In the past couple of years, CBD has cropped up everywhere: from health stores to makeup counters. But it’s not always accompanied by information or education. It can be extremely hard to decode what to take CBD for or how to use it.
Maybe you’re new to CBD—or maybe you just want to learn more about it. To answer all of your burning questions and help you benefit the most from CBD, we’ve compiled a guide with everything you need to know.
What is CBD?
CBD, formally known as cannabidiol, is a naturally-derived compound found in the cannabis or hemp plant. It’s one of over 100 cannabinoids that naturally occur in the plant. It is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t affect your emotions or ability to think clearly. Because it has little to no negative side effects, CBD is legal across the United States. CBD is often taken as a supplement and consumed in a variety of forms, from oral to topical applications.
What is CBD good for?
People use CBD for a variety of personal reasons. Commonly, CBD is thought to help people relax, sleep better, and feel more focused. It has been proven effective in pain management, anxiety, and depression. Anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may also help reduce stress and support the immune system.
CBD has also shown medical promise. It is the main active ingredient in the first-ever FDA-approved cannabis medication, Epidiolex, for treating people with epilepsy. These are just a few of the known uses, but as research continues to grow, we may very well discover more benefits of CBD.
How does CBD work?
As a cannabinoid, CBD actually interacts with the body’s built-in Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors that receive cannabinoids and are used to help the body maintain homeostasis. Functions impacted by the ECS include cognition, digestion, and your immune system. When you use CBD, it enters the bloodstream and travels to these receptors scattered in cells throughout the body, including neurons in your brain and immune cells.
Can I take CBD and work out?
CBD may potentially enhance your workouts. There are plenty of possible benefits, from improving your focus to promoting restful sleep. All of these factors ladder back into performance and recovery, which are possible reasons to make CBD a part of your wellness routine. You can start small and take CBD before a run, a match, or a sweaty gym sesh to start observing the benefits.
What’s the difference between CBD and THC?
You now know CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is another popular and vastly-studied cannabinoid. Unlike CBD, THC has psychoactive, or mind-altering, effects and is therefore not legal in all 50 states.
THC is typically taken for either relaxation and pleasure or to manage a serious medical condition, such chronic pain. However, the potent effects may negatively impact someone with anxiety or stress by heightening these feelings.
How should I take CBD?
There are several ways to take CBD, from inhalation to eating an edible, but it is best taken sublingually (under the tongue or by mouth), like with CBD gum or CBD oil.
CBD-infused products such as edibles or capsules go through the body’s digestive system before ever hitting the bloodstream, which both slows down the absorption process and limits how much the body takes in. Only about 5-6% of CBD is absorbed through metabolization.
When CBD is absorbed through the lining of your mouth, it starts working up to 5x faster than other methods. And you can get greater bioavailability of up to 80%, making the effects that much more potent.
How do I know if I’m buying quality CBD?
Like with any supplement, you want to use a CBD brand you trust. Not all CBD products are created equally. Look for a brand that is transparent about its ingredients and production methods—and make sure the results are validated with third-party laboratory testing. For example, Favour uses only high-quality, full-spectrum CBD isolate that is CO2-extracted to preserve its potency—and natural, good-for-you ingredients. We make sure you know what you’re getting in each bite is the real stuff.
What is the best CBD product type?
Some of the most common CBD products you’ll come across include:
- Edibles (Gummies)
- Topicals (Lotion)
- Vape pens
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- CBD chewing gum
At Favour, we believe in the power of CBD gum. So much so that we built an entire brand about it. As you’ve learned from this article, there are plenty of science-backed reasons why chewing your CBD is the way to go—plus, it’s a discreet and portable way to incorporate CBD into your everyday life. Favour is also perfectly dosed at 10mg of CBD per piece, taking the guesswork out of getting your daily fix.
Have more questions? Read up on Favour here, or read more topics on our blog.