3 Things To Know About CBD Edibles
As the laws around medical and recreational marijuana continue to evolve, new and different products derived from marijuana plants are starting to become available to more consumers. CBD edibles are one type of product that's creating a lot of buzz, and you may be hearing about it from friends or on social media. But what are they, and what can they really do for you? Take a look at some of the most important things to know about CBD edibles.
CBD vs. THC
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the major compounds found in marijuana. Whether or not you've used marijuana in the past, you're probably more familiar with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the other major compound in marijuana. THC is what produces the high that most people associate with the drug.
CBD, on the other hand, does not produce a high. In fact, it's believed to mitigate some of the intoxicating effects of THC. THC, in addition to more pleasant effects, can produce negative side effects like paranoia and memory impairment. However, CBD can help lessen those effects, which is why many THC-based products also contain CBD. CBD, on the other hand, can be taken alone, and has few known if any negative side effects.
Why Take CBD?
If CBD doesn't produce a high, why do people use it? It's important to know that CBD edibles are not FDA approved as a treatment for any condition or disease. CBD should not be used in place of medical treatment or against a doctor's advice. It's sold as a dietary supplement, and like many supplements, it may be beneficial for some patients and less useful for others. However, there is anecdotal evidence that CBD can have positive effects on sufferers of some medical conditions.
Users report that CBD lessens anxiety and eases chronic pain. It can be used as a sleep aid, depending on how much is taken. The compound has what's called a biphasic effect on sleep cycles. A small dose actually increases wakefulness, but larger doses have a sedating effect.
It's also been used by patients that suffer from epilepsy. One famous marijuana extract is named "Charlotte's Web" after a child named Charlotte whose parents and doctors claimed that her epileptic seizures were lessened with the use of CBD. That particular extract contained negligible levels of THC, but high levels of CBD. Its creators originally named it "Hippie's Disappointment" because of its failure to produce a high.
Why Take CBD in Edible Form?
There are a variety of ways to use CBD. It can be vaporized and inhaled, applied topically, and ingested as an oil. It can also be added to food products, like candy, gummies, and mints. Gummies are among the most popular ways to consume CBD.
There are a few reasons why edibles, and specifically gummies, are popular among CBD users. They're better for your lungs than smoking or vaporizing. They're discreet – if you want to consume CBD in a location that's more public than your home, eating gummies or other edibles is a way to do so without drawing attention to yourself. And of course, it doesn't hurt that the edibles are tasty and gummies and candy are a fun way to consume edibles. Gummies are also commonly used a delivery system for vitamins and other supplements, like the sleep-aid melatonin, so users are familiar and comfortable with this method of delivery. CBD users who choose to use CBD in edible form should be careful to keep the packages out of reach of children, however, as the treats may be tempting to kids.
Many CBD sellers offer sample-sized packages, so it's easy to find out if CBD would be helpful for you without making a large investment. If you think that you might benefit from CBD, check out a seller online or in your area for more information.