CBD is no longer news, more so if you’re battling conditions like anxiety and pain.

However, there’s almost always something new to learn –or an old perception to correct – mainly about a concept with increasing misconceptions like CBD.

This article gives a quick CBD guide for dummies – including how it works, its potential health gains, safety concerns, and side effects, dosage, legality, and even more.

If you’ve ever had a hard time understanding CBD’s complexity, this article is a helpful guide into the world of the trending compound.

Without much ado, let’s quickly explore the CBD world in the simplest possible way.

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound –amongst over 100 other cannabinoids – found in the hemp plant. Interestingly the compound is non-intoxicating. That is, the typical high associated with cannabis dosage does not occur with CBD dosage.

So you know – the high users experience is found in another compound [of the same hemp plant] called Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

Although both THC and CBD are touted to offer several therapeutic benefits, CBD won’t get you high, unlike THC.

What Does CBD Treat?

Except for Epidiolex – an FDA-approved CBD-infused pharmaceutical prescription for the treatment of Dravet Syndrome and Lennox Gastaut syndrome – two rare forms of epilepsy, CBD is yet unrecognized as a treatment for any other condition.

However, reports from ongoing research look promising. With supportive anecdotal evidences, CBD is believed to help manage a range of conditions, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Chronic pain
• Arthritic symptoms
• Sleep disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anorexia
• Cancerous symptoms
• And even more.

Little wonder, CBD attracts nicknames like a miracle drug, cure-all drug, etc.

Even more, the compound offers similar benefits to pets. Note that humans and animals have a similar endocannabinoid system(ECS), the network to which CBD binds to create the effects it offers.

Now you know CBD can help you handle a range of conditions, how do you dose this promising compound?

CBD Dosage

For convenience, CBD is available in different dosage forms, including:

• Oils and Tinctures – Usually administered orally or sublingually, under the tongue
• Topicals (creams and lotions) – Applied on the targeted spot for joint and muscle pain. They also come handy for conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
• Edibles – CBD is also infused into edibles like gummies, beverages, and other consumables.
• Vaping – CBD may also be used in making vape concentrates. Followed by sublingual administration, vaping is arguably the fastest way to feel CBD’s effects.
• Smoking – CBD may also be smoked, just like cannabis.  You can roll the flower yourself, or try a pre-rolled CBD joint.

However, note that vaping, and any form of inhalation, may cause damaging effects for your lung health. Hence, if you must, vape cautiously

Talking adverse effects…

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil?

Although CBD research is in its infancy, so far, there are yet no documented CBD-related side effects.

CBD is considered widely safe and well-tolerated. However, a handful of users report mild effects such as:

• Change in appetite and weight
• Slight fatigue
• Diarrhea

While animal-based research links CBD to liver toxicity, the authors say the subjects were force fed with extreme CBD doses. This could be the cause of the adverse result.

As we await more research to validate CBD’s potential side effects, consult your physician before using any CBD oil and its products.

Away from side effects, how about CBD’s legality?

Is CBD Legal?

Widely so.

In 2018, President Trump’s Farm Bill made hemp and its product legal under federal law. According to the Bill’s definition, hemp may contain, but not more than .3 percent THC.

However, CBD remains illegal but in a few states. So, while CBD is legal federally, check what your state laws say before you dose.

Wrap up

There you have it – CBD’s basics. While there’s a lot more to know about CBD, this dummies guide should get you started on a good note.

However, before you dive into the CBD world, do well to discuss your concerns with a health expert.