How does CBD work?
CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a network of receptors located throughout your body—including in your brain, gut, and skin. These receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, are believed to control a wide range of bodily functions. The receptors of your ECS are ‘fueled’ by compounds known as cannabinoids.
There are two main forms of cannabinoids:
- Endocannabinoids – these are naturally produced by your body
- Phytocannabinoids – these are found in plant sources like hemp
CBD is the second-most abundant phytocannabinoid in nature. Like all phytocannabinoids, it can be applied in a variety of forms (more on that in a moment). Phytocannbinoids can provide an invaluable boost to your ECS when your body isn’t producing endocannabinoids in sufficient quantities to maintain cellular homeostasis, or balance.
A lack of homeostasis may result in a variety of unwanted physical and mental symptoms. Fortunately, CBD can help address these symptoms by supplementing your body’s natural production of cannabinoids. When CBD is delivered to your body’s ECS receptors via your bloodstream—or when it’s applied directly to your skin—it’s easier for your body to reestablish the balance it needs to function at its best.
What are the different types of CBD products?
When CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, it’s generally in the form of oil. This extract, known as CBD oil, is what most people imagine when they think of CBD.
Whilst CBD oils have become immensely popular in recent years, that oil can also be used to create a huge variety of different products. Some of the most popular types of CBD products include:
- CBD oil tinctures – this is the ‘typical’ CBD oil, which comes in a small vial. It’s designed to be consumed directly, or by adding drops of the oil to food, beverages, or bodycare products.
- CBD capsules – like the name suggests, these are capsules that are filled with CBD oil. Some CBD capsules also contain other ingredients like vitamins and minerals that provide synergistic benefits.
- CBD edibles – these are foods and drinks that have been infused with CBD before they’re sold to the public. CBD edibles run the gamut from gummies to brownies to olive oils—as well as waters, sodas, beers, and more.
- CBD topicals – these are products designed to be applied directly to the skin. You can find CBD-infused face creams, muscle gels, balms, mascaras, anti-wrinkle serums, and just about any other cosmetic product imaginable.
- CBD vape oils – sometimes known as ‘CBD e-liquids,’ these are designed to be inhaled with a vaporizer. CBD vape oils come in a huge range of flavours and potencies.
- CBD concentrates – some CBD products are processed using techniques that result in extra-potent products (which sometimes require special equipment, like a dab rig, to consume). CBD shatter, wax, paste, and the like are now common sights around Ireland..
Which kind of CBD is right for me?
Choosing the right type of CBD for you depends on your answers to the following two questions:
- How do you feel about trace amounts of THC?
- What issue(s) are you trying to address?
The first question is important because it will determine whether you buy a product with full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate. Most scientists believe that full spectrum CBD delivers the fastest and most beneficial results, since it contains the entire range of useful compounds found in the hemp plant.
However, if you’re skeptical about having any exposure to THC for whatever reason, then broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate might be better suited for your needs.
Secondly, some CBD products are better suited for certain purposes than others. For example, if you’re having problems with your knee, a CBD topical will allow you to target the affected area for localised relief.
People seeking near-instant full body effects, on the other hand, might prefer giving CBD vape oils a try. And if you’re looking for long-lasting relief throughout your body, CBD capsules might be the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate CBD
There are three types of CBD oil, each with their own claims to fame. The difference between the three comes down to how many other cannabinoids and terpenes, besides CBD, you will find in the CBD Oil you choose:- Full Spectrum. Full spectrum CBD oil contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes naturally found in the hemp plant without removing anything. This includes CBD, of course, but also other trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils. Why not start out by trying our very own Hemp Company Full Spectrum CBD Oil 10ml as an excellent introduction to the wide world of CBD oils?
- Broad Spectrum. Broad spectrum CBD oil removes THC after the initial extraction process. So, broad spectrum oils are just like full spectrum oils except for the THC part.
- CBD Isolate. CBD isolate is CBD oil where the only present compound is CBD and is made by carefully extracting CBD from all of the other ingredients present naturally in the hemp plant.
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Third Party Lab Testing
Third party lab testing is exactly what it sounds like - an independent company tests each of our CBD products and breaks down what is contained in our Hemp Company CBD, including these metrics:- The date the batch was received/tested
- The presence and percentage of different cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) within the product
- The presence of any other compounds - these can include pesticides, heavy metals, mould
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CBD Oil: Choosing Your Dose
At the Hemp Company, we want to ensure there’s a CBD Oil that’s perfect for all of our customers, and that’s why we offer a wide range of strengths from our own CBD Oils and the brands that we sell. All of the CBD Oils that we sell have specific dosing instructions included on the label, but if you’re new to CBD, we can offer a few tips for figuring out your ideal dose:- We would, above anything, advise you to start low and slow until you fully understand how CBD is making you feel. Start with one or two drops of a low percentage CBD oil and work up from there.
- Pay attention to how you are feeling. So listen to your body and don’t jump the gun and double your daily dose. Rather, take the first few weeks to feel how the CBD Oil is working (and it can take this long to feel its effects - it builds on itself). If you do want to increase your dose, again take it slow and increase incrementally.
- Be aware of the possible side effects. If you start feeling sleepy, have a dry mouth or feel off at all, experience nausea or diarrhea, these are all signs to decrease your dose.
- Seek trusted medical advice if you’re at all unsure or have an underlying medical condition before trying CBD for yourself.