The cannabis industry is really taking off these days, partly because people’s views on cannabis are changing. For a long time, anti-drug campaigns and strict laws made cannabis look bad, treating even minor possession as a big deal. But now, public opinion has shifted, and most Americans are in favor of legalizing cannabis. As these views have evolved, so has the industry.
Nowadays, more and more legal dispensaries are popping up, selling everything from CBD oil to pre-filled THC vapes. With more states choosing to legalize cannabis each year, the industry is only expected to keep expanding. Some states are easing into it by legalizing medical use before recreational use. For instance, West Virginia permits marijuana use with a medical marijuana card.
If you’re like many people, you might not be entirely clear on what CBD is, what it does, or why it’s gained such popularity. CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. If you’re exploring CBD because you’re considering using it, or if you’re unsure about the best way to consume it, you’re in the right place.
To grasp why CBD has become so popular, it helps to understand what it actually is. Many people get confused due to its connection with cannabis, sometimes using the terms interchangeably. CBD is the second most active compound in cannabis, among the 113 discovered so far. Although CBD is genetically similar to THC, it has significantly different effects. It’s now widely used to ease anxiety, depression, and pain.
People often wonder, “How is CBD different from THC?” It’s a great question because there’s a lot of confusion about what CBD is and does. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have intoxicating effects; it doesn’t get you high, although it is still considered psychoactive. This is because both interact with the brain and body differently.
CBD increases levels of anandamide in the body, enhancing pain tolerance and mood by making the body more responsive to its natural endocannabinoids. On the flip side, THC imitates anandamide, binding tightly to CB1 receptors and causing a notable uplift in mood and emotions.
Another common question is, “What benefits does CBD offer?” This has gained attention as the medical field has only recently started recommending CBD for certain conditions. However, some claims about CBD’s benefits are overstated. While not a cure-all, CBD does offer some short-term benefits.
It can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although research is still ongoing, studies have found that people who consume CBD before speaking in public show fewer signs of social anxiety. Additionally, CBD has shown promise in managing chronic pain and is used in medications to prevent and reduce the frequency of seizures in two rare forms of epilepsy.
Finally, if you’re considering trying CBD, you might ask, “How can it be consumed?” There are several ways, depending on your preference. For on-the-go use or to help with sleep, vaping CBD might work best. If you want its calming effects throughout the day, edibles could be the ideal choice. Always check the potency of each method to find what works best for you.
