Benefits of CBD

Cannabidiol or CBD as it is most commonly called has quickly become one of the most popular compounds of the over 60 cannabinoids to come from the Cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive and can help with relieving a broad range of ailments when properly utilized.

It is thought that CBD affects your health by attaching itself to receptors located throughout the body, this is called the endocannabinoid system. Made up of CB1 receptors located in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors located in the peripheral nervous system, digestive system, and specialized cells within the immune system. The endocannabinoid system is thought to be one of the most plentiful receptor systems within the human body, helping to regulate multiple bodily functions such as inflammation, pain, mood, sleep, appetite and digestion, among many others. There are two endocannabinoids that have been identified so far, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG) these two molecules are produced naturally in the body and regulate our internal functions. These endocannabinoids attach themselves to the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. Enzymes are then responsible for breaking these endocannabinoids down once they have completed their tasks. Most researchers believe that CBD, when bound to receptors, helps prevent the breakdown of endocannabinoids and elongate their effects.

Dosage can vary greatly from person to person. No solid science has shown what is the most effective for everyone and there are a few things to take into consideration when assessing your personal dosage. Concentration, body weight, desired effects, and personal tolerance all play important roles in finding what will work for you. A generalized chart is shown below, though it is worth mentioning that every single person is different and may react differently. In some extreme instances, it has been suggested that an individual consume 1,000MG or more of CBD daily to achieve their desired level of relief.

There are many forms of CBD products that can be used in many ways including tinctures, capsules, creams, edible, and smokable products. Which method works best for everyone can vary, though there is some science to show us the most effective ways of consumption.

Inhalation – While smoking is not the most appealing, vaping CBD may be more universal. There are many brands making pre-filled cartridges and disposable vapor devices that can be naturally flavored or have flavors added. Our bodies have many varicose veins along the airways which can absorb CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids rather quickly. While this is the most rapid acting, it is also the shortest lasting for effects.

Sublingual – Similar in concept to inhaling, placing a tincture underneath the tongue is a way to ensure rapid absorption into the blood stream. If you peek under your tongue, you’ll notice that you can easily see vessels just below the surface, this is where the cannabinoids are the most likely to be absorbed with efficiency. The natural taste of full spectrum CBD tinctures can be off-putting to some people and lots of companies are releasing flavored products to appeal to a broader audience. Products taken under the tongue should be kept there for 1 to 2 minutes for maximum absorption.

Topical – Creams and salves can be fantastic for localized aches, targeting specific areas of the body. Very little CBD actually passes through the skin and is absorbed into the blood stream unless the cream is designed specifically for transdermal activity. The major benefit to topicals, however, is that many are infused with menthols, mints, and even essential oils to aid in effectiveness of the desired treatment.

Edibles/Capsules – Orally consuming CBD containing products is one of the least efficient ways to consume the compound. After being swallowed, CBD products are first processed by the liver reducing the amounts that are absorbed during digestion. Consuming a CBD edible on a full stomach can help increase the amount of absorption by up to three times. CBD is a fat-soluble compound which is why many capsules and tinctures use MCT oil as a carrying agent. The more natural fats consumed in conjunction with the CBD, the more of the cannabinoid your body will utilize. This is the slowest method of consumption, but also the longest lasting making it more ideal for use as a long-term supplement.

While the number of products on the market can be overwhelming, it is important to find a regimen that is effective yet affordable enough to keep up with. When searching for a product or brand to add into your daily life, a transparent and honest company should be at the top of your list. Ensuring that you are receiving the amounts of CBD and other cannabinoids that are claimed on the packaging can be a daunting task. plurHEMP prides itself on transparency and provides the third-party lab results of all our products without request.