CBD is often mentioned when it comes to medical marijuana. But CBD is a little different from other active compounds found in cannabis, especially THC. Recreational CBD is not intoxicating, for example.
THC and CBD may both have beneficial properties. Both come from the same plant, and both are under intense clinical study.
How Does CBD Work?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid produced by a plant. That makes it a phytocannabinoid.
Phytocannabinoids work on the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS helps regulate many vital body processes by communicating the state of the body to the central nervous system. Cannabinoids play a vital role in the ECS by relaying messages.
Like endocannabinoids produced in the body, phytocannabinoids are detected by the ECS in the same manner, using specialized cells called receptors.
The ECS uses many different kinds of receptors. Among them are receptors that can detect THC and derivatives, and receptors that can detect CBD and related compounds. These receptors are spread throughout the body, including the skin.
What Are Recreational CBD Products?
When we discuss recreational CBD, we are discussing over-the-counter products like lotions, capsules, oils, and tinctures. This includes high-CBD/low-THC cannabis flower and concentrates that may be smoked.
By federal law, these products may contain up to 0.3% THC by weight. That’s not enough THC to make it psychoactive or intoxicating, but could be detected by a drug screening test.
Unless prohibited in your area, recreational CBD products can be purchased by anyone.
What Kind of CBD Is in These Products?
There are three different types of CBD that you will find listed on the label or the ingredients panel of recreational CBD products. That same label should also tell you the concentration of CBD in the product.
Full spectrum CBD is an extract prepared from the entire plant, so it may contain some THC, up to 0.3% maximum, by law. Broad spectrum CBD describes the same type of extract, but with the THC removed. Isolate CBD is a chemically purified form of CBD that eliminates all other organic compounds found in the plant.
If you can’t figure out what kind of CBD is in a product, or the concentration of CBD that is in it, you may want to think twice about buying that product.
Why Do People Use Recreational CBD?
People may turn to recreational CBD for a wide range of reasons.
CBD lotions may soothe damaged skin. Natural emollients and nutrients in lotions can hydrate your skin and give it a little protection from the environment. Sunburns, scrapes, and chaffing, are all reasons many people apply a lotion when seeking relief.
Creams and balms may also be useful for sore muscles and other minor aches and pains. Stimulating CB2 receptors in these locations may send a message to the ECS to provide more nutrients and healing energy to the damaged areas.
Recreational CBD, like some other botanical products, may help suppress appetite, which can be useful if you are dieting.
CBD may help you settle your emotions or calm your mind after a long day at work. Some people find CBD helps them concentrate.
How is Medical CBD Different?
While there are many minor differences between medical CBD and over-the-counter CBD, the biggest difference is the purpose of the drug and its availability.
Sativex and Epidiolex are the only two prescription CBD drugs currently on the market. Sativex is a blend of THC and CBD available in the United Kingdom. Epidiolex is FDA approved, and the only medical CBD available in the United States. You cannot obtain it without a prescription.
Epidiolex
Epidiolex contains a highly refined CBD isolate. It is used to treat patients who suffer from seizures and other neurological issues that severely affect their quality of life.
Epidiolex is an important medicine for children who suffer from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. This form of childhood epilepsy can cause brain-damaging seizures. Patients who cannot control seizures are in danger of developing learning disabilities and other conditions that may follow them through their adult life.
Dravet Syndrome is a rare form of epilepsy that may appear in infants. It is marked by high fever and prolonged seizures that may result in physical and neurological damage. Some common anti-seizure medicines do not work for Dravet Syndrome and can make the seizures worse. Epidiolex treats this disorder by reducing the frequency of seizures.
Epidiolex may be useful in treating other, similar convulsive disorders as well.
Enjoy Recreational CBD
Medical CBD has an important role to play in healthcare but offers no advantage outside of treating patients who suffer from specific disorders. Most consumers find that over-the-counter CBD products meet their requirements and have no need to look further.
You can find recreational CBD products in many locations, including major department stores, beauty salons, dispensaries, and online.
