD remains illegal in Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Be aware that impure CBD may have federally illegal amounts of THC. To qualify as “pure,” CBD must have less than 0.3% THC content (the federally legal limit). If you are located in a state that has not yet fully legalized marijuana, be sure to check the label of any CBD products that you purchase to ensure that you can legally consume them in your state.

What are the benefits of CBD?

It is worth noting that CBD is by no means a cure-all for anything. Clinical studies have tested that CBD can treat certain illnesses and symptoms, but human trials have been limited. The only FDA-approved drug that is CBD-based is Epidiolex, which is used to treat epilepsy. However, CBD is commonly promoted as an over-the-counter treatment for several maladies.

While not medically proven, many people attest that CBD has helped to alleviate joint and muscle pain and some even report as helping with cancer. CBD binds to endocannabinoid receptors and reduces activity, curbing inflammation. Again, all of these uses are anecdotal. Scientific evidence to support such claims does not yet exist.

Both musculoskeletal and nerve pain can be treated with CBD, which binds to pain receptors as a reuptake inhibitor. Essentially, this has a numbing effect: CBD prevents the breakdown of chemicals in the brain that transmit the signal of ‘pain,’ causing your brain to tell your body that you are in less pain than you actually are.

CBD is also known to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression, as its effects are generally calming. By binding to serotonin receptors and activating them, CBD can reduce the effects of anxiety and promote overall wellness. CBD also enables you to think more clearly when stress hormones are released, allowing you to make more rational decisions in otherwise fight-or-flight situations.

Remember: CBD is not a cure-all, nor is it sufficient. It is recommended that CBD be used as a supplement to proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise. If your symptoms are severe, we recommend that you contact a medical professional.

Is it the same as marijuana? What about hemp?

The Cannabis sativa plant is divided into two main species: hemp and marijuana. Hemp has high CBD content and very low THC content, where marijuana has a much higher THC to CBD ratio. Hemp oil is drawn from hemp plant seeds and contains no cannabinoids (CBD or THC).

How do I take CBD?

There are four primary varieties of CBD: edibles, vapes, oil tinctures, and topical creams.

Edibles are any food or drink that is infused with CBD. Products range from baked goods to candies to teas and sports drinks. Because edibles are processed through the digestive system, their effects take up to an hour to kick-in. Once they do, they remain in effect for up to six hours, depending on your metabolic rate.

Vapes, short for vaporizers, on the other hand, take only ten minutes to reach peak saturation in your bloodstream. CBD vape liquid is inhaled via a vaporizer into the lungs and absorbed through capillaries into the bloodstream. This inhalation bypasses the digestive tract, but the effects generally wear off in approximately two hours. Few studies have been conducted to study the long-term effects of inhaling CBD.

The final ingestible method of consuming CBD is via oil tinctures. These are vials of CBD oil that typically have a dropper, which enables you to drop the oil under your tongue. This method is called ‘sublingual administration,’ in which the CBD oil absorbs through a mucus membrane under your tongue into your sublingual gland and the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. After holding the CBD oil under your tongue for about a minute, the remaining CBD oil can be swished around in your mouth, where it absorbs into capillaries in the gums and cheeks. This method is called ‘Buccal administration.’ After swishing, the remaining oil is swallowed. The effects of sublingual administration activate faster but last shorter than the effects of edibles.

If you prefer not to ingest anything, a topical CBD cream, lotion, or ointment may fir your needs. Where the effects of ingested or inhaled CBD are dispersed throughout the entire body via the bloodstream, topical CBD is effective at treating localized pain or stiffness. It can be rubbed on joints, ligaments, and muscles.

Shopping for CBD

CBD is now available in many brick-and-mortar retail locations, as well as online. Look for specialty grocery stores, wellness and vitamin shops, convenience stores, and dispensaries for your CBD products.

When shopping for CBD, be sure to check the product label. Legitimate CBD products will have labels, as any food would have a nutrition label. CBD labels typically have a batch number that you can use to look up specific manufacturing information about your product, as well as any third-party laboratory testing information about that batch and brand. Labels will also show you whether the CBD is full-spectrum or isolate, as well as what other ingredients are in the product.

If this information is not available on the CBD products you are investigating, we recommend that you not purchase those products; instead, purchase products whose manufacturing and ingredient information is readily available. Typically, products found in brick-and-mortar locations have already gone through a screening process.

Dosage

Because CBD is processed in the body, its effect depends on a person’s individual biological, metabolic, and digestive health. Dosage also depends on the method in which you consume CBD — through ingestion, inhalation, sublingually, or topically. The term ‘bioavailability’ refers to the percentage of the whole ingredient that is available to your body once it enters the bloodstream. For example, when you eat 10 mg of CBD in a cookie, some of the CBD content is broken down by gastric acids, and the liver neutralizes another portion of the CBD. Once the CBD finally enters your bloodstream, only 13-19% of the original CBD can take its effect on your body. Thus, edible CBD has a bioavailability of 13-19%. By comparison, inhaling CBD yields 10-60% bioavailability, while taking CBD sublingually yields 20-30% bioavailability. Applying CBD topically yields about 5% bioavailability.

However, there are ways to increase these numbers. For example, CBD is fat-soluble; thus, combining it with a high-fat snack, such as peanut butter, avocado, or hemp-seed oil, can help distribute more CBD to your body.

If you are unsure what dosage to take, start with a lower dose, and increase as needed to attain the desired effect. Studies have shown that even at extremely high doses, up to 1600 mg per day over a sustained period, CBD is safe. However, high doses may yield to unpleasantness such as diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, sleepiness, and a reduced appetite. CBD may also interfere with blood thinners and other medications. If you are new to CBD, you may want to consult a medical professional to see what dosage may be right for you.

Traveling with CBD

As of 2018, when the Farm Bill was passed, it is legal to travel state-to-state with CBD. Just be cautious about TSA-approved quantities of liquid if you are flying with CBD oil tinctures or vape liquid.

Drug Testing

If you have done your due diligence with shopping, your CBD will be pure (0.3% THC or less). In this instance, you are unlikely to test positive for THC on a drug test. However, if you undergo more sensitive testing—for example, as professional athletes do—then trace amounts of THC may appear on your lab results.

CBD for Pets

Although there are several CBD products marketed for cats and dogs, limited research exists to rank products in terms of efficacy in curbing pet pain and anxiety. The FDA has cleared all CBD-infused pet products available in stores as safe for animal consumption, but results vary.

This article was originally published on CBD Topicals. To view the original article, click here. 

If you are looking for an effective relief of pain, then a CBD topical might be the best option for you. CBD and various CBD products are very popular all around the world for the health benefits they offer. Apart from pain relief they are really beneficial in the treatment of health problems like stress, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, insomnia, etc.

CBD topicals are more effective in the treatment of chronic pain. It can be directly applied to the skin and is available in various forms like cream, lotion or a salve. There are so many CBD topical products available in the market that claim to have better pain relieving effects. Here we will introduce you some of the best CBD topical products for pain relief.

1937 Wellness CBD Comfort Cream

The cream contains 1000 mg of CBD in just 8 oz. 1937 Wellness CBD Comfort Cream highly concentrated and very effective in relieving all kinds of pain. CBD isolate is used in the making of the cream instead of full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD. This makes the CBD comfort cream a better choice for those who want to avoid consuming THC. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Peppermint Oil, Menthol Crystals and Hypoallergenic CBD isolate are some of the important ingredients in the 1937 Wellness CBD Comfort Cream.

Blue Ribbon Hemp Lotion 

The product contains 250 mg of broad spectrum hemp extract per ounce. The use of broad spectrum hemp extract in the Blue Ribbon Hemp Lotion ensures a THC free product. Blue Ribbon Hemp lotion consists of Hemp extract, Aloe Vera, and Coconut oil. In addition to these ingredients the product also contains MSM, a naturally occurring chemical present in both animals and plants. The MSM will help to pull the phyto-cannabinoid compounds into the skin. It is really important to know that the product is not intended for applying on the face.

Peal Extracts Rescue Rub

The product is made by mixing antioxidant-rich, hypoallergenic coconut, shea butter, and jojoba oils with cannabis and a secret blend of Chinese herbs. The product does not contain any artificial scents or any kind of preservatives. Currently, two varieties of Rescue Rub are available in the market. One is a THC only version and the other is a high CBD variety. The amount of THC in the high CBD rescue rub is more than 0.3 %. Therefore, the product is only available in the dispensaries on the West Coast.

White Fox Repair Remedy Salve

The most important feature of the White Fox Repair Remedy Salve is that it is antimicrobial, which means it is safe to apply on small wounds. It contains ingredients like willow bark, Helichrysum and arnica. These ingredients along with full-spectrum CBD will help to provide an effective relief from sore and itchy muscles. 200 mg of CBD is present in just 3.38 ounces of White Fox Repair Remedy Salve. It is important that you should always keep this product in a cool place to avoid the melting of the coconut oil base.

Vertly Hemp CBD-Infused Relief Lotion

In each of the 2.9 ounce jar of the Vertly CBD lotion, it contains 150 mg of full-spectrum CBD.  In addition to that, the product also contains magnesium for muscle recovery, arnica flower for muscle tightness and the lavender oil for reducing inflammation. Due to the presence of these potent ingredients, it is better not to use it on wounds. The product is completely vegan and does not contain parabens, gluten or petroleum.

Hemp Bombs Pain Rub

The product is very effective in giving relief from arthritis and joint pain, back pain, knee pain and muscle aches. The presence of methanol in the Hemp Bombs pain rub provides the user with a cooling effect that helps in relieving the pain. The product usually comes in a 1oz and 4oz container that contains 500mg or 200mg of high quality CBD. Hemp Bombs pain rubs are tested at a third party lab to ensure that it is one of the most refined products.

Green Roads Pain Relief Cream

The product usually comes in a 60ml bottle that contains 300mg of CBD oil. Green Roads pain relief cream provides the user with a calming and effective delivery system for the treatment of pain. The product is very effective in providing relief for minor aches and back pain. Green Roads pain relief cream is infused with methanol that can assist CBD in the pain relieving effect.

Advantages Of CBD Topicals

The main reasons why people prefer CBD topicals like creams and lotion is because it can provide a target relief. It is a better choice if you are looking for a more localized treatment. Additional ingredients present in CBD topicals like coconut oil, shea butter, peppermint, lavender can be really beneficial for the skin. They are suitable to those who are not interested in vaping.

Looking to compare quality CBD products backed by third-party lab test results? Click here!