CBD Oil: Is Stronger Always Better?

Over the last few years, shoppers have grown increasingly health conscious, favoring organically-sourced health supplements over conventional synthetics like dextrose and creatine powders.

Scientific research on the therapeutic potential of cannabis compounds, for instance, has sparked a lot of interest in hemp and hemp-sourced health supplements.

 

One of the primary reasons cannabis legalization is so hotly debated today is due to its psychoactivity, which is determined by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. However, THC isn't the only therapeutic compound found in large quantities in cannabis. The other is cannabidiol (CBD), which is in fact the “the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana).”

 

What exactly is CBD?

CBD is a non-psychoactive extract of the cannabis plant that has been shown to have significant therapeutic benefits. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by activating receptors which regulate emotional response, the sensation of pain, inflammation and other functions throughout your body, including immune system regulation and the release of key hormones for stress management.

CBD can be taken orally, or can be inhaled as vapor through a vaporizer. CBD oil products are also available for topical use in skin care products. Some common examples of CBD products include edibles, tinctures, bath bombs, and vaping e-liquids.

 

Does CBD “Strength” Matter?

CBD strength ratings are a good way to understand how much CBD you're going to need to take for your respective height, weight, gender et cetera. It’s worth noting that trying the strongest CBD oil right off isn’t necessarily the best course of action for all users.

 

Those who have extreme or severe levels of anxiety might be better off using higher potency products, because they introduce a higher dosage into the system quickly. However, those with only minor symptoms would be better served using lower dosages since they are easier to adjust.

 

Low potency (16-30mg/ml) is usually recommended for people with mild anxiety, or only occasional pain and inflammation. Standard potency products (60-160mg/ml) are better if anxiety levels or pain is moderate but not severe. Higher potency (up to 300mg/ml) is strong enough for those with severe anxiety and pain or chronic debilitating symptoms.

 

The main things to consider and balance are price range (which varies depending on CBD concentration), how it will be used (whether taken directly or incorporated into edibles and drinks), and the reason for consuming CBD. Though there are many who would surely benefit from higher potency CBD products, they aren’t necessary or even advisable in everyone’s case.

 

CBD Types: Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate

There are two main types of CBD available on the market today: full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. The difference between these two products lies in their number of active ingredients. Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC along with various complementary terpenes, while pure CBD isolate contains no other active ingredients besides cannabidiol.

 

CBD isolate has been shown to be beneficial for those who do not want any psychoactive side effects or liabilities that come with THC, but it also comes with its own drawbacks. Full spectrum cannabis offers a wider array of benefits in a single product simply because it provides more health-positive compounds. This is also the primary driving factor for its growing popularity.

 

How to Use CBD

Because quality CBD products are flavorless, they are also quite versatile. CBD can be infused into food via incorporation with other ingredients, or in drinks by simply adding a dose into a shake or smoothie.

 

Some of the common uses for CBD products are for anxiety, pain relief, inflammation, and insomnia. Using CBD as a sleep aid is sometimes reported as preferable over Ambien or Lunesta among some regular consumers. People who have used CBD to reduce stress report that it also reduces blood pressure levels and heart rate.

 

Did you know that CBD can also be beneficial for pets? Read CBD FOR PETS VS. HUMANS: CAN I SHARE WITH MY DOG?

 

SmokersGuide.com disclaimer:

SmokersGuide.com takes pride in featuring high quality articles to its readers, however does not assume liability for the claims and medical facts presented by the author. Please check with your doctor or medical practitioner, before consuming any products containing CBD, THC, herbs and Smart Products, or any other products recommended here. Make sure to always check for advised dosages, and please keep all THC and CBD products (including vapes, flowers, oils, concentrates or edibles) away from children, animals and any persons who may not desire to consume them. Make sure to clearly mark all products with warnings about the contents, and store all products in locked, child-proof containers, to avoid accidental ingestion. Please check your own country's laws regarding CBD and THC, and make sure shipping is allowed. SmokersGuide.com content is always created in countries where cannabis products are legal, for medicinal and/or for recreational uses. Smokers Guide does not encourage the use of cannabis in countries where its consumption is illegal.