Did you know that experts expect the CBD industry to reach 5.9 billion dollars by 2024? Cannabidiol oil is quickly gaining traction with both older and younger generations, particularly as research continues to prove its benefits.
Because it’s understood to be safe and effective, many patients use CBD every day as part of their health routine. It’s used to ease pain, grant sleep, soothe anxiety, and even relieve nausea.
But because CBD is derived from the hemp plant and is present in medical marijuana, many have concerns about the safety of using it, especially on a regular basis. If you’re wondering how safe CBD is, how it’s different from THC, and if it could benefit you, keep reading.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a chemical derived from the hemp plant. Not to be confused with THC, the chemical which causes a high, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. This means that it interacts with the receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote balance. CBD is associated with many of the feelings of relaxation that come from smoking traditional marijuana, but without the high or psychoactive ingredients.
Some users are hesitant to try CBD because of its association with marijuana, but they shouldn’t need to worry. CBD won’t show up on a drug test. And unlike its relative THC, it doesn’t produce a high.
Still, you should be aware that CBD is not legal in all 50 states because it’s derived from hemp. Always check your state laws before purchasing CBD oil.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
The endocannabinoid system is known for its ability to support homeostasis in the body — helping your nervous system (and brain) work the way they are supposed to. Cannabidiol (CBD) helps regulate the endocannabinoid system, and hence support its ability to maintain homeostasis.
Bodily processes regulated by the endocannabinoid system include functions such as appetite, digestion, and mood regulation.
Because of this, CBD is used to treat patients with problems like anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and pain. But you can still benefit from CBD even if you aren’t trying to treat a particular symptom.
Here are some of the most commonly cited benefits of CBD, especially when used every day.
Better Sleep: CBD is well-known for its reported calming effect, which can help you drift off to sleep easier at night. Many people find it eases their anxiety, which can stop racing thoughts or bad dreams from disrupting your sleep.
Improved Mood: On top of anxiety relief, CBD is a popular mood regulator. Because it naturally works to bring the body back into balance, it’s used as a daily supplement to help stave off mood swings and anxiety. Many patients with depression, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks use CBD to help regulate their symptoms.
Regulated Appetite: Unlike its cousin THC, CBD won’t give you the munchies. What it will do is help bring your appetite back to where your body wants it to be. That can mean easing nausea, stimulating appetite, or staving off the intense emotions that can lead to therapeutic overeating.
While it’s not a weight-loss supplement and should not be used as one, some users have reported weight loss when using CBD in their daily routine.
Managing Blood Pressure: CBD is thought to work to balance your blood pressure by both psychological and physiological means. By easing anxiety and promoting a steady, boosted mood, CBD can help lower your blood pressure.
It also does so by interacting with the stress hormones that regulate your blood pressure, and many users report healthier BP readings when taking CBD.
Pain Relief: While patients with extreme chronic pain may opt for the high power of medical marijuana, CBD is well-loved for its own pain-soothing properties. Its ability to reduce inflammation and numb pain makes it popular with those who suffer from conditions like arthritis and migraines.
How Do I Use CBD?
Reaping the benefits of CBD is safe and easy, and there are many methods for doing so. While some may prefer to smoke CBD flower itself, many patients opt for the simple method of ingestion.
CBD is typically prescribed or bought in the form of concentrated oil, which you can take sublingually (under your tongue) or apply topically on the skin. You can also purchase CBD capsules and CBD gummies, which you swallow or chew, respectively.
Dosing depends on your body and your health goals, but it’s always advisable to start small and work your way up. Typically, you should be using a consistent dose for at least a week to properly gauge how it affects you.
While there are no recorded instances of someone overdosing on CBD, taking too much can lead to negative symptoms like drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Most patients start with a dosage of 10-20mg daily. If you wish, continue upping your dosage by 5mg a week until you find the amount that works best for you. Speak with your doctor to learn more about what dosage is best for your body and your symptoms you wish to treat.
Is It Safe to Use CBD Every Day?
The short answer to this is yes. CBD is generally safe to use every day. In fact, many patients find that CBD benefits them the most when taken daily.
CBD goes to work just a few minutes after it enters your system, and it continues to work until it’s completely metabolized. By taking a daily dose, you provide your body with a steady supply of CBD for continued relief.
Current research suggests that CBD is non-habit-forming and nonaddictive, so you shouldn’t need to worry about developing a mental dependency on it. Any physical symptoms of CBD dependency will be very mild and may include trouble sleeping for a few days.
With that said, you should always consult with your doctor before making any major changes to your healthcare. While rare, it is possible for someone to develop an allergy to CBD. CBD can also interfere with certain prescription medications, so never take it without speaking with your pharmacist or physician.
Exploring the Benefits of CBD
Whether you’re struggling with pain, anxiety, insomnia, or nausea, CBD may be a great new inclusion in your healthcare routine. As the stigma around both medical marijuana and CBD fades, more and more people are beginning to take advantage of the benefits provided by these products.
CBD is a safe, effective, and affordable alternative to more expensive or invasive treatments. It’s also easy to take as part of a daily routine, and will likely benefit you even if you feel healthy. Want to learn more about how you can use CBD every day? Check out more of our CBD blog or head over to our shop.
