CBD has become a popular product over the past few years. This magic compound is still undergoing plenty of research in the medical world, but in the meantime, the public are enjoying low dose products available on the high street.
If you aren’t sure what CBD is or how it differs from cannabis as a drug, then don’t worry! We’re here to clear everything up, as well as show you ways to use CBD to reap the benefits.
Cannabidiol: The basics
The benefits of CBD seem to be somewhat endless. From pain relief to alleviating anxiety, there is a reason to use cannabidiol for just about everyone. CBD differs from marijuana or other Cannabis compounds as there is very little – or no – THC. THC is the part that creates a psychoactive reaction that’s often associated with ‘getting high’ from weed. Cannabidiol isn’t addictive and doesn’t produce the same high feeling. Instead, it affects our endocannabinoid system that helps to regulate things like mood, sleep, and appetite.
To create the wide range of store-bought products now available, cannabidiol is extracted from the cannabis plant and either used as an isolate or combined with a carrier oil like hemp or coconut.
The standard way to consume CBD is with an oil tincture. A few drops on the tongue with 60 seconds to absorb. However, this can often leave an earthy or bitter taste, which is why many people are looking for different ways to use CBD.
When shopping for CBD products, you’ll notice that doses are based on concentration or percentage. With any supplement or medication alternative, it’s always recommended that you either consult your GP first or opt for a lower dose. If you’re not feeling any different with a low dose, build your way up to higher until you start to feel the effects.
Different ways to use and take CBD
Gummies
Gummies are a popular way to consume CBD – especially if you struggle to swallow tablets. They’re often available in a whole number of tasty flavours, making the supplement feel almost like a treat to start the day with.
Add it to food and drink
Pancake batter, smoothies, and yoghurts are all a great way to add CBD into your daily diet. Using a few drops of CBD oil in your favourite recipe won’t change its taste but will give you the chance to feel the alleviating effects CBD can offer.
Alternatively, to spice up your old recipes, flavoured CBD oils could be an option.
Incorporate it into your skin routine
Those that struggle with chronic pain have been known to benefit from the anti-inflammatory qualities of cannabidiol. If you want to make your own lotions and potions with CBD, add a few drops of oil into your favourite lotion. Combine the mixture well and apply to the area that feels sore.
As the lotion will need to absorb through the skin and deep into the muscle, the effects can take a while to be felt. However, if you’re finding that taking painkillers isn’t really working, this might just do the trick.
Alternatively, there are plenty of lotions, bath salts, and even CBD bath bombs available at your favourite stores like The Body Shop or Holland & Barratt if you don’t want to have to figure out doses yourself.
Spruce up your favourite cocktail
If you’re the type, who needs a drink to shed your introverted skin, spruce up your favourite cocktail with a little CBD. There are plenty of cocktail recipes online that incorporate both unflavoured or flavoured CBD products to help boost serotonin and keep anxiety at bay.
Vaping
As vaping is so popular, brands are now incorporating CBD into e-liquids for pens and mods. As with any CBD product, it’s a good idea to start with a low concentration vape juice so as not to overdo it. If you’re not feeling the effects at a low dose, you can either choose to vape more often or upgrade to a higher dose.
Note: CBD oil cannot be used in most e-cigs. You need to look for CBD vape juice, as opposed to oil. To use oils, you’ll need an oil-specific vaporiser.
Use it in the shower
There are now CBD or Hemp infused shampoos and conditioners that can be used as part of your daily routine. Hemp CBD offers a variety of essential nutrients that can protect and repair damaged hair.
Let us know how you’re currently using CBD or how you’ve found the above techniques.
