Taking CBD has been described to make people feel less anxious and less in pain. It’s also been associated with getting a better night's sleep because of its calming effects. “The feeling you get on vacation when you realize you don’t have to go to work in the morning. It’s a sense of wellbeing, without an artificial euphoria,” Mattias described. But before getting excited about the benefits, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into.
People should do their research and ask questions regarding where the CBD is sourced, quality of the distillation process, where the cultivation and processing of the hemp are done, and any further information. There are many products that only contain hemp seed oil which does not actually contain CBD. This is because CBD is mostly found in the stalks, stems, leaves and flowers of the plant, and not from the seeds. Dan Sutton, CEO at Tantalus Labs, recommends that first time users should look for Broad Spectrum CBD Extract in favor of Hemp-based CBD whenever possible.
Sutton also notes that it’s also important to know that CBD extracted from industrial hemp is what is federally legal, whereas CBD extracted from the cannabis plant is only legal in states that have legalized the sale of recreational cannabis. CBD that is extracted from hemp plants contains lower amounts of THC than CBD pulled from cannabis. When it comes to extraction, oil extraction is most popular. It involves using alcohol to separate and collect the active compounds. The solvent takes the cannabinoids out of the plant and the liquid is evaporated which leaves the chemical compound in the oil form.
Because CBD affects everyone differently, it is recommended to experiment with different dosages and products to find the perfect fit. For someone who has experienced the effects of cannabis, they can start off with relatively higher doses because they’ve already experienced the effects of CBD. It is also recommended to consult with a doctor if using CBD for a specific medical reason. CBD brands that make specific claims about treating any type of disease or illness should be avoided, as there is no proof that CBD can heal any medical issue completely. According to Mattias, chronic pain usually requires a sustained high dose, at least 100mg a day while anxiety and mood issues can normally be resolved in the neighborhood of 10-50mg. “A normal dose would be between 3-15mg and about 10-100mg a day. It really depends on what symptoms the individual Is targeting.”