By now, you’ve probably heard someone talk about cannabidiol (CBD), especially if you suffer from a chronic condition like anxiety, discomfort, or pain. From CBD-infused lotions to goods like tinctures, edibles, and even pet products, CBD is seemingly ever-present as its use becomes more common in today’s society. 


According to a recent survey of 2,000 U.S. people conducted by OnePoll, 60% of U.S. adults have tried a CBD product for themselves and believe that they offer some form of medicinal benefit.1


But while it may be popular, does it actually work? Is it safe to use? More importantly, what types of effects might it produce?

Although CBD oil has received a lot of attention, many people are unaware of what it is, how it functions in the body, what to expect, or even whether or not it’s legal.


If you’re interested in trying CBD products but aren’t sure where to start, let’s take a closer look at this hemp derivative together to answer all of your questions about CBD!



What Is CBD Oil?

So, what exactly is CBD? CBD is a compound found within the hemp plant that belongs to a group of compounds known as cannabinoids. In fact, you’re likely already quite familiar with cannabinoids as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, found in marijuana) is one of them! CBD oil consists of CBD extracted from the cannabis sativa plant (both hemp and non-hemp plants produce CBD, but CBD is generally derived from cannabis sativa with less than 0.3 percent THC) mixed with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil.


 

How Does It Work?

Everybody has a system of receptors found throughout the body known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The body produces its own endocannabinoids that bind to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous and immune systems to control and regulate bodily functions. This includes mood, sleep, appetite, memory, fertility, and reproduction. The main goal of the endocannabinoid system is to achieve homeostasis, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and that the body’s processes are balanced. 


However, cannabinoids produced within the body aren’t the only type of cannabinoids. There are cannabinoids found within plants, known as phytocannabinoids. When cannabinoids like CBD from CBD oil are applied topically, taken orally, inhaled as smoke, or consumed as edibles, it interacts with these cannabinoid receptors in a similar manner to endocannabinoids. 



Does CBD Make You High?

One of the biggest concerns that many prospective CBD users have is whether or not CBD is going to get them high. The good news? CBD is not psychoactive! THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is what causes a high and is absent from CBD. 


That being said, it’s important to know that this may not always be the case. CBD products sold at dispensaries may contain different levels of THC. Whenever you’re shopping for CBD products, pay attention to the packaging to ensure you’re getting the type of CBD experience you want. 



Benefits of CBD Oil

The CBD industry, while popular today, is still quite new. As such, many of the benefits touted by users need to be researched further. There’s no guarantee that CBD will provide you with a specific effect. Additionally, some people may react to CBD differently than others. It’s important to remember this and to speak with a medical professional prior to incorporating CBD into your daily regimen so you can learn whether or not it’s right for you. 


With this in mind, Researchers continue to investigate the potential benefits of CBD for a range of physical and mental health issues. According to available research, there are potential benefits of using CBD for the following conditions:



Might Lessen Pain

According to this study of randomized, placebo-controlled experiments in 2020, in the application of CBD oil for peripheral neuropathy, the results showed a statistically significant decrease in severe pain, acute discomfort, cold and itching feelings in those who made use of the CBD oil.2 There were no negative results reported by participants.



May Reduce Anxiety And Depression

A previous paper published in Neuropsychopharmacology described a study on humans that showed CBD helped lessen the anxiety related to public speaking.3 According to the research, CBD may reduce anxiety generally and those brought on by dreadful events in the future. 



May Have Neuroprotective Properties

According to studies, CBD's ability to influence the endocannabinoid system and other brain-signaling systems may benefit people with neurological illnesses.4


In fact, one of the applications for CBD that has received the most research is the treatment of neurological disorders, including MS and epilepsy. Despite the fact that this field of study is still relatively new, numerous studies have yielded encouraging findings. One Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CBD medicine is Epidiolex.



Other Potential Benefits include:

The antipsychotic properties. According to studies, CBD may lessen the symptoms of psychosis in patients with schizophrenia and other mental health issues.5


Based on recent research, people who are dependent on certain narcotics and drugs, such as heroin, may find relief from anxiety, depression, and sadness with CBD.6


Better sleep. Some studies suggest that CBD may help people with specific sleep disorders to sleep well and better, however, more research is required.7



Possible Side Effects of CBD Oil

Although CBD is generally well-tolerated and regarded as harmless, some people may experience negative side effects. Specific side effects and the severity of those effects will differ from person to person and from one CBD product to another.


Some notable side effects associated with CBD include:



Diarrhea


Changes in appetite and weight


Fatigue


Drowsiness


Change in liver enzymes: The liver plays a significant role in drug metabolism. One rule of thumb when taking CBD is to avoid medications that have grapefruit warning labels. According to the Food and Drug Administration, consuming grapefruit while taking CBD medications may result in a greater concentration of the drug in the bloodstream, harmful side effects, or an overdose.8


What to Expect When You Start Taking CBD Oil

The use of CBD oil may help with moderate conditions including everyday feelings of anxiety, feelings of discomfort, and low mood. Everybody is different, so someone else’s experience may not mirror your own. However, those who start to take CBD oil may experience the following:


  • Greater physical and mental relaxation.
  • Reduced stress and feeling more at peace.
  • Relief from feelings of discomfort. 
  • A greater sense of ease, which may make it easier for some to fall asleep. 
  • Some people report a boost of energy when taking some CBD products. 


What Does CBD Feel Like?

The feeling of taking CBD is described by some as calming, both for the body and the mind. However, it ultimately depends on the kind of CBD product you choose to consume. What you experience is based on how your body responds to CBD, what (if any) other ingredients are contained in your CBD product, and similar factors.



How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects of CBD?

In general, you might start feeling the effects of CBD within 15 minutes after vaping it or taking it sublingually. It can take up to as long as two hours for edibles and topical medications to start work. 


Keep in mind that each person is unique, and variables like weight, height, body mass, and tolerance might have an impact on how quickly CBD is absorbed. There will always be some variation from the norm, so it can take some trial and error to determine which product is best for you. We advise you to see your physician to determine your personal CBD needs and dosage.



Ways You Can Take CBD

Depending on needs and preferences, you can administer CBD in a variety of ways such as:


Sublingually

This is the act of putting a substance under the tongue and giving it enough time to diffuse so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream immediately, which differs from traditional oral consumption methods. 



Gummies



This CBD form provides a different option for people who want to use CBD but find it difficult to swallow CBD capsules or do not like the flavor of CBD oil. It’s an easy, convenient, and often tastier way to consume CBD. However, absorption via digestion may not be as effective as other forms of administering CBD. CBD gummies often feature a wide range of doses so that you can control how much you take at any given time.



Tinctures

In simple terms, a tincture is an herbal extract that has been concentrated through the soaking of herbs in a liquid. The liquid is gradually infused with plant extracts over a period of weeks. After the herbs are squeezed out, you are left with a strong, consumable tincture. Tinctures are particularly easy for the body to absorb since they have a very high bioavailability. 


Soft Gel Capsules

One of the quickest and easiest methods to consume CBD is in a capsule form. Even if you typically have trouble swallowing pills, the soft textures of soft gel capsules make them easy to ingest. 


Balms

Similar to other CBD topicals, CBD balms are designed to be applied directly to the skin. They are designed to provide relief via absorption. Choosing a topical solution with a high concentration of CBD and using it liberally is the best way to make the most out of CBD topicals.


How Do I Take CBD Daily?

There are currently no evidence-based dosing recommendations as CBD products are still quite new. A general rule is to start with the lowest dose and increase it gradually as it best suits you.


Before using CBD, keep the following in mind:


Sublingual CBD Dosage

When using CBD sublingually, a number of factors can affect the right dosage. The frequency of CBD oil use varies from person to person and relies on a number of variables, including body weight and the severity of the ailment.



CBD Gummies Dosage

These CBD products are available in a variety of flavors and strengths. As a result, it is recommended that you start with a lower strength to ensure that you do not take more than the advised dosage. 



CBD Tinctures Dosage

There are no official dosage recommendations for CBD tinctures. You can start by finding out the potency of a single drop of your tincture, then establish how much of your tincture you need to take before you begin potentially experiencing the effects.



Soft Gel Capsule Dosage

We advise starting with the smallest dose and gradually increasing the dose once you are aware of how your body responds to CBD.



Balm Dosage

When using CBD products, we advise you to adhere to all packaging directions and never take more than the suggested dosage. Before using the product, always conduct a patch test to be sure it won't irritate or bother the skin.



How Long Does The Effect Of CBD Last?

This is not set in stone as it all depends on your body, what ailments you are using it for, how much you take, and how you take it. But in general, the effects of CBD may last for around two to six hours.



Choosing The Best CBD For You

Here are a few things to note when choosing CBD products:


  1. Look for CBD products that have passed lab inspection and are third-party tested by a licensed laboratory.
  2. Choose products that consist of U.S.-grown, organic hemp. Hemp is extremely effective at absorbing contaminants from the soil. By using products made from organic hemp, you can rest easy knowing your products don't contain any dangerous contaminants.
  3. Make sure the product does not contain more than 0.3% THC by evaluating the certificate of analysis (COA).
  4. Make sure that tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds are negative.
  5. Also, check for indicators of user trust and brand reputation such as customer reviews and testimonials.


Discover the World of CBD With BATCH

CBD has become a household name practically overnight. But while it can be an exciting natural substance to try for yourself, it’s important to remember that education is crucial to getting the most out of it. By knowing the proper doses, the potential effects, and what to watch out for, you can try CBD with confidence. 


It’s also important to make sure that you’re buying CBD from a reputable vendor. Enter BATCH! Our wide range of exciting CBD products like oils, tinctures, and gummies make it easier than ever to get your hands on high-quality CBD goodies for yourself. Shop now or check out our blog to learn more about CBD!


FAQ

Is Taking CBD Legal?

CBD is legal in the states. With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD has officially been removed from the Controlled Substances Act and is legal to possess/consume/sell everywhere in the US. All hemp and hemp derivatives under 0.3% THC are compliant.


Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking CBD?

CBD doesn't have intoxication qualities as alcohol does. The amount of alcohol consumed, the dosage of CBD, and the level of THC in the CBD product are all variables that can have an impact on the side effects of taking CBD along with alcohol. We advise you to speak with a healthcare provider about this.


Can I Take CBD With Medications?

Some medications should never be used with CBD; In order to avoid major problems, the dosage of other medications may need to be changed or reduced. Discuss all vitamins, supplements, prescription, and over-the-counter medications you're taking with your doctor before trying CBD.





Sources


  1. Forbes Magazine. (2022, September 28). Survey: 64% of U.S. adults think CBD is safer than alcohol, despite legality concerns. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/health/body/2022-cbd-survey/ 
  2. Y;, X. D. H. C. B. D. T. M. F. (n.d.). The effectiveness of topical cannabidiol oil in symptomatic relief of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/ 
  3. Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R. H. C., Chagas, M. H. N., de Oliveira, D. C. G., De Martinis, B. S., Kapczinski, F., Quevedo, J., Roesler, R., Schröder, N., Nardi, A. E., Martín-Santos, R., Hallak, J. E. C., Zuardi, A. W., & Crippa, J. A. S. (2011, May). Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/ 
  4. Devinsky O;Marsh E;Friedman D;Thiele E;Laux L;Sullivan J;Miller I;Flamini R;Wilfong A;Filloux F;Wong M;Tilton N;Bruno P;Bluvstein J;Hedlund J;Kamens R;Maclean J;Nangia S;Singhal NS;Wilson CA;Patel A;Cilio MR; (n.d.). Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: An open-label Interventional Trial. The Lancet. Neurology. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26724101/ 
  5. MG;, I. T. A. B. (n.d.). A systematic review of the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol in humans. Schizophrenia research. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25667194/ 
  6. Hurd YL;Spriggs S;Alishayev J;Winkel G;Gurgov K;Kudrich C;Oprescu AM;Salsitz E; (n.d.). Cannabidiol for the reduction of cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The American journal of psychiatry. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31109198/ 
  7. Suraev AS;Marshall NS;Vandrey R;McCartney D;Benson MJ;McGregor IS;Grunstein RR;Hoyos CM; (n.d.). Cannabinoid therapies in the management of sleep disorders: A systematic review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Sleep medicine reviews. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32603954/ 

8. Commissioner, O. of the. (n.d.). Grapefruit juice can affect how well some medicines work. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/grapefruit-juice-and-some-drugs-dont-mix

February 21, 2023 — Griffin Lynch

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