The CBD craze is a few years old and shows no signs of slowing down. This hemp-derived compound has a range of benefits and is generally considered safe. It is also widely available thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp.
It is now straightforward to find CBD products for sale, with items like CBD oil, gummies, capsules, and topicals among the most popular options. But how do these CBD products work, and are they as safe as everyone thinks? Let’s find out.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a cannabinoid, one of the hundreds of bioactive molecules produced by cannabis plants, including hemp. Unlike its famous cousin, THC, CBD does not cause an intoxicating “high.” However, it does have numerous benefits and various therapeutic applications.
CBD is generally well-tolerated and does not cause serious side effects in most individuals. Therefore, CBD products have become hugely popular in the past few years. They are often marketed as a way to improve wellness and manage symptoms like anxiety, pain, and sleep issues.
Research has also shown that CBD has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This means it could be helpful as a daily supplement to help maintain general health and well-being.
How Do CBD Products Work?
CBD products work by interacting with an innate biological system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates various physiological functions, including appetite, mood, pain perception, immunity, and more. It comprises signaling chemicals called endocannabinoids and specialized cell receptors known as CB1 and CB2.
CBD helps to enhance ECS function by inhibiting endocannabinoid breakdown and increasing the body’s levels of these beneficial compounds. Research suggests this interaction is responsible for many of CBD’s benefits.
Furthermore, CBD also affects other systems, such as the serotonin system and specific pathways involved in inflammation and pain relief. By influencing this diverse range of physiological functions, CBD can produce varying effects and help alleviate a broad range of symptoms.
Are CBD Products Safe?
CBD is generally considered safe. It works gently with the body to enhance its natural functions and does not usually cause side effects.
However, there are a few crucial caveats. Firstly, CBD can interfere with the metabolism of certain pharmaceuticals. Therefore, people taking prescribed or over-the-counter medicines should consult a physician before using CBD for the first time.
Another potential issue is that the FDA does not regulate most CBD products. Therefore, some companies manufacturing processes are not quite up to scratch. Poorly-made CBD products may contain contaminants left over from the extraction process or have more or less CBD than they should.
There are also questions surrounding the safety of CBD vape products, as some companies use thinning agents like propylene glycol and PEG-400 that can be harmful when heated to high temperatures. Furthermore, the long-term effects of vaping on the lungs remain unknown. Therefore, health-conscious consumers may be better off using other CBD products.
Where to Find Safe, Effective CBD for Sale
Due to the lack of industry oversight, purchasing CBD products from a trustworthy retailer is essential. Fortunately, it is easy to find CBD for sale online and in physical stores. The downside of this is that making the right choice can be tricky in such a heavily saturated market.
Potential buyers should look for a brand with a proven reputation and positive customer reviews. Those that have existed in the CBD niche for several years are usually the safest bet.
Try to find a company that is transparent about its manufacturing processes and uses clean, organic ingredients. Check how the CBD is extracted from hemp (CO2 extraction is considered safest) and where the hemp was grown. Plants cultivated in the USA and EU must meet exceptionally high standards, so keep this in mind when shopping.
The best CBD brands will provide up-to-date, independent lab reports for their products. This documentation, sometimes known as a “certificate of analysis,” confirms the product’s CBD content and that it is free from impurities.
Finally, if you are unsure whether CBD is safe for you, consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider for further information. They will be able to tell you whether it is safe to take CBD with other medications or for a specific condition.
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