How to Take CBD Safely?
How to take CBD safely?
The question of how to take CBD safely should be the first question to ask yourself, before purchasing any CBD (Cannabidiol) product.
Firstly, you should know that Cannabis has differing species and subspecies and secondly, there are hundreds of medicinally beneficial chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two most prevalent compounds found in the cannabis plant, which are relevant to this post, are the cannabinoids CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
CBD (Cannabidiol) is the cannabinoid compound which is most associated with wellbeing as it mimics the endocannabinoids (also called endogenous cannabinoids) produced by your own body and is totally non-psychoactive. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), on the other hand, is the compound mostly associated with Marijuana (Cannabis Indica) and is psychoactive so can produce a ‘high‘.
The Cannabis Sativa hemp plant is a ‘cousin’ to the Cannabis Indica plant more commonly known as Marijuana. Cannabis Sativa plants contain an abundance of CBD with low levels of THC, whereas the Cannabis Indica strain contains high levels of THC and not so much CBD.
Cannabidiol is considered a natural remedy and is highly recommended by many Health & Fitness professionals for common ailments such as stress, anxiety, muscle and joint pain. For this reason, CBD appeals to those who are looking for an alternative to conventional medication, especially when it comes to relief from pain, safe in the knowledge that they won’t get a ‘high’ when taking CBD as part of their daily wellness regimen.
CBD, in it’s basic form, can be manufactured to be consumed in many different ways. Some CBD products are manufactured specifically for the Health and Fitness market, whilst others are more aimed at the Beauty industry. If you are looking at ‘How to Take CBD Safely?‘ here are a few suggestions that may help with your decision.
CBD Oils
High quality CBD oils contain high concentrations of all the health benefitting compounds, including a full profile of the active terpenes known to be present in the hemp plant. The Cannabis Sativa hemp plant in particular contains an abundance of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes – hence the term “Full Spectrum” or “Whole Plant” extract. Apart from being a major constituent of essential oils, including CBD, terpenes are widely known to have medicinal properties, now being studied worldwide for potential new anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Health & Fitness professionals highly rate the consumption of CBD oils as part of a healthy diet. They believe in the healing powers of Mother Nature and in getting their daily dose of calm!
By placing a pipette with the proscribed dosage of CBD oil under your tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing it, you are allowing the membranes in that area to absorb the CBD content faster than if you had to wait for digestion and then absorption. This is the quickest way you can get cannabidiol into your bloodstream. It is the best way of experiencing the full benefits of CBD. This method is also known as sublingual administration.
As a first time user, the taste of the CBD may seem earthy and strange and even unpleasant to some users, but you will get used to it with time – have a sip of juice to mask any natural flavours of the terpenes you may dislike the taste of. It takes approximately 30 minutes to start feeling the effects of the CBD oil drops.
CBD Capsules
The bare taste of CBD is unpleasant to some users. If you detest the earthy taste of CBD, you should consider taking it in capsule form. CBD capsules are easy to administer and within the right dosage.
To establish the proper dosage, all products should contain full dosing instructions on or in the packaging. However, because capsules are processed through your digestive system they take longer to act. If you are looking for fast acting CBD then capsules might not be the best option for you.
Vaping
CBD Vaping is another simple and safe method of taking CBD. It provides almost instant relaxation to the user. CBD is directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the membrane in your mouth for quick effects.
CBD Edibles
Another method of taking CBD safely and easily is ingesting CBD-infused edibles. The most common method of taking edible CBD is through candies or gummies. Some gummies have sweeteners and added flavours that help to mask the unpleasant weedy taste of CBD. CBD can also be infused in food products, such as chocolates, sweets.
CBD edibles are the most discreet way of taking CBD compared to tinctures or vaping. They are fun to eat and are usually easy to carry in your bag or pocket. You can ingest them even at your work station!
Water soluble CBD
Water soluble CBD is the great new way of taking CBD on the go to get your daily dose of calm… just add to your morning cup of coffee or tea or stir into fresh water or juice. Water soluble CBD has little or no taste and will not change the appearance of your drink in any way.
CBD Topical
Studies suggest that CBD helps people by supporting the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). CBD topicals are available in the form of creams, lotions, skin butter, patches, salves, serums, or balms.
CBD topicals are usually mixed with other oils such as coconut or olive oil and bees wax. Some topical CBD products contain fragrances. The oil mixture is gently massaged into problematic areas such as the joints or muscles for better effect.
In a study conducted in 2015 using CBD gel, for example, results show that CBD helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in joints.
Additionally, if you have troublesome skin issues, rub the oil or balm directly on the area for a soothing effect.
The oils have different concentrations of CBD. When buying topical products, consider checking the concentration levels of CBD depending on your needs.
What is the right dosage for CBD?
Research and clinical studies around the world show that you can take up to 1,200mg of CBD daily, without causing any detrimental side effects. Under UK Government Guidelines however, the recommended daily dose is 70mg.
There is no specific recommended method of taking CBD – basically it is up to you to find which method works best for you.
If you are under any prescription drugs, talk to a trusted medical professional to advise if you should take CBD or not and the possible interactions with other medication, particularly blood thinners..
To establish safe CBD dosage for any given product, check and read the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the product. Only take the recommended dose.
Other factors to take into consideration:
- the concentration of CBD in the products you are using
- your body weight
- body chemistry
What are the side effects of CBD?
CBD has zero to minimal side effects for most users, and according to the WHO (World Health Organisation) you cannot overdose taking CBD (Cannabidiol).
Taking CBD as part of a healthy diet is considered a very safe way to boost your immune system and your overall mental health, however, information freely available on the internet suggests that taking CBD may cause signs of fatigue or overstimulation….
Conclusion on how to take CBD safely
Numerous studies show that Cannabidiol (CBD) is perfectly safe to use on a daily basis as part of a healthy diet. It’s use is registered in the UK as a food supplement with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), however the consumer must take responsibility for their own safety, especially when it comes to correct dosage. They should also take advice from a consummate Medical Professional if they are taking prescription medication.
High quality CBD( Cannabidiol) should contain all of the beneficial compounds present in the Cannabis Sativa cannabis plant, including terpenes, as these compounds work synergistically with the body’s own Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to provide faster therapeutic effects.
Present research undertaken to date suggests that CBD (cannabidiol) oil can help with the following:
- metabolism
- sleep disorders
- mood, premenstrual tension
- appetite and digestion
- memory, cognitive skills
- chronic pain
- inflammation
- other immune system responses
Please talk to your doctor BEFORE taking a new food supplement, particularly if you are taking any blood thinning medication…
