Posted by Soko Miracle on 28th Dec 2022

Guide to CBD for Beginners 

What is the noise around CBD?

By now, you must have heard someone mention CBD or come across a shop selling CBD or CBD-infused products. At the very least, you must have seen an advertisement online for CBD claiming to get rid of all your evils. This miracle potion or oil has been a staple ingredient in ancient medicinal practices. It has been used for its therapeutic effects for centuries. Due to its cure-all claims and popularity among people who have used it and claim its benefits, this oil is making its way to the mainstream market, slowly but surely. In these modern times, where the wellness industry is gaining popularity among people looking for ways to incorporate natural, organic supplements into their diets to eliminate their ailments instead of western medication, CBD oil is also making a name for itself.

CBD has been rising in popularity as a means of pain and stress relief in recent years, and with that, there have been rising concerns related to the safety and legality of CBD products. CBD is unfamiliar to many, especially beginners. The most common CBD product is CBD oil. However, even if you are a novice in the world of CBD, there is no need to worry. We will guide you through everything you need to know to get started with this super supplement.

What is CBD?

CBD is a chemical component produced in the cannabis plant. This component and hundreds of other cannabinoids are extracted and used for its therapeutic benefits. Among those, the most common and beneficial are CBD and THC. CBD is often confused with its sister component, THC. This is another equally common component produced from the cannabis plant, known for the high it causes to the user. CBD has the same medicinal benefits without any cytotoxic effects; hence it is the better choice for people using cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

Is CBD only derived from the hemp plant?

CBD is both derived from the hemp plant and marijuana. CBD from the hemp plant contains less than 0.3% THC and is legal in many states, but the one derived from marijuana contains higher amounts of THC making it illegal and its effects undesired.

In what form is CBD obtained from the plant?

The extracted CBD is in the form of oil. It is then mixed with a carrier oil to be sold in the market. The oil part varies between products, but the most common ones are MCT oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, and avocado oil. Other oils like coconut oil, vegetable oil, sesame oil, and palm oil can also be used.

What are the types of CBD oil?

CBD oil extracted from hemp is of three types; namely full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. 

• Full spectrum oil includes other molecules from the hemp plant, like terpenes. The amount of THC is less than 0.3%. It is a dark golden or brown-colored liquid with a sharp grassy smell.
• Broad spectrum oil: this contains most of the cannabis plant molecules with trace amounts of THC. This oil is light golden.
• Isolates: this form only contains CBD with zero amount of THC or any other compound. This oil is clear in appearance and is very refined with no impurities.

In what forms is CBD available in the market?

Other forms of CBD are capsules, powder form, vapes to inhale, infused in various edibles like gummies and even lattes. Most commonly used, however, is in oil form with the help of a dropper.

How to take CBD oil?

CBD oil is a sublingual product, meaning it is designed to be absorbed in your body through the skin, usually the thin skin under your tongue. Due to the concentration of blood vessels there, it gets directly absorbed into the blood; hence its action is quick and efficient. If you swallow the oil or eat it with something else directly, it will barely have any effect due to the extensive pathway it would have to take to get absorbed by the blood. During the journey, molecules might lose their efficacy.

The process of taking CBD oil is fairly simple. There are four simple steps.

• Fill about half the dropper with CBD oil. (The dose may vary from person to person)
• Drop 2-3 drops of CBD oil under your tongue. (don’t swallow it directly)
• Hold it there for about 60 seconds. (The CBD components will be absorbed)
• Swallow the remaining. (you can drink water right after; it’s fine. 
• After holding the CBD oil under your tongue for a minute, most of the chemical components will be absorbed. The remainders will be plain oil. So, it is fine to drink ample water or eat something to freshen your mouth. Remember, the longer you hold the CBD oil there, the better it is. Oils and tinctures are the best options for people who can’t take pills or capsules.

 CBD oil has a sharp taste and smell; some people do not like it and hence opt for other methods like food infused with CBD to mask the taste and smell that might have acted as a deterrent for them.

Creams and lotions

CBD-infused topical products like creams, lotions, and gels are used to treat muscle and joint pain. They are also used in some skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. 

Capsules and pills

CBD capsules and pills are used for systemic therapy of digestive issues and seizure disorders. The FDA recently approved Epidiolex, the first high-potency CBD drug, as a treatment for seizure disorders. 

The only drawback with capsule forms is the time taken from ingestion to onset of effect. 

Edibles

Gummies are becoming one of the most liked ways to take CBD. They’re discreet, affordable, and taste good. And the best part is you know exactly what dose you’re taking as they come predosed. So you don’t have to go through the hassle of dose adjustment.

Vaping

Inhaling vaporized CBD oil or e-cigs for CBD is the fastest way to get results. Compounds are inhaled and absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs. 

 Proceed with caution if you choose to vape CBD, as vaping might cause damage to delicate lung tissue

How does CBD work?

CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors present in our body. The way our brain communicates with the body is through a sector of the nervous system called the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our body produces neurotransmitters (chemical signals) that reach the ECS and stimulate it, and we feel things. A neuro receptor of the ECS is CB1, and CB1 is associated with the feeling of pain, anxiety, stress, and similar emotions.

After entering our body, CBD travels to the CB1 receptors and binds with them. The bond is strong enough to coat the receptor head making it inaccessible momentarily but weak enough not to stimulate the nerves. Thus preventing the emotions related to CB1 from happening.

So taking CBD or CBD products relieves pain, anxiety, and stress, giving us time and freeing up our minds, allowing us to solve the problem from the core. 

How much CBD should you take?

If you want to start taking CBD and are new to it, you should start with small doses. Start with a small amount and slowly increase the dosage according to your desired effect. Different dosage is suitable according to the form you are taking CBD in. For example, CBD oils, as they are potent and get absorbed directly, can have that same effect at 1 mg that CBD gummies might produce at 5mg dose. Read product labels closely and consult your doctor before starting CBD supplements. 

What are the benefits of CBD?

Different research studies and supporters of CBD believe that it has powerful healing properties, and the studies have shown very promising results regarding the effectiveness of CBD products in alleviating the following mental illnesses:

• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• Depression
• Addiction
• Ptsd
• insomnia

Along with mental problems, CBD has shown very promising results in cases of physical ailments like:

• Chronic pain
• Cancer symptoms
• Certain epilepsy

Note: CBD is relatively new in modern medicinal science, and not many studies and research have been conducted on the product. So, till now, there is not much scientific proof to back it up. But CBD is and has been used on patients with severe conditions, and so far, the results are positive.

Are there any adverse effects of CBD?

CBD is an all-natural organic product that is tolerated very well by the body. Even at very high doses, it has been reported that CBD showed no toxic effects on the consumer. But due to some drug interactions or some sensitive people, it might sometimes have a few side effects. These include:

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Change in appetite

If you encounter any of the mentioned side effects, consult your doctor and check the quality of CBD you are consuming

Can CBD produce a high? 

Although it is derived from the same plant as THC, it does not have any psychotropic effects. On the contrary, it is used in people suffering from drug or substance abuse. CBD is known to calm down those people and help them eliminate the addiction. Therefore, it is used in therapies, especially among people who are addicted to heroin.

What are some things to consider while starting on CBD?

As a beginner, you will likely not know the intensity of the effect of CBD on your body, and you will also not know the proper dose for you. So, start slow and increase the dose size over time. There’s no “too small” or “too large” dose of CBD. So, feel free to experiment. There’s no harm in overdosing accidentally, other than feeling dizzy, slight nausea, or in the worst case, diarrhea.

 CBD interacts with many other medicines, and while it is harmless alone, it may cause harm when taken with other medicines. Consult with your doctor first.

Is CBD legal?

CBD, on its own, is harmless and legal. It had laws restricting its usage and distribution in the past, but recently, it has been approved by the FDA. Thus, CBD is legal to buy and use throughout the US, but it may still have restrictions from the state level. Be sure to check that first.

But any CBD product containing below 0.03% THC is legal. So you should not have any problem carrying or using CBD oil under this limit. The only restriction is a drug test. If your CBD oil has a trace of THC, it will cause trouble. But if the CBD oil is THC-free, it’ll come negative.

Where to buy CBD products from?

Not to blow our own trumpet, but here at Soko’s, we provide the best quality CBD products that you can get anywhere in the market. Our quality is top notch with strict regulations from step one to the time our product is in our customer’s hands. Our relationship with our customers does not even end there. If you are unsatisfied with our product, we offer you a money-back guarantee. This is how much we care for our customers and our confidence in our product. So if you are a beginner, try our product and start this journey to wellness with the best nature has to offer!

Conclusion

CBD and CBD infused products are becoming more and more popular and easy to access with time. 

Buy your CBD from a licensed retailer or a reputed label to ensure you are getting what you paid for and the product you are getting is free of excess amounts of THC and other impurities.