A Beginner's Guide to CBD

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about the many health benefits that CBD offers. Millions of people swear by CBD, and the numbers seem to support their claims. Reports show that the CBD industry will grow to $2.1 billion by 2020. But where should you start if you have no clue about how it works? Keep reading this CBD guide for beginners to help you navigate this exciting yet complex puzzle.

What is CBD?

First of all, it's crucial to educate yourself about CBD and what it actually is. Many people mistake it for marijuana, when in fact, this natural remedy doesn't produce any psychoactive effects. In other words, it doesn't get you high. More interestingly, CBD has been used in ancient medicine. Skeptics still claim that the health benefits associated with the use of CBD are unfounded. The good news is that a growing body of research now supports the benefits of using cannabidiol.

What are the benefits of CBD?

Despite being used for centuries, experts still consider CBD as fairly new. The early studies involving CBD reveal that it can prove useful for both the treatment and prevention of different illnesses. This list includes cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.

New studies also show that CBD can be an effective treatment for people suffering from anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Using CBD has also been shown to stimulate the production of anandamide and serotonin, which helps in stress management. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it effective for relieving pain.

How to use CBD?

In the US, buying and selling CBD has been legalized recently. The law states that the CBD products shouldn't contain more than 0.3% THC. For this reason, it's recommended to do your research and look for reputable companies offering CBD products that follow the government's restrictions.

You should also take the time to learn about the origin and purity of the product. As much as possible, choose one that comes from a local source. It's also wise to go for completely organic CBD. You may also want to learn about the third-party testing used by the manufacturer to test the effects of their product.

Of course, you would come across vendors that claim to offer the best CBD products on the market. You shouldn't blindly believe in their claims. Otherwise, you risk wasting your hard-earned money. If possible, ask friends or family members for recommendations. They may have used a particular brand before, so use the opportunity to get their honest feedback.

You should also know that CBD products come in different forms. From gums and jellies to oils and ointments—the choices seem endless. It's best to do your research and find a product that best suits your intended purpose. For pain management, for instance, you may want to try a CBD gel as it's the most straightforward to use. You'd want to keep things simple at first before trying out other things such as CBD vaping. As always, be aware of the effects of CBD on your body and stop using it if you notice any adverse symptoms.