Every day more and more people are turning to CBD to help them with their specific needs and to increase their quality of life. Some people use it to help with their anxious feelings, chronic pain, and arthritis. Others might even take a dose of CBD with their supplements and medication to start the day off with some calm.
While many people claim that CBD is the perfect solution for them, other people can’t seem to find a CBD product that gives them the calming effect of CBD that it is famous for. If you are one of these people, then we’ve put together a list of different types of interesting CBD products you may not have used before. Of course, before trying any CBD product, discuss it with a physician to make sure it’s the right fit. We’ll focus on the different ways that each product can provide a calming relief.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol as scientists call it, is one of 113 identified cannabinoids. A cannabinoid is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants such as hemp. Cannabidiol is the essential element in all CBD products. When it reacts with the endocannabinoid system in our body, it can promote the effects of calm, reduced anxiety, and relief from chronic pain and nerve pain. If you want to feel this calm without feeling the psychotropic effects of THC, don’t worry; by the 2018 Farm Bill, all CBD products must contain less than 0.03% THC. That’s far below the amount of THC you would need in your bloodstream to feel psychotropic effects.
Transdermal CBD Patches
If you’re turning to CBD because you suffer from aches or localized chronic pain in areas like your ankle, your neck, or your lower back, then you might want to try CBD patches. These patches are a transdermal product that has an adhesive layer, much like nicotine patches. However, unlike a nicotine patch which serves to curve a craving, these reservoir patches can do so much more. Apply the adhesive to the painful area, and you’re done.
Not all transdermal patches are made alike. They have different potency levels, with some lasting for multiple days, so you might want to start with a small dose and increase depending upon your level of pain. Patches are a great option for people who need pain relief in specific areas of the body because other CBD products like edibles and vapes do not have the ability to treat a localized area.
CBD Topicals
A CBD topical is any product like a lotion or cream. A good topical can have the same lasting effects, even the best CBD patches. These ointments work in the same way as patches through chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) in a process called transdermal delivery. This process allows compounds to be absorbed through your skin and enter your bloodstream.
If you would rather massage your CBD into your system than have it delivered through a patch, then a topical is the choice for you. You also have a lot more room to play around with a topical, as you can make it into sunscreen, a moisturizer, and many kinds of beauty products. Also, if you suffer chronic pain in your hands or your feet, then a patch might not be as convenient of an option for you. In fact, a 2016 Study found that CBD lotions were instrumental n the relief of pain for arthritis patients!
CBD Water and Tea
Many people choose to mix CBD oil in their water bottle or put a few drops of the terpenes from their tincture into their tea. This option works well right before bed, especially if you are drinking chamomile tea or have taken a melatonin capsule for increased levels of relaxation and absorption into the bloodstream. CBD oil is a great option if you want to relax while you’re at work, and you might want to consider asking your entire office building if they wouldn’t mind you putting a few drops into the 5-gallon bottle after the water cooler delivery has made his regular water delivery for the week.
Just remember, while CBD is a wonderful compound, it does not enact a reverse osmosis purification process in your water. Try to avoid unpleasant tap water and instead try mixing your cannabinoid oil with mineral water, spring water, or water boiled for tea or hot chocolate. If you must drink out of a tap, try to find one with faucet filter attachments. Water that has not gone through reverse osmosis or some other purification method can contain microscopic impurities, heavy metals, and contaminants.
CBD Cigarettes
According to a 2013 study, CBD can be a great helper for people hoping to quit smoking. CBD cigarettes and vapes are a good option for people who want to quit smoking but miss the relaxing ritual of sitting down to smoke their menthol because CBD cigarettes contain no nicotine. Instead, they are rolled from dried-out hemp leaves, preserving the relaxing ritual of smoking without any of the addictive chemicals.
Remember, these four products are only a small sample of the wide world of CBD. CBD companies are inventing new methods to consume the compound with more and more efficacy. If none of these four products was a perfect fit then you might want to try CBD sodas, gummies, cookies, or one of the many other options available to you.