CBD 101
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one compound within a large family of naturally occurring chemical composites known as cannabinoids. While over 100 cannabinoids can be isolated from the hemp plant, cannabidiol is one of the most prominent and is known to directly impact your body's endocannabinoid system.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the 'high' typically associated with cannabis ingestion. Its properties are associated with healing and harmonizing, working with our bodies to create and maintain equilibrium.
How does CBD Work?
Research is beginning to show that CBD behaves differently than other well-studied cannabinoids.
All cannabinoids (endo-, phyto-, and synthetic) act as ligands, meaning they dock onto the binding site of a protein and have the ability to modulate a receptor's behavior. While researchers once believed that CBD attached to receptors within the body's endocannabinoid system, it now appears that they do not attach directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Rather, CBD directs the body to use more of its own cannabinoids.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system, is widely considered the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining full-body health. Named after the plant that led to its discovery (cannabis), it is known to consist of a series of endocannabinoids and their receptors throughout the body.
Cannabinoid receptors are found in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. Within each receptor site, the system performs different tasks to create and maintain balance, or homeostasis.
How to Dose CBD Oil
Each glass dropper measures 1 fluid mL of CBD oil, divided into quarters. Below you will find the total concentration of CBD present within each measured dose of CBD oil.
The below measurements indicate the amount of CBD (mg) found within each dropper volume (mL).
Things to Remember About Dosing CBD
Start low, go slow
The first thing to learn during a CBD 101 course is that it's best to start with a smaller dosage and increase the intensity over time when beginning a CBD oil regime. This means begin with 10-40 milligrams per day. After a week of this, if you feel the need to increase your dosage, add 5 mg to your routine. Continue incremental increases every week until you feel the dose is effectively treating your symptoms.
Give CBD time to build up within your body
On average, a minimum of 20-30 days is required to start seeing benefits of CBD oil, especially if you are dealing with chronic issues.
Factors that affect absorption rates
Body weight, metabolism, other medications and supplements, and method of ingestion play a role in how CBD is absorbed into the body.
Full spectrum benefits
A full-spectrum CBD oil will have other plant cannabinoids as well as a small amount of THC, helping the entourage effect work within your body.
The better the quality, the better the results
The quality of CBD plays a crucial role in providing therapeutic effective results.