CBD products — whether sourced from state-legal high-THC cannabis or low-to-no THC industrial hemp — have taken the nation by storm. What is this cannabinoid? Why is it such a big deal? And most importantly, how can you enjoy CBD products? This guide covers everything you need to know about CBD so you can make the best decisions for your mind and body.
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
CBD from hemp vs. CBD from marijuana
What are the effects of CBD?
How does CBD work?
What types of CBD products are there?
How much CBD should I take?
How to select CBD products
Are there other types of CBD?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a major phytocannabinoid, or cannabinoid derived from plants, found in cannabis. It’s one of the most common of the 100+ cannabinoids that have been discovered so far. It’s non intoxicating, meaning you won’t feel high if you consume pure CBD. Anecdotal evidence and emerging research show promise for this cannabinoid’s role in relieving symptoms of conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and other health and wellness concerns.
CBD was first identified in 1940 by American chemist Roger Adams, and its structure was first described in 1963 by famed cannabis researcher Raphael Mechoulam and his team. The cannabinoid quickly took a backseat to delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), though, which Mechoulam and team identified the following year. Through the 1970s and ‘80s, CBD research largely centered around its interactions with other cannabinoids, especially THC.
CBD from hemp vs. CBD from marijuana
Hemp and “marijuana” are both varieties of cannabis — one just contains a lot more THC than the other.
By law, industrial hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% THC, so these plants are bred to have much less THC content than its state-legal sisters. Hemp does, however, contain significant levels of CBD, roughly between 10% and 20% in most varieties. And because of its federally-descheduled status, CBD products from industrial hemp can be sold outside of dispensaries, across state lines, and on the internet.
High-THC marijuana contains higher levels of THC, and often contains about 1% or less CBD depending on the cultivar. There are notable exceptions to the high-CBD rule, with cultivars (AKA strains) like AC/DC or Charlotte’s Web clocking in much higher levels of CBD than other cultivars. CBD extracted from high-THC cannabis can only be sold in dispensaries. It’s sometimes called “marijuana-derived CBD.”
Want to learn more about THC and how it works? Check out our complete guide to THC for more information.
What are the effects of CBD?
Lots of what we know about CBD is verified both by the initial, growing body of research and by patients and consumers who anecdotally confirm what science has uncovered. While there’s still a long way to go, particularly in human clinical trials, existing studies suggest the below effects of CBD:
- Pain relief: CBD is often cited for its ability to alleviate or modulate pain, particularly in people who report experiencing moderate or severe symptoms of pain. There’s also evidence that CBD is particularly effective for pain management when combined with THC.
- Stress regulation: CBD may have the ability to regulate stress and reduce feelings of anxiety. Researchers believe that CBD offers anxiety reducing properties, which some studies note could help manage symptoms associated with conditions like PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
- Mood regulation: There is some evidence that CBD may offer mood regulating properties, which could make it useful for managing symptoms associated with depression. These properties have mostly been observed in animal-based studies, so more research on the cannabinoid’s effect on humans is needed.
- Sleep regulation: Some researchers believe CBD may help improve sleep, especially if your sleep is interrupted because of pain, anxiety, or another condition CBD can help. Decreased anxiety and reduced pain perception may help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- Antioxidant: CBD may also mitigate oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in your body. Oxidative stress is a key contributor to several illnesses. Researchers suspect that CBD’s antioxidant properties could help it play a role in the prevention of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.
- Inflammation modulation: Several animal studies have shown that CBD or a combination of CBD and THC result in a reduction in inflammatory cytokines, or cells that promote inflammation. This property could be helpful in providing symptom relief if you have pain caused by inflammation, as well as in informing the treatment for a variety of conditions, from arthritis to cancer. Researchers have noted that more human clinical trials are needed.
- Anti-convulsant: CBD is known to be an effective anti-convulsant, so much so that it became the primary ingredient in Epidiolex®, the first phytocannabinoid-based medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Epidiolex is intended for use by patients living with Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, conditions characterized by frequent and severe seizures.
It’s important to note that most of the research into the effects of CBD is ongoing and incomplete, so it is impossible to draw absolute conclusions. However, the limited research into CBD — and the anecdotes we hear from medical marihuana patients and everyday consumers alike — underscore promising results for the cannabinoid’s potential as a therapeutic tool.
Potential side effects of CBD
CBD is generally well-tolerated and side effects tend to be relatively mild, but you should still be aware of the following before trying CBD for yourself.
- Dry mouth: You might experience dry mouth after consuming CBD products. While this side effect is usually not severe, it may be uncomfortable and irritating.
- Reduced appetite: You may report a reduced appetite when consuming CBD products. This could be an issue if you’re struggling with diminished appetites and weight loss, though this side effect is not universal.
- Nausea: If you experience nausea related to CBD consumption, consult with your doctor. You may be nauseous because you took a CBD product on an empty stomach. If that’s the case, take CBD with food.
- Interaction with medications: CBD may interact with prescription medications. For example, CBD commonly interacts with blood thinners, which could alter their effects. Never begin taking CBD products alongside other medications without first speaking with your doctor.
While the above side effects are certainly possible, you may not experience any of them at all. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before adding CBD products to your routine, especially if you’re currently taking prescription medications of any kind.
How does CBD work?
With such a long list of potential effects, it’s natural to wonder how CBD works. While researchers continue to try and uncover the precise mechanisms of action by which CBD does its thing, we do already know that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a big role.
The ECS consists of a network of cannabinoid receptors throughout your brain and body, which are influenced by a different type of cannabinoids produced in your body. These are called endocannabinoids, as opposed to the phytocannabinoids produced in cannabis plants. The most famous of these endocannabinoids are anandamide, AKA the “bliss molecule,” and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
These cannabinoids bind to and interact with the CB₁ and CB₂ receptors of the ECS. This binding influences many functions governed by the central nervous system and immune system. The CB₁ receptors are most commonly found in parts of the brain like the neocortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and brainstem. This ties them closely to central nervous system functions. The CB₂ receptors are associated with the immune system, as well as some areas of the central nervous system that may relate to inflammatory responses.
As it turns out, phytocannabinoids like CBD and also “pull on the levers” of the ECS, which researchers suspect gives them their therapeutic potential. Unlike many other phytocannabinoids, though, researchers don’t think CBD binds directly to the CB₁ and CB₂ receptors. Instead, they suspect CBD’s effects relate more closely to other receptors related to the ECS. This includes:
- 5-HT1A, a serotonin receptor thought to relate to its stress regulation properties
- TRPV1 receptors, which may explain CBD’s pain and inflammation modulation capabilities
- GPR55 receptors, which are thought to modulate blood pressure and bone density
How much CBD should I take?
Studies into CBD’s effects on humans range widely in the amount they administer, from as low as 20mg per day to as much as 1,500 mg per day. There is no official “serving size” for CBD, though. So, what’s the right amount to take if you want to receive the benefits of CBD for yourself? The first step is always to consult with your healthcare provider and see what they suggest based on your goals and circumstances.
If your doctor doesn’t provide a recommendation, you can use the following formula to help you find a good baseline from which to start:
0.25mg CBD x body weight in pounds = Daily dose of CBD
Using this formula, for example, a 200 pound person may choose to take up to 50mg CBD per day. Perhaps this is a 25mg dose in the morning and a 25mg dose in the evening. When consuming CBD this way, observe how it makes you feel and whether it offers you relief from the symptoms you’re hoping to address. If not, you can gradually increase the amount you take by 5mg CBD at a time until you achieve the desired effects.
Research shows that CBD is very well tolerated in most humans, even in very high doses, so it’s unlikely that you will have an adverse reaction. If you do experience unexpected side effects, however, you should immediately stop consuming CBD and contact your doctor.
Remember, the best option is to always discuss CBD with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re taking prescription medications and other supplements. Keep in mind factors like your body weight, the symptoms you’re managing, your past experiences with CBD products, and your personal tolerance when determining how much to take. The right amount will vary from person to person based on these factors.
What types of CBD cannabis products are there?
If you want to try CBD, you’ll have a lot of choices. There are many types of cannabis products, and the same goes for CBD. You’ll find CBD products derived from cannabis in dispensaries like Iconic Wellness, as well as hemp-derived products outside the dispensary.
Some products include:
- Hemp flower: Hemp flower is particularly high in CBD content. Dried and cured flower can be ground up and rolled up in a joint or blunt, packed in a bowl or bong, or vaporized with an electronic device. It can even be used to create your own edibles at home.
- Cannabis flower: You can find whole cannabis flower at most provisioning centers, either deli-style or pre-packaged. While lots of cultivars are bred for high levels of THC, you’ll find many notable high-CBD cultivars. Just search the Iconic menu for the latest high CBD cultivars we have in store.
- CBD extracts: CBD extracts belong to a class of cannabis products known as concentrates, and most commonly come in the form of distillate. However, there are also broad-spectrum and full spectrum CBD products that include some of the other cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis.
- Vape cartridges: CBD concentrates can be vaped, and few products make this process easier than vape cartridges. Vape cartridges are 0.5 gram or 1 gram containers that have been filled with CBD oil ready for vaping. In a provisioning center, you’ll find mostly high-THC vapes, but read the label to see the CBD content of the vape cart in question.
Whether CBD or THC dominant, these vape carts are compatible with batteries that have a 510mm thread, also called universal batteries. Simply screw them in, press the power button, and inhale through the mouthpiece of the cartridge. You may also encounter specialty vape cartridges and pods, such as Dart pods or STIIIZY pods.
- Edibles: Edibles include products like chocolates, candies, gummies, and baked goods. CBD infused edibles offer a slower onset of effects but a long duration, making them useful choices if you want relief throughout the day. Look for CBD-only edibles or THC edibles with a ratio of CBD, such as 1:1 or 2:1, formulated in each dose.
- Beverages: A rapidly growing product type, cannabis infused beverages have quickly become one of the most innovative sectors of the industry. These include CBD beverages so you can sip your way to relief.
- Tinctures and capsules: Tinctures can simply be placed under your tongue using a dropper, where the bulk of the oil bypasses your digestive system and heads straight for your bloodstream. Tinctures have the benefit of taking effect quickly but also lasting for a long time, as whatever cannabinoids are not absorbed through your mouth are digested slowly. Capsules are swallowed just like more familiar supplement capsules and take effect similarly to edibles, with a slow onset and long duration of effects.
- Topicals: Topical CBD products are highly popular if you want to manage joint or muscle pain. These products are applied directly to the affected area, where they begin to exert localized effects right away. Topicals can simply be reapplied throughout the day as needed for a simple and direct way to get the pain alleviating benefits of CBD. Similar to edibles, you can find CBD-only formulations and THC formulations with a strategic ratio of CBD mixed in.
How to select CBD products
When buying a CBD product, the first thing to look for on the label is the potency, which is usually expressed in milligrams, a percentage of CBD content by weight, or both. For example, if the label on a package of 10 capsules reads 1,000mg CBD, then each capsule contains 100mg CBD. Understanding CBD potency can help you determine how much of a product to take.
You should also check the label to see if the product is made with CBD distillate (or isolate), broad spectrum CBD, or full spectrum CBD. CBD distillate or isolate products will generally only contain CBD, while broad spectrum and full spectrum products contain other cannabinoids and terpenes. In some cases, broad spectrum or full spectrum products may also contain THC, which could cause some level of intoxication. Always check the packaging first to ensure you know every compound that’s in the product, so you avoid unwanted effects.
Finally, if you’re shopping for CBD products at a licensed provisioning center, you should request access to the product’s certificate of analysis (COA). A COA is an official document from a third-party testing laboratory that includes a breakdown of everything found in a product. It can help you confirm the accuracy of the labeling, as well as assure you that the product is free from any contaminants, such as mold, pesticides, or heavy metals.
If you still have questions, talk to us! At Iconic Wellness, our budtenders are friendly, informed, and forthcoming. We’re happy to provide you with all the information available on each product, as well as walk you through the best options for your needs. Stop by one of our Michigan cannabis dispensaries in Sturgis, Gaylord, or Lowell to see what it is that makes us so iconic!
Are there other types of CBD?
You may encounter other phytocannabinoids in the CBD family as well. Two of the most common you’re likely to come across are CBDA and CBDV. Here’s what you should know about each.
CBDA
Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is the acidic precursor to CBD, and it’s actually the variety that exists in the plant. It converts to CBD when introduced to heat, which is the catalyst in a process called decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation occurs when you smoke or vape cannabis. It’s also an essential step in the process of making edibles, as it “activates” the cannabinoids from their acidic forms. CBDA offers some benefits of its own, though, including the ability to reduce feelings of nausea, soothe digestive issues, and reduce feelings of anxiety.
CBDV
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is similar in structure to CBD and similarly non-intoxicating. It is particularly common in indica landrace cultivars of cannabis, or pure indica plants. It tends to be found most often alongside CBD in cultivars high in CBD content and relatively low in THC.
Like CBD, CBDV is an effective anti-convulsant. Researchers also think CBDV offers therapeutic potential when it comes to neurobehavioral issues, memory, inflammation, and managing nausea and vomiting.
Thinking of adding CBD to your routine?
If you’re thinking of adding CBD to your routine, there’s a lot of products out there you could try. Always consult with your doctor first and be sure to buy from a licensed provisioning center like Iconic Wellness, so you know you’re getting a high quality product. CBD could be just what you’re looking for, whether you want to support your general health and wellness or get relief from a specific symptom. If you’re interested in CBD or any other cannabis products stop by Iconic Wellness and let us know how we can help you find your new favorite go-to choice today.
