As a doctor who recommends CBD to my patients (and uses it myself!), I know the importance of finding the right CBD product for individual needs. When it comes to CBD, however, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s look at why, and how you can find the best products to meet your wellness goals..
Common CBD Remedies and Uses
There's plenty of scientific research and anecdotal accounts that show many health benefits of CBD (cannabidiol). Many folks are finding that it helps as a digestive aid, analgesic (pain relief), and sleep aid to name a few.
This is due in large part to the fact that we each have a unique system of receptors and neurotransmitters in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system hosts CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor sites throughout the brain, central nervous system, immune system, and many organs. The ECS is constantly working to keep all our systems in balance and plays a role in protecting us from the stimulus in our environment.
CBD for Everyday Wellness
Daily CBD usage is ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking to maintain a balanced lifestyle with good nutrition, exercise, and a sense of inner peace for the restless mind.
CBD supports our ECS by interacting with the CB receptors to help maintain health and wellness on a daily basis. By helping our bodily systems run smoothly, the ECS regulates the quality of our sleep, mood, digestive health, metabolism, mental clarity, focus, and more – a whole range of full-body benefits.
CBD for Sleep Support
CBD is a great option for folks who experience stress from their busy lives and have trouble sleeping. CBD may offer a natural and effective solution to enhance sleep quality, especially when combined with supportive ingredients like melatonin. When we get good sleep, we are more calm and balanced, with improved mood and the ability to focus and concentrate.
CBD for Pain Relief
CBD can be beneficial for those of us who deal with daily aches and pains or occasional discomfort. It can provide targeted or overall relief, depending on the CBD delivery method. A topical formulation like a cream or roll on, can be applied directly for sore muscles or joints.
For overall relief, CBD oil tinctures, gummies, or capsules can be taken daily or as needed. Unlike opioids, CBD is non addictive and is considered a safer option for relief.
CBD for Pets
Did you know that cats and dogs (like all mammals) have an ECS too? That means you can use the benefits of CBD for pets to enhance your furry friends’ wellbeing, including helping with common issues such as separation anxiety, fear of loud noises like thunder and fireworks, aggression, and mobility and pain.
If you’re looking to CBD to help your cat or dog, it’s important to use products made specifically for pets to avoid unwanted side effects and to ensure any tinctures or treats are free of THC and use only pet-friendly ingredients.
Recreational CBD
While CBD is powerfully beneficial on its own, there are additional variations with Delta 9 THC – perfect for deeper relaxation to help you unwind during your downtime or after a long, stressful day of work.
Delta 9 THC is made from legal hemp CBD by heating molecules of THCa, which produces a certain amount of Delta 9. Unlike CBD, Delta 9 THC is psychoactive and can produce a “high” – which means it should be used with caution for the beginner and only during leisure times. It’s wise to start with a low dose if you’re unfamiliar with the effects of THC in your body.
CBD for Calming
Sadly, stress is a part of everyday life, even if we make time for self care. Jobs, family schedules, classes, big life changes – it can all lead to stress. Again, thanks to how CBD interacts with our ECS, it can be a natural option for finding daily calm and relief. CBD supports the ECS, which in turn keeps us in balance as it works to protect us from feeling over stressed.
CBD can be especially beneficial when combined with other naturally supportive ingredients like ashwagandha and calming herbs like chamomile. You can also try CBD formulas with small amounts of THC for additional calming effects.
Understanding CBD Product Types
Not only does CBD come in a variety of delivery methods (oils, gummies, capsules, topicals, etc.) there are different types of CBD oil that make up these products as well. The most common are CBD isolate, CBD broad spectrum, and CBD full spectrum.
- CBD isolate only has cannabidiol as the one cannabinoid in that particular product.
- CBD broad spectrum is usually CBD isolate plus CBD alpha (the acid form of CBD).
- CBD full spectrum has the CBD isolate along with other cannabinoids found in hemp, and less than 3% THC (which is still considered legal at that trace amount).
All of these options can readily be found in a variety of products, including:
CBD Oil Tinctures
CBD oil tinctures are usually a blend of cannabidiol extract and an inert carrier oil like medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. This is usually administered under the tongue and takes the least time to feel the effects because the CBD doesn’t need to go through the digestive system. Taken this way, the effects may last up to six hours. Tinctures can also be added to drinks and food, which will increase the time it takes to feel effects.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are chewy edibles infused with cannabidiol. These can take about 30 to 60 minutes to feel the effect since they go through the digestive system, and effects may last up to eight hours. Gummies are popular because they are usually flavored, portable, and can be taken easily any time of the day.
CBD Pills
CBD pills are small consumable softgels, capsules, or tablets containing CBD in an oil carrier or powder form. These also can take about 30 to 60 minutes to feel the effect and may last up to eight hours. CBD pills are a great option to add to a daily vitamin or supplement routine and are much more convenient for travel.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are any product that contains CBD oil that you apply directly to the skin. It is usually used to help relieve pain and inflammation in a localized area. Many folks feel the effects within a few minutes, especially if the formula contains additional ingredients like menthol, and may last two or more hours.
Try the Best CBD Products
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to better wellness, from sleep to stress to relief, CBD has something for everyone. I use it myself, and recommend it to my patients every day, because I’ve seen how effective it can be.
I hope this has helped you understand the many benefits – as well as options – for incorporating CBD into your daily life. As I stated in my blog debunking CBD myths, when you decide to try CBD products, do your research and go with a CBD company that provides education and transparency of their lab testing, as well as adhering to GMP manufacturing standards to ensure your products are made in a clean and safe environment. While there are many brands flooding the market, I do highly recommend cbdMD because they meet all of these standards and I trust their products.
About Lucille Vega, MD
Dr. Lucille Vega is a highly experienced board-certified physician with a strong passion for cannabinoid medicine and its potential in improving patients' lives. She received her MD from Dartmouth, completed a residency at Brown University, and has 23 years of practice in Family Medicine. Dr. Vega is the physician/owner of Vega Direct Medical Family Practice, and has dedicated the past 7 years to incorporating Cannabinoid Medicine into her medical approach.