Between the wellness community, the beauty industry, and alternative medicine practitioners, it seems like everyone is talking about CBD. Just a few short years ago, nobody had even heard of the compound, and now it’s one of the fastest-selling compounds in the world.
This massive international attention is introducing more people to cannabis, even those who would never have considered using hemp or marijuana before. Have you thought about trying CBD but feel overwhelmed with all the information out there? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you where to get CBD, how to tell you’re buying a safe product, and briefly explain how CBD works.
What Is CBD, And What Does It Do?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, belongs to a class of compounds called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are derived from the cannabis plant. While there are over 100 unique cannabinoids out there, the two most well-known are THC and CBD.
THC famously produces the “high” felt during marijuana consumption. CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating. This means you can use CBD products without worrying about ending up stoned. Despite having drastically different effects, both CBD and THC work in a similar way.
All of our bodies have a complex system of neurotransmitters, and neurotransmitter receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps regulate several key life functions such as sleep patterns, memory retention, mood, reproduction drive, and appetite. When we consume cannabinoids like CBD or THC, they influence the way the endocannabinoid system works.
So while CBD consumption doesn’t result in intoxication, it can still have significant effects on the body by interacting with our ECS. For example, preliminary research suggests that CBD may be effective at reducing inflammation and relieving pain—making it extremely promising for those with conditions like arthritis.
Studies also indicate that CBD could potentially help treat several different anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Many people order CBD oil to help them sleep at night, and others use the compound to help them stay focused during the day. These are just a handful of CBD’s many uses!
Due to the history of legal restrictions, there are only a handful of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of CBD as a medicinal compound. However, the research that we do have looks incredibly promising. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has even approved CBD for use to treat seizures under the name Epidiolex.
Where To Find CBD Oil For Sale
Recently, the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived CBD, which is why you’ve likely seen so many more CBD products than you used to. While CBD may be legal in the federal government’s eyes, it’s still up to each state to set its own laws and regulations governing the sale of cannabidiol. Fortunately, almost all states have followed the fed’s lead in legalizing CBD; however, some states make it easier than others to acquire CBD.
If you live in a state with legal marijuana, then sourcing CBD should be simple. Just go down to your local dispensary, and ask the budtender for high CBD flower, CBD oil, or concentrates with a large percentage of CBD. In other states, you may be able to buy CBD oil in traditional retail establishments like pharmacies or convenience stores, though they may be of suspect quality.
How To Ensure Your CBD Is Safe
Because the CBD industry is largely unregulated, it’s essential to make sure you’re purchasing a high-quality product that’s both effective and safe. Unfortunately, many of the bottles of CBD oil available at the average gas station or corner store misrepresent the amount of CBD in their product or could have potentially dangerous foreign materials in them.
Before purchasing any CBD product, it’s always advised to check out the brand’s website. There, you should look for a certificate of analysis (COA). A COA indicates that a manufacturer has taken steps to have their products tested by a third-party lab for potency and any potential mycotoxins, microbials, residual pesticides, and heavy metals. If you can’t find a COA on the seller’s website, try reaching out via email, or look into another brand. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
