If you’re new to medical cannabis or even just curious about it, you may have heard of THC and CBD: the two most common active compounds found in the marijuana plant. Those who wish to experience the medical potential of cannabis will want to know what these compounds are and what they do.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is just one of the active molecules found in the marijuana plant that has potential medical benefits. On its own, CBD is not psychoactive and does not get you “high.” That doesn’t mean it’s not useful! More testing is needed, but CBD seems to have dozens of potential medical applications including treatment for:
- Seizures
- Chronic pain
- PTSD
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism/opiate addiction
- Cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy
- Muscle cramping
- Dermal abrasions
- Mood disorders
- Many more. Research is being conducted daily to discover new applications for CBD
CBD oil is derived from either marijuana or its genetic sibling industrial hemp. This oil is created by stripping the active compound from the whole plant, leaving behind a nutritious fluid rich in CBD and other active compounds called terpenes. CBD extracted from hemp is legal in all areas while “full spectrum CBD” drawn from cannabis can only be purchased in states where marijuana is legal.
Is CBD Better Than THC?
Though a common question, the answer is a bit tricky. The word ‘better’ is subjective. CBD is non-psychoactive, non-toxic, and non-habit forming, so there are few (if any) medically relevant drawbacks to consuming CBD. THC is also non-toxic, but overconsumption of THC can lead to very unpleasant side effects that may last for several hours. CBD has no known dangerous side effects.
What’s The Best Way to Take CBD?
Depending on the form it’s purchased in, CBD can be used many different ways. Generally speaking, you can take CBD in all of the same routes marijuana is consumed. How you choose to take it is entirely dependent on the forms that are available to you, your preferences, and any health restrictions.
- Edibles – CBD extract can be infused into candies, beverages, capsules, gum, baked goods or any food item that you can imagine. These are known simply as “edibles,” and they are the most popular method of taking CBD. These food/beverage items generally contain no odors or flavors of cannabis. The effects of CBD can be felt within a few hours of eating and tend to last for quite some time.
- Vaping – CBD oil can be extracted from the hemp or cannabis plant and vaped. Vaping involves using devices that heat the oil rapidly into a vapor and then inhaling the vapor. The effects of vaping CBD are felt immediately, allowing for very accurate dosing. When you feel better, just stop vaping. Need more? Take a few more puffs.
- Smoking – Though falling out of favor by those that are more health conscious, CBD-heavy cannabis is available in most places where medical marijuana is sold.
- Tinctures – Tinctures are alcohol-based CBD extracts that can be administered under the tongue for rapid absorption.
- Topicals – Targeted for those with skin irritations, mild to moderate nerve pain or muscle cramps, topicals are applied directly onto the skin where they are absorbed into the immediate area. Unlike every other method of delivery, topicals don’t deliver the CBD molecule to the bloodstream, so the effects are only felt locally.
What Should I Look For When Choosing a CBD Product?As stated above, your choice of CBD product will primarily depend on how you wish to consume it. More importantly than that, you’ll want to spend some thought on WHERE to purchase your product. There are many fly-by-night operations taking advantage of CBD’s popularity and rushing cheap CBD products to market. Don’t be fooled: Purchase your CBD from a reputable vendor with a solid reputation for quality and safety in its products. All Greens Clinic is the most trusted MMJ clinic in Sun City, Arizona. We specialize in enrolling our patients into the statewide medical marijuana program. We also have extensive knowledge of all aspects of medical cannabis including CBD. Visit our blog to learn all about it! If you have any questions at about CBD and its benefits feel free to contact us or make an appointment to visit our clinic and speak to our expert staff.
