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What are Cannabinoids? Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, & More
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What are Cannabinoids? Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, & More

Aug 03, 2024

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CBD, THC, CBN, CBG – those are just a few cannabinoids gaining mainstream traction. We know what they do and where they come from. But what are cannabinoids? What role do cannabinoids play in nature and human consumption?

Whether you’re interested in cannabis plant botany, medicine, or recreational topics, it’s crucial to understand the mystery behind these compounds. Let’s dive into the fantastic realm of this relatively unexplored cannabis topic and explain everything that has to do with what are cannabinoids.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that directly or indirectly interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. While these dynamics vary from one cannabinoid to another, the core mechanism of action is similar.

Although cannabis Sativa L. is the only plant source of cannabinoids, it’s not the only place you’ll find them. Next, we’ll explore the different cannabinoid categories.

Phytocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are naturally found in cannabis. The prefix “phyto” means “plant-related” (or some variation), hence the name.

For most of us, phytocannabinoids need little introduction. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both key examples. But there are over 100 known cannabinoids in the plant Cannabis Sativa L.

Endocannabinoids

Although we’re somewhat focused on phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids arguably play a more consistent role in our daily health. “Endo” means “internal,” so endocannabinoids are essentially internal cannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce.

We’ll cover these in more detail shortly.

What Are Some Examples of Cannabinoids?

There are over 100 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, although none have psychoactive effects comparable to THC. Still, these compounds play a substantial role in shaping your recreational or medical marijuana experience.

Unfortunately, we can’t cover the complete list, so let’s look at some major and minor cannabinoids produced by the cannabis Sativa plant and beyond.

  • CBD (cannabidiol)
  • THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
  • CBG (cannabigerol)
  • CBN (cannabinol)
  • CBC (cannabichromene)
  • CBT (cannabicitran)
  • CBV (cannabinodivarin)
  • CBR (cannabiripsol)
  • Anandamide (endocannabinoid)
  • 2-AG (endocannabinoid)

What Do Cannabinoids Do?

Whether internal (endocannabinoids) or external (phytocannabinoids), these natural compounds work the same way. They also serve many different functions – most of which, admittedly, we don’t conclusively understand.

However, research unravels the mysteries of cannabinoids, especially their connection to receptors in the peripheral (CB2 receptors) and central nervous system (CB1 receptors).

Without going into too much detail, cannabinoids help regulate various critical functions to maintain homeostasis, according to a 2008 entry in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. “Homeostasis” is a fancy word for “balance.”

When this internal equilibrium is in place, our bodies and minds remain healthy and fully functional. But when thrown off balance, it can lead to many potential health problems.

The study above notes how cannabinoids modulate a variety of internal functions, including:

  • Appetite
  • Energy
  • Metabolism
  • Blood sugar
  • Insulin resistance

This list is far from complete and doesn’t cover many of the potential benefits of cannabinoids. Let’s look at those next.

What are the Benefits of Cannabinoids?

The medical use of cannabis dates back several millennia. From Crohn’s disease to cancer, claims about the plant’s benefits gave rise to various medicinal products, along with thousands of supplement options.

Every cannabinoid likely offers therapeutic benefits, but we’ll focus on those that received the most attention in recent years.

CBD and Its Benefits

CBD is associated with an extensive list of benefits, supported mainly by preliminary evidence.

Pain Perception

Some evidence suggests CBD may assist with pain perception. A 2021 study in The Journal of Pain examined over 2,700 human participants with fibromyalgia. Those who took CBD reported improvement mild to substantial improvement in chronic pain.

Cardiovascular Health

According to a 2017 study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, CBD may also promote heart health.

The study looked at a small group of male participants with high blood pressure who took 600mg of CBD every day for seven days. Not only did the men see reduced blood pressure, but they also saw a lower increase when subjected to stress tests.

Granted, the group consisted of nine participants, so it’s far from conclusive.

If you’re looking for high-quality CBD products, Observer’s 2022 Best CBD Oil article is a trustworthy place to start. They’ve listed the top 10 CBD oils to buy. They reviewed dozens of products in the market through blind product testing, where labels and packaging were removed.

THC and Its Benefits

THC remains somewhat controversial. Recreational users appreciate it for its intoxicating impact on the central nervous system. However, some medical consumers have a love-hate relationship with tetrahydrocannabinol.

Psychotropic effects aside, THC has some well-documented benefits.

Chronic Pain

Like CBD, THC may be effective at controlling chronic pain. A massive 2017 review in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine examined over 10,000 academic studies.

The review discovered a strong correlation between THC, other cannabinoids, and pain management.

Lung Health

Conventional wisdom tells us that smoking harms our lungs. This is true of tobacco, but what about cannabis? A 2012 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined that question – and found some surprising results.

The 20-year study followed over 5,000 young adults who smoked high-THC cannabis (a.k.a. “marijuana”), tobacco, or both. While the cigarette smokers unsurprisingly showed decreased lung function, cannabis-only users didn’t. In fact, the researchers discovered that mild to moderate cannabis users experienced increased lung capacity.

Still, the authors warn that chronic, heavy cannabis smoking will likely harm the lungs, so moderation is key. We recommend using vaporizers, edibles, oils, or topicals as an alternative to burning dried flower.

CBG and Its Benefits

Cannabigerol (CBG) is making waves in the supplement community as information about its benefits slowly emerges. Growing interest led to several preliminary studies which support cannabigerol’s potential therapeutic benefits.

Appetite

Many medical conditions or treatments can affect appetites, such as eating disorders or chemotherapy. CBG, however, may help improve appetite.

A 2016 study in Psychopharmacology examined the potential appetite-stimulating effects of CBG on rat subjects.

Once researchers established an appetite baseline, the rats received a steady dose of CBG every three days. The study found that while the volume of food consumption per feeding didn’t change, the frequency of each feeding increased.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma was one of the first conditions to be addressed by medical cannabis – specifically THC. But a 2008 review in the National Library of Medicine indicates that CBG may also play a role.

Specifically, the publication notes the presence of CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors in the eye. This explains why CBG can bind to those receptors and offers the same therapeutic effects as THC in glaucoma.

CBN and Its Benefits

A newer product on the hemp-derived supplement scene, cannabinol (CBN), has little research to back its benefits. Still, a little is better than none at all, but it should be taken with a grain of salt.

However, what sets CBN apart is that – aside from THC – CBN is the only other known cannabinoid with intoxicating psychoactive effects. However, these effects are so mild that they’re barely noticeable (if at all). However, it can add a little extra boost to THC’s recreational “high.”

Sleep

Like many cannabinoids, CBN is believed to have sedative properties. For the moment, this is primarily anecdotal, save for one old 1975 study published in the journal Karger. The experiment involved five male participants who received CBN, THC, or a mix of both.

CBN alone didn’t appear to make a big difference, but those who took a combination dose noticed increased intoxication, dizziness, and drowsiness compared to the CBN, THC, and placebo groups.

Neuroprotectant

CBN may offer some neuroprotective benefits. One 2005 study by Weydt et al. examined CBN’s effects on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice.

CBN was administered beneath the skin through a pump device at 5mg/kg for 12 weeks. The study observed that CBN “…significantly delays disease onset by more than two weeks while survival was not affected.”

In other words, while CBN won’t reverse ALS, it may slow down its progress to buy time for conventional treatment.

CBDA and Its Benefits

CBDA stands for “cannabidiolic acid.” This cannabinoid is essentially CBD but in an unheated acidic form. When heated, CBDA undergoes decarboxylation – a process where the molecular structure loses a “carboxyl group” consisting of one carbon atom, two oxygen atoms, and one hydrogen atom (COOH).

CBDA’s benefits are familiar to CBD consumers since CBDA offers similar therapeutic uses.

Inflammation

CBDA may have anti-inflammatory properties. A 2008 study in Drug Metabolism and Disposition examined THCA and CBDA’s effects on inflammatory responses in cultured cells.

When applied to the cells, both THCA and CBDA showed anti-inflammatory effects. However, CBDA performed better than THCA.

The researchers observed how both cannabinoids acted as COX-2 inhibitors, enzymes responsible for developing compounds that trigger inflammation. Stifling the COX-2, CBDA and THCA could reduce the inflammatory response.

Breast Cancer

Interestingly, the COX-2 inhibition displayed in the above study also profoundly impacted research into CBDA and breast cancer.

A 2014 study by Takeda et al. noted that COX-2 isn’t just a driving force for inflammation. The enzyme also apparently encourages the growth and development of breast cancer (and possibly other cancer) cells.

The experimenters applied raw CBDA to cultured breast cancer cells and noticed how the cannabinoid altered gene expression in combination with the anti-inflammatory effects of COX-2. Ultimately this combined effect slowed the growth of those cultured cells.

However, research in a Petrie dish isn’t comparable to actual human studies.

Do Cannabinoids Have Side Effects?

Yes, cannabinoids have side effects. The adverse reactions vary depending on the cannabinoid (and person) in question.

Without many human trials, it’s challenging to know the negative impact of most cannabinoids. So let’s stick with the most heavily-consumed products: THC and CBD.

THC

From a recreational perspective, many of THC’s side effects are sought after by consumers. However, medical users may not be so keen to experience those results. In some instances, THC’s adverse effects have no recreational benefit either.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, consumption or over-consumption of THC can cause side effects like:

  • Impaired memory
  • Loss of motor control
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Hallucinations
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Marijuana use disorder (addiction)

THC’s potential complications are comparatively milder than other drugs, such as alcohol or nicotine. However, it’s essential to approach this cannabis product with extreme caution.

CBD

Although substantially milder than THC due to its non-intoxicating properties, CBD is known to cause some – albeit minor – side effects.

Dr. Peter Grinspoon of Harvard Health Publishing explains that CBD is generally well-tolerated by the human body. Side effects are minor and typically include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Appetite changes
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea

However, Grinspoon warns that certain medications may negatively interact with CBD, including blood-thinners and seizure medicines. Patients using these other drugs are at an increased risk of experiencing potentially dangerous side effects.

What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids are artificial cannabinoids meant to mimic the recreational effects of their natural counterparts in cannabis plants. Although they’re easy to find at many head shops and illegal websites, the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved their production or use – and for a good reason.

Unlike phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoid products – also known as “K2,” “AK-47,” “Scooby Snacks,” or “spice” – are dangerous and potentially deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC also explains that, while states try to ban these substances, manufacturers find clever ways to keep lawmakers and regulators off their backs.

Legality aside, don’t consume synthetic cannabinoids.

What are Endogenous Cannabinoids?

Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are neurotransmitters that form a single part of a much more extensive “network” of cannabinoids and receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system.

The two main endocannabinoids are anandamide – which is chemically similar in structure to THC – and 2AG.

But what role do they play? The real question is, what role don’t they play. A 2018 entry in the Journal of Young Investigators further highlights the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining homeostasis. This, as we’ll discuss next, has far-reaching implications for our health.

How Do Endocannabinoids Work?

Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids work the same way. All cannabinoids produce their effects through the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively.

When the body experiences an issue, such as pain or inflammation, it sends out a physical distress signal. The compounds then bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in (or connected to) the affected area to stabilize or relieve the symptoms.

Endogenous cannabinoids play a crucial role in balancing and regulating several vital functions, including:

  • Immune system
  • Chronic pain relief
  • Neuropathic pain relief
  • Mood
  • Appetite
  • Sleep

What to Look for When Buying Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoid extracts are available everywhere, but this can be a blessing and a curse. There are a lot of amazing vendors out there, but you’ll also find plenty who don’t fit the bill.

So how do you tell if a product is worth trying? Keep a lookout for the following benchmarks.

Company Reputation

Having a solid background with an even stronger positive customer response helps credibility.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with giving up-and-coming vendors a chance, you’re more likely to enjoy a product that’s been in the market for a while.

Colorado Botanicals, for instance, has several years of experience in the CBD scene. This allowed them to perfect a proprietary CO2 extraction process for natural cannabinoid and terpene retention. They’re also working hard on new enhanced CBD and CBG supplement products.

Other vendors are also following that same route, although they still make up a smaller – albeit growing – portion of the cannabinoid supplement market.

Third-Party Lab Reports

Most cannabis plant extract companies stand by their products and have no problem proving that through independent analyses.

Comprehensive lab reports provide verifiable proof that what you consume isn’t just safe but also exactly as advertised.

If a vendor doesn’t offer links to third-party lab reports, you should consider looking elsewhere.

Customer Reviews

Any company can say their cannabinoid products are excellent, revolutionary, or other marketing terms. But if you want genuine, unbiased reviews, the best source comes from individual customers.

Sites like Reddit or TrustPilot are full of people who tried the products. They won’t pull any punches when it comes to honest criticisms.

Return Policy

Another indication of quality is a company’s return policy. Generous guarantees are typically an indication that the vendor doesn’t expect many returns. On the other hand, companies with restrictive return policies may care more about securing a sale than making you happy.

Summary: What are Cannabinoids and Their Effects

There are over 100 cannabinoids inside the cannabis plant, but they’re far from the only ones. Endocannabinoids perform a fundamental role that can be supplemented or supported with phytocannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, CBDA, etc.

Synthetic cannabinoids also exist, but they don’t work the same way as their natural cannabis plant counterparts. Their effects are simulated and don’t rely on natural cannabinoid receptors – not to mention they can be deadly.

Besides CBD’s effectiveness against severe childhood epilepsy, cannabinoids aren’t backed by complete clinical human trials. This deficiency is unfortunate, to say the least.

Hopefully, the multitude of preliminary studies will eventually lead to more conclusive human research in the near future.

Sources

Boehnke, K. F., Gagnier, J. J., Matallana, L., & Williams, D. A. (2021). Cannabidiol use for fibromyalgia: Prevalence of use and perceptions of effectiveness in a large online survey. The Journal of Pain, 22(5), 556–566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2020.12.001

Brierley, D. I., Samuels, J., Duncan, M., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2015). Neuromotor tolerability and behavioural characterisation of cannabidiolic acid, a phytocannabinoid with therapeutic potential for anticipatory nausea. Psychopharmacology, 233(2), 243–254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-015-4100-1

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, April 24). Synthetic cannabinoids: What are they? what are their effects? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/chemicals/sc/default.html

Grinspoon, MD, P. (2021, September 24). Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t. Harvard Health. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.nap.edu/resource/24625/Cannabis_chapter_highlights.pdf

Jadoon, K. A., Tan, G. D., & O’Sullivan, S. E. (2017). A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight, 2(12). https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.93760

Karniol, I. G., Shirakawa, I., Takahashi, R. N., Knobel, E., & Musty, R. E. (1975). Effects of δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in man. Pharmacology, 13(6), 502–512. https://doi.org/10.1159/000136944

Kunos, G., Osei-Hyiaman, D., Liu, J., Godlewski, G., & Bátkai, S. (2008). Endocannabinoids and the control of energy homeostasis. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283(48), 33021–33025. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.r800012200

MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Endocannabinoids: What are they and what do they do? Medical News Today. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/endocannabinoid

Nadolska K, Goś R. Mozliwości zastosowania kannabinoidów w leczeniu jaskry [Possibilities of applying cannabinoids’ in the treatment of glaucoma]. Klin Oczna. 2008;110(7-9):314-7. Polish. PMID: 19112869.

Pletcher, M. J., Vittinghoff, E., Kalhan, R., Richman, J., Safford, M., Sidney, S., Lin, F., & Kertesz, S. (2012). Association between marijuana exposure and pulmonary function over 20 years. JAMA, 307(2), 173. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.1961

Takeda, S., Misawa, K., Yamamoto, I., & Watanabe, K. (2008). Cannabidiolic acid as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory component in Cannabis. Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 36(9), 1917–1921. https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.108.020909

Takeda, S., Okazaki, H., Ikeda, E., Abe, S., Yoshioka, Y., Watanabe, K., & Aramaki, H. (2014). Down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by cannabidiolic acid in human breast cancer cells. The Journal of Toxicological Sciences, 39(5), 711–716. https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.39.711

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, June 7). Marijuana drugfacts. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

Weydt, P., Hong, S., Witting, A., Möller, T., Stella, N., & Kliot, M. (2005). Cannabinol delays symptom onset in SOD1 (G93A) transgenic mice without affecting survival. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, 6(3), 182–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/14660820510030149

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Just remember to choose an appropriate dosage of CBD gummies to take before you dive into everything this non-intoxicating cannabinoid has to offer. Are hemp gummies legal? Yes, hemp gummies are legal in the same way that CBD oil is legal: As long as they contain less than 0.3% THC, they are considered industrial hemp and can be sold online. How old do you have to be to buy CBD gummies online? There is no federal age limit for buying CBD online, so it’s up to CBD companies to impose age limits. Most CBD companies ask that their customers be at least 18-21 years old to make purchases. This policy is not a legal requirement, but it does conform with many state laws on CBD purchases. Can I travel with CBD? Yes, it is legal to travel with CBD over state lines if it contains less than 0.3% THC. In regards to airline travel, the TSA has stated that it no longer searches for CBD or other hemp and cannabis products. So, you should have no trouble traveling with CBD, but always check the laws of the specific jurisdiction you are traveling to if you want to ensure a hassle-free trip. How do I know if my gummies contain CBD? You’ll be able to tell if gummies contain CBD by looking for the acronym “CBD” anywhere on the labeling. Hemp gummies that don’t contain CBD will be labeled as “hemp,” but “CBD” will be absent from the packaging. Are there any side effects of hemp or CBD gummies? In almost every case, CBD will make you feel lightly relaxed with no side effects. The same goes for hemp seed oil gummies, which are very unlikely to have any side effects at all. Gummies with CBD, though, can cause mild side effects like: Dry mouth Sleepiness Digestive discomfort In some cases, a rare cannabis allergy can occur. CBD may also interact with certain prescription medications. Consult with your doctor if you’re currently using any medications before trying CBD gummies. Can I take hemp and CBD gummies together? Yes, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take hemp seed oil gummies and CBD gummies at the same time. Doing so might even be considered a truly “whole-plant” cannabis experience — you’re getting the benefits of both the seeds and flowers of the plant simultaneously. Which are better: hemp gummies or CBD gummies? When considering hemp gummies vs. CBD gummies, you have to keep your needs in mind first and foremost. Gummies with CBD provide completely different effects from hemp gummies that don’t, so start by educating yourself on what sets these two categories of hemp products apart. From there, decide which is better for you based on the specific effect profile offered by each option. Conclusion: Are Hemp Gummies the Same as CBD Gummies?  It’s easy to confuse hemp gummies with CBD gummies. To set the record straight one final time: All CBD gummies are hemp gummies because CBD is considered a hemp extract Not all hemp gummies are CBD gummies, however, because some hemp gummies contain other cannabinoids or just hemp seed oil Hemp plant seeds can be useful for nutritional purposes, but that’s not what we’re looking for in CBD. Gummies with CBD are designed to deliver this cannabinoid quickly and deliciously — no hassle and no mess.

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Do CBD Gummies Get You High?

Do CBD Gummies Get You High?

CBD gummies shouldn’t get you high. They aren’t designed to — while CBD is highly relaxing, it lacks the intoxicating properties that have made THC both famous and infamous as a recreational substance. Getting high isn’t popular with everyone, and CBD gummies give you an alternative that still delivers the benefits of cannabis. Learn more about CBD gummies in this guide to make sure you know why they won’t get you high. What Are CBD Gummies? CBD gummies are convenient and tasty edibles that deliver all the benefits of CBD and cannabis but without any mess or high. Similar to gummy vitamins you may have taken, CBD gummies are easy to pack with you and snack on whenever you feel the urge. Gummies that contain CBD can include a wide variety of additional ingredients. As people have learned more about healthy ingredients, the CBD gummy industry has gradually gravitated toward simple ingredients like tapioca starch and cane sugar, which have the potential to be organic. Do CBD Gummies Contain THC? While some CBD gummies contain a small amount of THC, another shift the CBD gummy industry has taken recently is toward broad-spectrum CBD extract. Full-spectrum CBD gummies can contain up to 0.3% THC, but broad-spectrum CBD gummies remove the THC while leaving all the other beneficial components of cannabis plants intact. Broad-spectrum has a clear advantage over CBD isolate, which only contains CBD. Unlike full-spectrum CBD products, though, broad-spectrum CBD gummies don’t pose any chance at all of getting you high, even if you’re extremely sensitive to THC. What Is THC? Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the cannabinoid most commonly referred to as “THC,” though the acronym can refer to any cannabinoid in the THC family. All forms of THC are alike in that they cause at least some degree of intoxication, and delta 9 THC causes greater activation of your brain’s high-inducing CB1 receptors than any other common natural cannabinoid. Banned outright in many countries and existing within a precarious legal state in the USA, THC is a contentious subject worldwide. CBD brands have striven extensively to associate their cannabinoid with hemp to avoid THC stigma — even though, scientifically speaking, hemp and cannabis are the same plant. THC vs. CBD One of the other cannabinoids commonly found in Cannabis sativa is CBD, often used to make CBD oil. Since the early 2010s, the world has looked on, spellbound, as CBD has seemingly performed miracle after miracle, becoming the new millennium’s preferred panacea.  Studies on CBD have confirmed rather than denied its impressive traits — though scientists and regulators still urge caution when making specific medical claims. Whatever the exact facts may be on CBD, the obvious truth is that it has helped countless people. And, all without getting any of them unwantedly high. Do CBD Gummies Get You High? No, CBD gummies should not get you high as long as they comply with federal law and contain less than 0.3% THC. Even full-spectrum CBD gummies, which contain some CBD, can’t include any more than 0.3% of the substance, which isn’t enough to cause intoxication for the vast majority of individuals. The entourage effect, offered by both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD gummies, can certainly enhance the effects of CBD. This enhanced psychoactivity could hardly be called a high, however. It just makes the relaxing effects of CBD more relaxing. If you’re unusually sensitive to THC, the less-than-0.3% of the substance present in full-spectrum CBD could cause a reaction. For children, individuals with cannabis allergies, or those recovering from THC dependency, therefore, THC-free broad-spectrum CBD gummies are the clear choice. Factors that Influence the Effects of CBD Gummies In addition to the dosage you consume, your individual tolerance to CBD can considerably impact how CBD gummies affect you. Also, while the differences are subtle, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD extracts can have noticeably different effects for some users. Then, there’s also the overall quality of the CBD gummies to consider. CBD gummies containing high-quality CBD extract and natural or organic accompanying ingredients will likely have a stronger and more enjoyable effect compared to low-quality gummies. That’s part of why you should always check the ingredients when you buy CBD gummies online. Benefits of CBD Gummies Without the High CBD gummies with zero-THC extracts like broad-spectrum CBD come with a lot more benefits than just not getting you high. They make it possible for you to experience the benefits of CBD more fully, for instance, which people rely on for getting to sleep, relaxing, and reducing stress. When you choose zero-THC CBD gummies, there’s no chance of your daily activities being impaired. While CBD might exacerbate any latent sleepiness that’s already there, you deserve a power-nap, anyway. Here are some other ways you might benefit from choosing zero-THC CBD gummies: No drug test worries Not a problem with employers Better effects, some say No concerns over your CBD being confused with “medical marijuana” Complies with the letter of many anti-cannabis state laws Broad-spectrum CBD is more refined and often higher quality How to Choose the Right CBD Gummies There are quite a few different CBD gummies to choose from. Knowing how to pick the right option, therefore, is necessary if you want to end up with the exact results you’re envisioning. Here are some of the most important factors to consider as you make your choice: Always Check for Lab Reports Just like returning your cart when you’re done shopping at the grocery store, having third-party lab reports commissioned for each batch of CBD products isn’t a legal requirement. How seriously CBD companies take independent lab reporting, however, tells you just as much about them as your shopping cart choices say about you. Some companies skimp on their lab reports by not testing every batch or only testing for certain contaminants. A full certificate of analysis or “COA” for a CBD product includes: A date A batch number Cannabinoid concentrations Terpene concentrations Mycotoxin screen Bacterial screen Pesticide screen Heavy metal screen Information about the issuing lab Lab contact information If a CBD lab report lacks any of these points, consider choosing a different source for your CBD gummies. Choose Reputable Brands These days, you can learn everything you need to know about CBD brands by spending just a few minutes searching the internet. Trusted brands like Colorado Botanicals have hundreds of verified reviews on independent sites like TrustPilot, displaying a level of transparency and accountability that’s rare to find in the industry. If you’re not sure whether or not to trust a CBD company, reach out. How quickly and how well they respond to your inquiry can be the deciding factor in your search. Identify the Type of CBD That Suits Your Needs For each individual out there in search of CBD, there’s a gummy that suits their exact needs. Considerations to make include how many gummies you should eat in a serving compared to the dosage of the particular CBD gummies you’re considering. 25mg CBD gummies pack a lot more CBD per gummy than the 10mg equivalent, for instance. Also, CBD brands vary considerably in terms of their reputation and the quality of the products they offer. Other considerations include flavor preference and tolerance to additional ingredients that may be present in the CBD gummy formula. Do CBD Gummies Have Side Effects? Yes, CBD gummies can have side effects, usually only amounting to sleepiness, slight digestive discomfort, or dry mouth. In rare cases of cannabis allergy or when you are taking other medications at the same time, however, more serious side effects can occur. Also, full-spectrum CBD gummies can cause a very slight THC high in individuals who are sensitive to this substance, leading many to choose broad-spectrum gummies instead, which don’t have this side effect. If you’re concerned that CBD gummies are causing unwanted effects, stop using them immediately, and consult with a doctor. Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about why CBD gummies shouldn’t get you high below: Do CBD gummies have THC in them?  CBD gummies can sometimes contain THC, especially in the case of marijuana-derived CBD such as is available at adult-use or medical cannabis dispensaries. The types of CBD gummies you can buy online, however, contain less than 0.3% THC by federal law. That’s not enough for most people to notice the effects of THC even the slightest bit. Can full-spectrum CBD gummies get you high? There’s a low chance that full-spectrum CBD gummies might make you feel the faintest bit of a high due to their up-to-0.3% THC concentration. On its own, CBD does not have any considerable psychoactive properties. Even 0.3%, though, could be enough to trigger a mild THC high in some individuals. Can you drive after taking CBD gummies? Whether it’s CBD or prescription medications, it’s never a good idea to get behind the wheel if you’re even the slightest bit impaired. Low doses of CBD, however, are very unlikely to impair you in any way. 10mg CBD gummies and other low-dose options are great choices if you want to enjoy CBD without becoming too sleepy or otherwise impaired to drive. How do I know if my CBD gummies are THC-Free? Most CBD gummies that do not contain THC feature clear labeling advertising this benefit. If you aren’t sure whether or not CBD gummies contain any THC, check for the term “full-spectrum” anywhere in the labeling. Full-spectrum CBD gummies contain up to 0.3% THC, but other types of CBD gummies do not. If the information you’re looking for is still hard to find, check the lab report for the CBD gummies in question. If the listed THC concentration is anything but “0.00%,” then the gummies you’re considering aren’t THC-free. Can kids take CBD gummies? It’s up to parents to decide whether their kids can have CBD gummies. Parents who want to avoid giving their kids THC should choose broad-spectrum CBD gummies. These types of CBD gummies have no chance of causing an unwanted high in children. Investigate the other ingredients present in CBD gummies for kids as well to make sure they’re safe and healthy. Summary: CBD Gummies & Intoxication CBD gummies are not designed to cause intoxication. Even full-spectrum gummies, which contain up to 0.3% THC, usually won’t cause any amount of intoxication, even in sensitive individuals. For some people, though, even a fraction of a percent of THC is enough to cause something at least similar to a high. Especially when giving CBD gummies to children, it’s understandable why you might want to avoid THC altogether. That’s why it’s fortunate that we now have access to high-quality and reliable broad-spectrum CBD gummies. Broad-spectrum extract offers the entourage effect just like full-spectrum CBD, but without any THC whatsoever. If you’re worried about CBD gummies making you fail a drug test or getting you or your kids high, choose broad-spectrum CBD, and enjoy this cannabinoid’s incredible effects entirely worry-free.

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CBD for Kids: Is It Safe and Legal? Everything to Know

CBD for Kids: Is It Safe and Legal? Everything to Know

Some of the first stories we heard about CBD involved children. The nation was enraptured in the early 2010s when parents flocked to Colorado and saw their terminally epileptic children experience incredible levels of recovery. Those children, though, had serious illnesses that weren’t receptive to any other treatment. Is it equally appropriate to give CBD to kids for sleep, hyperactivity, or anxiety? Learn the facts about CBD and kids in this guide, from whether it’s legal for kids to take CBD to the best kinds of CBD products for kids to take. What is CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring component of the hemp plant. In recent years, breeders have created high-CBD forms of cannabis, resulting in an abundance of this non-psychoactive but highly medicinal cannabinoid. CBD doesn’t get you high. What it does, on the contrary, is interact with systems in the body that control mood, pain, and inflammation. The main basis behind recommending CBD for kids is the cannabinoid’s impressive benefit profile combined with its total lack of intoxicating attributes. Types of CBD It’s possible to extract CBD from the hemp plant and further refine it in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the options that are available when it comes to CBD extract types currently on the market: Full Spectrum The original form of CBD extract, full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, making it unsuitable for children. Even at these low levels, it’s possible that THC might have a deleterious effect on childhood development. Broad Spectrum Broad-spectrum CBD was developed as an alternative to full-spectrum extracts. It retains the full medley of cannabinoids and terpenes that combine with CBD to offer the entourage effect, but THC is entirely eliminated from the equation. That’s why broad-spectrum is generally considered the best CBD for children. CBD Isolate Before broad-spectrum CBD came CBD isolate, which consists solely of the CBD molecule. Any opportunities for entourage effect synergy are lost, diminishing the benefits of taking CBD. For the most part, CBD isolate has been phased out in preference to broad-spectrum CBD. What are the Benefits of CBD for Kids? There’s plenty of evidence that CBD might help kids (and also their parents!) with a variety of different mood-related and medical issues that can crop up over the years. Here’s why scientists believe CBD might help kids with sleep, anxiety, and other common problems: Sleep Scientific inquiries into using CBD for sleep have had mixed results with scientists left pondering why so many anecdotal reports indicate that CBD helps with getting better sleep at night. At least one large, clinical study confirms these findings, linking CBD’s apparent ability to help with sleep with its impact on anxiety. Anxiety Rates of anxiety in kids have skyrocketed post-lockdown, leading parents to seek solutions that won’t further harm their precious children. There’s plenty of reason to believe that CBD should be taken seriously as a treatment for anxiety disorders, with scientific literature dating back to 2015 supporting further research into the subject. ADHD Though it’s a comparatively new subject of inquiry, research is mounting that indicates CBD should be looked at as a potential attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment for children. Clinical trials remain lacking, but a series of case studies published in 2022 strongly indicates that CBD treatment might strikingly improve scores on commonly used ADHD tests. Autism The full details of the pathogenesis and even the scope of the condition known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to be debated in the halls of psychopharmacology. What parents with children who have been diagnosed as autistic have found, though, is that CBD sometimes provides a feeling of calm that is otherwise very hard to come by. Pain We may try to shelter our children, but we’ll all experience pain — whether it’s acute or chronic pain — at some point in life. From scrapes and bruises to chronic conditions, CBD might be able to help with all sorts of pain due to its effects on both the TRP and 5HT neuroreceptor families. Epilepsy It can be easy to forget after so much time has passed, but the CBD movement was originally founded upon the efforts of loving parents to provide CBD hemp treatment to their epileptic children. Studies continue to be published every year regarding the beneficial effects CBD may have against epilepsy in both children and adults. Is CBD Safe for Kids? There isn’t much published research regarding the safety of kids taking CBD. In adults, doses of up to 1,500mg CBD per day have been shown to be well-tolerated, but it’s unclear how the safety parameters of CBD might change (if at all) when children take the cannabinoid. What we do know about childhood development might give any parent pause if they’re considering giving their child CBD for any but the most important reasons. The brains and bodies of children grow best when uninterrupted by any drugs or medical interventions. Even as an extremely mild cannabinoid, there’s no knowing how taking CBD might affect a child’s development — for better or for worse. With all that said, it’s very unlikely for there to be any harmful impact from giving a child a small dose of CBD every now and again. Just consider your choices a bit more deeply if you’re thinking of giving your kid high doses of CBD every day. Is It Legal to Give Your Child CBD? There are no federal laws that would prohibit a parent giving CBD to their child. There is no federal age limit on CBD, after all, and CBD is considered legal from the federal perspective. Certain states and municipalities might disagree, but you have parental rights as an American citizen. Those rights include deciding what is best for your children. If you consider all the facts and decide that giving your child CBD might be a good idea, no governmental authority has the legal right to stop you. What to Look for When Buying CBD for Your Child Practice the same level of discernment when choosing the right CBD product for your kid as you did when you were deciding whether CBD was right for your children in the first place: Buy Broad Spectrum CBD for Kids For adults, using THC can be a responsible choice. For kids, however, ingesting THC is never appropriate in any concentration. That’s why thoughtful parents choose broad-spectrum CBD products, which offer all the same benefits as full-spectrum CBD but without any THC whatsoever. Third-Party Lab Reports Learning how to find and read third-party lab reports is an important skill to gain on your CBD journey. Thorough lab reports can tell you everything you need to know about a particular CBD product, from whether it contains any THC to concentrations of residual solvents and pesticides. Brand Reputation In the modern age of internet transparency, it’s easy to learn all there is to know about a CBD company — even what they don’t want you to know. Third-party sites like Trustpilot can help you get to know a CBD company before you buy their products. Colorado Botanicals has a 5-star average on Trustpilot across more than 270 reviews. As one of the only CBD companies to offer THC-free CBD since launching in 2018, Colorado Botanicals has been featured in Forbes and Observer and offers CBD products that are not only contaminant-free but also organic, non-GMO, and always gluten-free. What Is the Best CBD for Kids? Broad-spectrum is best for kids, and Colorado Botanicals offers the best broad-spectrum CBD you can buy online. As you plot a course toward better health for your child, we’d recommend considering our 300mg Broad Spectrum CBD Oil and our 750mg Broad Spectrum CBD Oil. What Are the Best CBD Gummies for Kids? Especially when choosing gummies for your children, it’s important to steer clear of unnecessary sweeteners and dangerous additives. Free of all artificial flavors and colors and subjecting to the same testing as our other products, Colorado Botanicals Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies are an ideal choice for children. FAQs About CBD and Children What are the benefits of CBD for children? Just like adults, children can benefit from the relaxing and soothing properties of CBD. Many parents report that CBD helps their children with anxiety, sleep, and ADHD. Do I need a prescription for CBD for my child? No, it is not necessary to receive a prescription to buy CBD for your child. This is only required in the case of Epidiolex, a synthesized form of CBD sold as a pharmaceutical drug. Buying CBD on the internet does not require any licensing or authorization whatsoever. Most CBD companies ask that their customers be at least 18 years old, however. Can my child take CBD with other medications? Ask your doctor if CBD will interfere with any medications your child is already taking. Certain medications, including those that come with “grapefruit warnings,” can interfere with CBD. View our full CBD drug interactions list for details. How much CBD should I give my child? There is no official established dose for pediatric CBD. Most parents start with a small dose of 5-10mg CBD and move upward from there if their children need it. What should I do if my child experiences side effects from CBD? If your child shows any signs of side effects after using CBD, stop using any CBD products you have already tried, and contact your doctor. Only try CBD again after you’ve firmly established that no allergies or other dangerous conditions are present. Final Word: Should Kids Take CBD? In the initial flurry of unproven medical claims and baseless cannabis stigma, it was easy to forget both that CBD isn’t “medical cannabis” and that it isn’t officially approved to treat children, either. Rather, CBD exists in a middle ground, leaving it up to parents to decide whether the cannabinoid is right for their kids. Regardless of what the Food and Drug Administration said on the matter, parents felt CBD had the power to combat anxiety, ADHD, and even epilepsy in their children. The thriving CBD industry we have today exists largely due to their efforts. Do your part in carrying the CBD industry forward into the future by selecting only the best broad-spectrum CBD for your kids — and yourself!

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