With the popularity of CBD products on the rise, everyone has been raving about how amazing CBD really is. In this article, we will discuss what CBD is and mention some of the incredible benefits CBD has to offer. We will explore the different forms of cannabidiol available and what aspects should be considered before selecting the right CBD for you.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (or CBD for short) is just one of the chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant. CBD does NOT contain the compound Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly referred to as THC. This means that CBD offers the amazing medical benefits of marijuana, without the psychoactive (mind altering) effects or “high” that is experienced by consuming cannabis. Like marijuana, CBD is non addictive and can be consumed safely by people of all ages and even pets! And the best part? Hemp derived CBD is legal in all 50 states of America and you can access it almost anywhere from online to your local gas station.

What are the benefits of CBD?

The benefits of CBD have been lifechanging for some. Many people have found relief for more than 50 medical conditions.

CBD Can Help to Prevent:

• Epileptic Seizures
• Alzheimer’s
• Diabetes

CBD Can Help:

• Manage and Relieve Pain and Inflammation
• Treat Symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders
• Improve Mood
• Improve Conditions of Autistic Children
• Reduce Anxiety and Depression
• Reduce Psychotic Symptoms of Schizophrenia
• Reduce Symptoms of PTSD
• Promote Cell Repair
• Strengthen Bones
• Improve Quality of Sleep and Combat Insomnia
• Alleviate Cancer Symptoms
• Combat Addiction and Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

The wonderful thing about CBD is that it is all natural and offers great relief from a variety of medical conditions. This could potentially mean replacing some prescription medication(s) with CBD, helping to reduce harmful side effects and dependency issues related to pharmaceuticals.

There is also some research that suggests that CBD can kill off harmful cancer cells, preventing and treating cancer.

Different ways to consume CBD:

CBD comes in many different forms and levels of strength. There is no right or wrong way to consume CBD. Luckily there are many options for people to explore in order to find what works best for them. Here we will discuss: Oils and tinctures, edibles, capsules, vaping and topical options.

Oils and Tinctures

Oils and tinctures are often mistaken to be the same thing, so I will attempt to clarify the differences of the two. Both CBD oil and tinctures come in similar packaging- tinted glass bottles with the purpose of keeping light out and ensure freshness. Both can be taken directly or added to your favorite food or drink. That’s one way to boost your morning coffee! Oil has no added flavor while tinctures can have different added flavors such as fruity flavors or chocolate. This may be easier for some to consume if they are turned off by “skunky”, marijuana flavor that you’d find in an oil.

Oils are typically the most potent and expensive of CBD products. They are referred to as “oils” because they are mixed with a carrier such as hemp or coconut oil. Some CBD oils can also contain other nutrients or vitamins such as protein, fatty acids and chlorophyll.

Tinctures are made by dissolving the cannabis in a high proof alcohol or other solvent in order to preserve and enhance the effects of the CBD. The effects and duration of tinctures is comparable to that of edibles. They are low in calories and have a strong potency, so you don’t have to use very much. Some tinctures can be in spray form as well.

Tinctures and oils can be taken as a sublingual, meaning it goes under the tongue, or against the gums and cheek for fast absorption through your mucus membranes. This speeds up the process by skipping the time it takes to pass through the digestive system and puts it on the fast track to your bloodstream. Both can also be swallowed, where as it will just take a bit longer to take effect. The effects of tinctures typically last between 4-8 hours.

Edibles

CBD can be consumed in the form of edibles, meaning that the extracted CBD has been mixed into different types of foods of your preferences. You may have seen CBD in the ever-popular gummy bear form, but the options are endless! You can have or make CBD cookies, brownies, cake pops, make butter for your toast, whatever your heart desires.

Edibles are discreet to use, easy to dose and good for those who don’t want to irritate the lungs. You can even make them yourself! Edibles take a bit longer to feel the full effects (between 30 min- 2 hours) as they are broken down slowly by your digestive system. While it may take longer to kick in, the effects can last 2-4 hours longer than smoking or vaping.

CBD Capsules

CBD can also be consumed orally in capsule form. Like edibles, this form of CBD is very discreet. The capsules are typically tasteless and are possibly the easiest method of consuming CBD oil. This is because unlike oils and tinctures, the capsules are pre-measured, meaning you can expect the same results each time, taking the intimidation out of the process. The ease of CBD capsules makes them a great choice for those who are new to exploring the amazing benefits of CBD. The duration of effects from CBD capsules is usually around 6-8 hours.

Vaping CBD

Many people prefer vaping CBD because it is easy to do and works very quickly. Inhaling CBD oil can offer almost instantaneous effects. This can be very helpful for those dealing with stress, anxiety or pain when they cannot wait very long to feel relief. There are different styles of vapes that can be explored. Some vapes can be refilled, some have pre-filled replaceable cartridges, and some are altogether disposable. Vapes are convenient and can be carried around in your pocket or purse for easy travel. Vaping is quick, easy and discreet and while the effects are felt quite quickly, they do not last as long as other forms such as tinctures or edibles. Expect for vapes to take up to 20 minutes to feel the full effect and to last for about 2-3 hours.

Topical CBD

CBD is also available in a topical form. By applying a topical directly to the skin, symptoms of pain, inflammation and arthritis can be significantly reduced. Topical CBD can be in many different forms including creams, ointments, oil, lotions, salves, balms and patches. These topical options are great for a localized area on the body in need of relief. Topical CBD can take up to an hour to work and offer about 5 hours of relief.

What To Look For When Purchasing CBD Products

Not all CBD products are created equally. With the popularity of cannabidiol on the rise, many companies are producing low quality CBD products that offer little to no results and may contain toxins and pesticides. When shopping for CBD, there are some things you should look out for to ensure your CBD is safe and effective.

There are different ways of extracting CBD from the hemp plant. Some companies try to cut corners by saving money and time and extract in ways that involve toxic solvents that are dangerous when consumed such as propane and butane.

Here are some things to look for when shopping for CBD products:

• Inquire about their extraction method to ensure that they do not use harmful chemicals in the process
• Look to see that a company’s products have a 3rd party test available
• Ensure that the company is using USDA organic-certified, hemp-grown farms that are GMP Certified
• Make sure you can see a full list of ingredients so that you can avoid CBD products that contain toxic solvent residues, pesticides, artificial flavors and pesticides.

Check out my review of Deep Relief CBD and be sure to use discount code YOUNIVERSE to receive 10% OFF of your order!