Using CBD concentrates like shatter, wax, budder or crumble can be a convenient way to consume hemp and cannabis products. Concentrates can be smoked directly or used to infuse non-flower products, such as tinctures and creams.
CBD interacts with some medicines, such as anticonvulsants (like phenobarbital and Lamictal) and benzodiazepine sedatives (like Klonopin and Ativan). It also may increase the levels of certain blood thinners, such as heparins.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It’s nonpsychoactive. It’s legal in most states.
CBD and another cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interact with receptors on cells in the brain and body. They produce their effects by interacting with those receptors, changing how the cells communicate with each other.
CBD has been studied for its ability to relieve pain, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep. It has also been shown to reduce seizures in people with two rare forms of epilepsy.
Cannabis plant extracts that contain low levels of THC and high levels of CBD are legal in most states. These can be made from marijuana or hemp, which has lower THC levels than marijuana. They can be smoked as a joint or vaporized through a vape pen.
Concentrates are a way to get more CBD per gram than other types of cannabis products. They come in various forms, including crystal or powder, wax, and crumble. They can also be full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, with or without THC. A concentrate’s final product depends on how it was extracted and refined. Look for a certificate of analysis, or COA, which shows the results of independent lab tests on the product to verify things like potency and contaminants.
It’s a natural pain reliever.
CBD acts like a natural pain reliever by binding to the body’s endocannabinoid system receptors, which help control functions like pain sensation. It’s thought to reduce inflammatory responses and increase the production of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces pain and increases mood.
It can reduce muscle spasms, especially in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies show that CBD helps with chronic neuropathic pain, a type of pain caused by damage to nerves. CBD may also decrease the sensitivity of certain pain receptors in the brain.
Talk to your doctor before using CBD oil or any other cannabis product. It can interact with some medications, including anticonvulsants like Lamictal (lamotrigine), Onfi (clobazam) and Dilantin (phenobarbital); benzodiazepine sedatives like Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam); and immunosuppressant drugs such as Cytosar (cyclosporine) and Sandimmune (cyclophosphamide). It can also cause drowsiness or increase the effect of opioid painkillers, such as morphine. It also may raise levels of blood thinners like coumadin to dangerously high levels.
It’s an anti-inflammatory.
CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate a lot of different functions, including inflammation. Studies have shown that it’s able to change the inflammatory response from promoting to inhibiting, which can lead to a more rapid recovery and help you avoid over-exerting yourself during workouts and other activities.
It also stimulates the production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which can terminate an inflammatory process and help restore normal function. These SPMs help reduce the amount of inflammatory molecules called leukotrienes, which can produce detrimental effects such as gastrointestinal pain and inflammation.
You can use CBD to treat chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and other conditions by applying it directly to the affected area or swallowing it. It is important to talk to your doctor before using CBD, especially if you are taking any medications, such as blood thinners, heart medicines, or immunosuppressants given after organ transplantation. This is because CBD may interact with these medications to create dangerous side effects.
It’s a sleep aid.
CBD can have sleep-related effects by acting on a system of receptors in the body that control functions like pain, memory, and metabolism called the endocannabinoid system. It appears to reduce stress and anxiety, which may make it easier to fall asleep. It can also help regulate the circadian rhythm, or the 24-hour biological rhythm that controls things like sleepiness and wakefulness.
Moreover, it may also help people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing may stop for short periods of time. Studies have shown that CBD may reduce snoring and improve overall sleep quality for those who have this condition.
As with any new supplement, you should consult your healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your routine to ensure safety and proper dosing. Also, keep in mind that the type and form of CBD you take will influence how quickly it takes effect. Oils, for example, enter the bloodstream more rapidly than drinks, which must pass through the digestive tract.
