CBD or cannabidiol is a chemical substance procured from cannabis plants, where only a specific part of the plant has medicinal purposes and health benefits. CBD products for medical use are not addictive when administered under a specialist’s observation. Many studies highlight its health benefits for alleviating symptoms of incurable and chronic health issues.
Let’s understand it further below:
CBD – Cannabidiol
Several studies show promising outcomes for patients suffering from anxiety, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy also experience some relief from nausea, vomiting, and pain.
Since medicines have side effects, CBD can cause problems if not used carefully. Non-prescribed use may lead to unwanted complications rather than easing symptoms. For instance, some studies warn of increased risk of developmental issues, liver toxicity, adverse drug interaction, and reproductive health problems if you use CBD without an expert’s advice. As such, you must know who can use CBD or how to administer dosages to minimize such consequences. And mind that cannabis-based products, medicines, or edibles only help relieve symptoms. It does not provide a cure for illnesses. So, do not anticipate too much, and before trying different products, refer to this Edible Dosing Guide for more details on safe doses.
The following passages unveil a guide and know-how on CBD use to yield better outcomes.
- Find Your Preferred Dose Administration Method
There are three modes or methods to observe CBD, such as topical and oral use and ingestion with food. The following sections explain each.
- Combine with food
CBD products come in different forms, such as capsules, tinctures (or oil), and soft gels or creams. You can use CBD oil with food. Similar to oral ingestion, mix CBD oil with food and eat. But be careful not to cook your food in CBD oil, as high temperatures may change its chemical properties. The safe way is to add a few drops to your cooked food or whatever dosages your doctor recommends. Mixing it with food is an effective technique to subside the distinctive taste if you have a problem with the oil’s aroma and flavor. But if the CBD oil’s scent or taste does not bother you, you can place a few drops under your tongue, hold for one to two minutes, and then swallow. CBD products also come in edibles, including brownies, gummies, candies, beverages, chocolates, and more.
- Direct oral use
Oral ingestion is one of the easiest ways to experiment with CBD products. It’s similar to how you take other medicines and tablets. For instance, use water, juice, or any other beverage to ingest the CBD medicine orally. CBD comes in capsule, pill, and gum forms, making consumption more convenient. And you can find products with varied dosages in the market and purchase what your doctor suggests.
- Topical use
Topical use is similar to the application method of ointment, cream, gel, or oil for skincare or wounds. Apply a few drops of CBD oil or a recommended amount on the skin and massage slowly for a few minutes. You will experience a soothing effect for pain, burning sensation, or inflammation. But mind that topical use only soothes a specific skin area where you apply the topical product. Topical use does not trigger a systematic effect, unlike oral consumption.
- Consult A Specialist
Cannabis-based products may have shown promising results in alleviating symptoms. But it’s not the first line of treatment. It’s not an alternative to well-researched and approved drugs and treatments. And CBD is not safe for everyone. Hence, be cautious. Only doctors can try unconventional treatment approaches when conventional methods do not provide much relief to patients. They know how to complement patients’ treatment with other options to counterbalance the side effects associated with the primary regime. For instance, nabilone is a capsule form of CBD recommended to patients suffering from chemotherapy side effects. Doctors try these off-the-record treatments only when other medicines for nausea, vomiting, and sickness are unsuitable or not showing promising results for chemotherapy symptoms. Nonetheless, only a healthcare specialist can tell who can experiment with CBD or other alternatives. Hence, book an appointment with a specialist before trying CBD products.
- Observe Dosages Carefully
Currently, no regulatory authority regulates CBD dosages. Its uses are still under observation, as results lack scientifically-proven benefits. Doctors also experiment with small dosages to find what works for patients with different health issues and symptoms. But generally, existing literature shows that adult CBD dosage falls between 15mg to 30mg once a day. The exact dosage varies from person to person and their body weight. And the lack of proven information only leaves the flexibility of experiments.
On top of that, you have to find what works for you gradually. But do not jump start with a higher dose from day one. Take it gradually. Start with your care provider’s recommended prescription and observe for a few days. Ask your healthcare provider if you cannot find CBD products with the exact dosage. Do not divide large or add smaller dosages at your convenience.
- Check The Quality and Contents of CBD Products
CBD may be an off-the-record complementary treatment, but it’s the talk of the town. Since CBD products do not have extreme side effects, many prefer it over prescription medicines. As a result, its demand has amplified over the years. Patients suffering from chronic inflammation, pain, nausea, and vomiting can finally sigh in relief with such a harmless substitute. They’re willing to pay much higher prices than approved drugs. And they can reach out to several suppliers for diverse varieties of CBD products. But such a hurried and amplified demand has also increased fraud incidents. You will find products with higher THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), an addictive chemical in the cannabis plant. If you consume products with higher THC, you can develop dependency and other harmful side effects. Some products are marketed as medically-safe with instant relief, but long-term use can increase risks for other well-being issues. In essence, be wary of the content and quality of CBD products. Purchase products only from authorized and registered suppliers and dealers and verify purchased products from your healthcare expert before using them.
Conclusion
Promising results from a CBD-based product depend on the drug administration method, specific dosages, and period of use. Results also depend on underlying health issues and the symptoms. Such elaboration on CBD use may sound vague because it’s not a regulated drug or treatment approach. Hence, you have to observe how it works and if it is a potential substitute for you. And finally, mind that CBD use may not yield desired results for everyone, even if studies do not show alarming side effects.