The cannabis industry is thriving, largely due to changing public attitudes towards cannabis. For many years, strict anti-drug campaigns and laws made possession a serious crime. However, nowadays, most Americans support cannabis legalization. This shift in opinion has fueled the industry’s growth.
Nowadays, legal dispensaries are increasingly common, offering products such as CBD oil and pre-filled THC vapes. With more states legalizing cannabis each year, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. Some states are taking gradual steps, first legalizing medical use before recreational use. For instance, West Virginia permits legal marijuana usage for those with a medical marijuana card.
Many people are still unclear about what CBD is, what it does, and why it has grown so popular. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. If you’re curious about CBD because you’re considering using it, or if you want to know the different ways to consume it, this article will help clarify things.
To understand CBD’s popularity, it’s important to first know what it is. There are numerous misconceptions because of its association with the cannabis plant, and people often confuse CBD with THC. CBD is the second most active cannabinoid out of the 113 found in cannabis.
Genetically, CBD shares similarities with THC but has significant differences in its effects. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have intoxicating properties, so it won’t make you high. However, it is psychoactive, but in a different way. For example, CBD increases anandamide levels in the body, leading to better pain tolerance and improved mood. On the other hand, THC closely mimics anandamide and binds strongly to CB1 receptors, creating an intense mood elevation.
One common question is about the benefits CBD offers. This is important because the medical industry has only recently started recommending CBD for certain conditions, and the cannabis industry often exaggerates its benefits. While CBD is not a miracle cure, it does offer some helpful short-term benefits.
CBD has shown effectiveness in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research, though ongoing, indicates that people who take CBD before public speaking experience fewer symptoms of social anxiety compared to those who don’t. Additionally, CBD is promising for chronic pain relief and is used in medications to reduce seizure frequency in rare epilepsy forms.
Another frequent question is about the various ways to consume CBD. You have several options depending on personal preference. For instance, using a vaporizer is convenient for on-the-go use or if you need help sleeping. To enjoy the anxiety-reducing effects throughout the day, edibles are a good choice. It’s also essential to understand the potency of each method to choose the one that suits you best.
