What Are The Effects Of CBD?
Wondering what all the hype is about CBD? Not really sure what it is? Not sure how it differs from marijuana? You certainly aren’t alone! CBD and marijuana are not the same things and CBD is legal in all 50 states. Here’s a look at the benefits and side effects of CBD.
What is CBD?
Let’s first discuss the difference between marijuana, industrial hemp, and hemp seed oil.
Marijuana—there are over 700 strains of the cannabis plant. From a legal standpoint, strains that are high in the molecular compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are classified as marijuana. THC is the molecular compound that gets you high. The legalization and decriminalization of marijuana vary greatly from one state to the next.
Industrial Hemp—industrial hemp refers to strains of the cannabis plant that are naturally low in THC. Once harvested it is processed to contain 0.0% to .3% of THC. This is not enough THC to get you high. Industrial hemp has been legal in all 50 states since the Farm Bill of 2018, longer in states that participated in the industrial hemp pilot program. While legal in all 50 states, schools, employers and extracurricular programs can prohibit use as industrial hemp remains illegal at the federal level.
Cannabidiol (CBD)—is the molecular compound responsible for the primary medicinal benefits of marijuana. Both marijuana and industrial hemp contain CBD, but industrial hemp is often referred to as just “CBD”. CBD works synergistically with other cannabinoids (molecular compounds) to provide wellness benefits. It’s most often processed into an oil tincture that can be applied topically, taken orally, and used to create a variety of CBD products.
Hemp Seed Oil—hemp seed oil is created by pressing the seeds of the cannabis plant. However, the seeds do not contain measurable milligrams of CBD. Unfortunately, many hemp seed oil brands on Amazon and eBay market themselves as delivering the same effects of CBD tincture. This is misleading as hemp seed oil is not the same product. Also, CBD cannot currently be sold on either site.
What Does CBD Do To You?
Like all dietary supplements, CBD affects everyone differently. We suggest working with a healthcare practitioner to personalize your wellness routine. Most adults begin with 10 to 30 milligrams of CBD 1 to 2 times per day, or they only use it as needed. For example, when stressed or anxious.
For some, CBD’s benefits are immediate, for others it takes a few weeks for CBD to take effect. Or it works rapidly and gradually improves wellness over the first few weeks.
If you have tried CBD in the past and it didn’t work for you, it’s likely due to:
- You may have been taking a hemp seed oil product not a CBD oil tincture.
- The milligrams per serving and per day may have been too low.
- The CBD may have been low quality or watered down with additives.
- It may be an isolated product that doesn’t contain synergetic compounds.
What Are The Benefits Of CBD Oil?
CBD may help to soothe your mind and body. You must consult with your physician to determine how to personalize your wellness routine. Many of Holmes Organics clients turn to CBD to:
- Ease stress and anxiety
- Optimize focus and clarity
- Wind down at the end of a long day
- Soothe sore and tired muscles
- Improve their quality of sleep
- Optimize workout recovery
- Please Note—CBD companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that CBD will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.
What Happens If You Take CBD Every Day?
You may only turn to CBD in times of stress or when you need to be at your best. However, taking CBD daily may optimize your body from the inside out. CBD connects our endocannabinoid system, stimulating the naturally occurring process of homeostasis.
There are two main components to the endocannabinoid system:
- CB1 which is in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord)
- CB2 which is in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system
By connecting these two components, CBD may optimize homeostasis, which is responsible for the regulation of internal functions such as:
- Temperature
- Hormones
- pH
- Coordination
- Pain control
- Mood
- Memory
- Quality of sleep
- Appetite
- And more
How Much CBD Do You Feel Effects?
Unlike marijuana, you won’t feel high, so you won’t necessarily feel when CBD takes effect.
If you take your CBD oil under your tongue (aka. sublingually) it will kick in faster, in 30 minutes or less. There are blood vessels underneath your tongue so it will go directly to your bloodstream.
If you apply CBD oil or cream topically to targeted areas of pain or inflammation, it can take effect in 10 to 30 minutes.
Oral CBD softgels and CBD gummies take effect in about 60 minutes. For the fastest results and consistent milligrams per serving, take your CBD on an empty stomach. If you take your CBD with food or mix it into food or beverages it may take a bit longer to kick in and the milligrams pers serving may be degraded. You may be able to even things out by slightly increasing your milligrams of CBD when consuming it with food or beverages.
Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
While there are zero reports of a CBD overdose, almost anything we consume can have a side effect. Even though CBD is naturally derived, you can have a negative reaction to anything you consume or apply topically. So, pay close attention to how you feel once you start using CBD products.
While extremely rare, and most often when taken in high doses, of 20,000 milligrams or more per serving, side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Low-blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Negative interaction with prescription medications
Can Everyone Take CBD?
You should always discuss dietary supplements with your physician. Also, inform your pharmacist of the supplements and prescriptions you take. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take CBD. CBD may also interact with prescriptions such as:
- The blood thinner warfarin
- The heart rhythm medication amiodarone
- The thyroid medication levothyroxine
- Seizure medications such as clobazam, lamotrigine, and valproate
As we mentioned earlier, CBD and marijuana are not yet differentiated at the federal level. This means that your school, employer, or extracurricular program may prohibit use. Or they may allow use but not allow you to bring it on site.
The laws vary from one state to the next, but even if your school or employer doesn’t have a designated drug policy, they may be able to require a drug test. For example, after a workplace accident or injury.
While drug tests test for THC, there is no guarantee that you will pass if you are using CBD products. It’s unlikely that you will fail, but it’s not out of the question.
Can I Take CBD And Marijuana?
Yes! If recreational or medicinal marijuana are legal in your state, you may still want to add CBD to the mix. CBD provides a high-free alternative that you can take while driving, working, or going to school. Taking CBD too ensures that you maintain a steady stream of cannabinoids to optimize your health and wellness goals. For example, CBD during the day while at work and school and marijuana when you get home for the day.
How Long Do The Side Effects Of CBD Last?
The positive side effects of CBD last between 2 and 6 hours. It depends how your body metabolizes CBD, and how many milligrams you took per serving. Your healthcare practitioner can help you determine how many milligrams to take and how often to take CBD.
Some only take CBD in the morning to start their day off right or at the end of the day to relax and unwind. Depending on your individual needs, your physician may suggest taking CBD two or more times per day.
The rare negative side effects of CBD are typically resolved in a day or two. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in the bullet points in the section above.
What Does CBD Do To Your Mood?
Stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation can leave you drained, irritable, and with a short fuse. You may not be able to focus on the work or day ahead and may not make the best decisions.
Taking CBD may ease your stress and anxiety and soothe you into a restful night of sleep. With less stress and anxiety and a good night of sleep, you may feel more like yourself.
The effects of CBD tincture may be easier to track by keeping a journal of how you feel. You can journal in sentences, use a scale of 1 to 10 to track how you feel, or use a mood tracking app.
Looking For A Quality CBD?
If you are searching for a quality CBD, we invite you to browse the product line at Holmes Organics. Our products are USDA Organic Certified, third-party lab tested, and contain 0.0% THC. If you’re already a customer, we would love to hear of the positive effects of using our CBD tincture. Send us a message to share your experience!