Numerous researches reveal to us the great use of Cannabidiol (read more). CBD is an active compound found in the cannabis plant. The products are mostly extracted from hemp, which has 0.3% of THC. This THC, if you consume it in large numbers, will get you high. Thus, CBD isn’t intoxicating, but it causes some drowsiness.
For those who suffer from arthritis, when they try CBD, there are reports of anxiety reduction, sleep improvement, as well as pain relief. But you need to know that the studies on it for curing arthritis haven’t been validated in humans yet. The effects experienced in animal studies, that researchers found them having anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
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Different Type Of Products
CBD products can be inhaled, applied to the skin, and taken orally to cure joint problems. Each of them has pros and cons.
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Inhaled
The product is inhaled via vape, pen, or vaporizing. However, inhaling chemical byproducts or vapor oils bring unknown risks, especially for people with inflammatory arthritis. For this reason, the CDC won’t recommend vaping since there are findings of deaths and hospitalization from severe pulmonary disease due to vapor.
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On The Skin
The CBD is also available as topical products like balms or lotions. It is applied directly to the skin over the painful area. Whether the product is effective enough to bring the substance below the skin is questionable because a topical product may include other common ingredients like capsaicin, menthol, and camphor, which makes it difficult to see the positive effect of Cannabidiol itself.
Another choice is by having a tincture or spray under the tongue for one or two minutes. It will be absorbed into the bloodstream directly, and you will see the effect within 45 minutes. Some people avoid this way since the taste isn’t pleasurable.
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By Mouth
CBD also comes in the form of liquid, food, or capsules that are absorbed through the digestive system. The cons for having this are the slow absorption and the tricky dosing because there will be a delay of its effect, recent meals, unknown effects of stomach acids, and other factors.
People may take CBD capsules daily after an effective and safe capsule dose is established. But, experts warn it’s taken via edibles like cookies or gummies because it may attract children, and the dosing is unreliable.
How To Pick The Best Products
When you choose the best CBD products in the form of capsules, set up several indicators like transparency, quality, and safety. Also, consider the following things:
- Choose a product produced by a company that provides proof from third-party testing.
- Must be made with US-grown hemp.
- Must contain no more than 0.3% THC. This is based on the COA, or certificate of analysis.
- Must pass tests for heavy metals, molds, and pesticides according to COA.
- Also, consider the manufacturing and certifications processes if the ingredients have organic indicators certification with good brand reputation and user trust.
- Must be easy to access and use. Easy here means easy to swallow and safe for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
As you can see, one of the biggest factors concerning the quality is the company manufacturing. That is why you need to read review on specific products you see to know whether the company mention any unsupported health claims or is subject to an FDA warning announcement. We have a CBD glossary to complete your knowledge of this medication.
- CBD isolation means pure CBD, with no other terpenes or cannabinoids.
- Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are produced by plants. The terpenes can be found in cannabis that’s responsible for giving distinct effects.
- Cannabinoid is a compound like CBD and THC derived from cannabis.
- Full-spectrum means that the drugs contain both terpenes and cannabinoids found in cannabis.
- Broad-spectrum means that the medication has all compounds from cannabis except the THC.
Additionally, there are a variety of formulas that are distributed widely in this country, which are the full spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates that don’t contain cannabinoids other than CBD.
The full spectrum contains so little THC that it won’t bring you to a classic “high”. Yet, if there is a presence of other cannabinoids together, it will create an “entourage effect” to the body. This effect produces more benefits than taking CBD only. The more cannabinoids are present, the more beneficial the entourage effect (link: https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms/medical-marijuana-rheumatoid-arthritis-pros-cons-different-delivery-systems/).
But for those who take full-spectrum products, the THC might show up on drug tests, so this med isn’t recommended for people who do frequent drug testing. And isolates seem to work more effectively, especially for people who can’t take additional cannabinoids.
Dosage And Side Effects
Studies were conducted to know the exact dose of CBD for different conditions. To make it safe, you better read the instructions of the product carefully. Use the dose as mentioned on the label. Do not overdose since it can increase the side effects and bring you to other problems. The dose also depends on the strength and form and whether it has other active ingredients.
The side effects include diarrhea, drowsiness, and tiredness. Other side effects are vomiting, dry mouth, weight loss, decreased appetite, and high liver function. Yet, based on studies, most people tolerate this medication well. And those side effects mostly happen in the early stages.
When you have this drug, you have to be very careful when driving, performing risky activities, operating tools and equipment because it may cause drowsiness and tiredness. Do not give CBD to people with Parkinson’s and liver disease. And don’t take this drug with others that control seizures.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you have other medications, but you want to try taking CBD.
