Blog Summary
- CBD has a low THC count, so it does not get you high and is completely legal in the US and many other countries.
- Smoking or vaping CBD is a more direct route to relief than consuming CBD orally, where you wait between 30 minutes and an hour for effects to kick in.
- For many patients, CBD is effective in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain (in some cases), and insomnia.
- Further research is needed, and legislation changes are the only way to stimulate investigation.
CBD is hitting the world by storm, with the industry expected to hit$16 Billion in the US by 2025. CBD is derived from THC Sativa and contains less than 0.3% THC, so it does not get you high.
While most CBD users take it in the form of gummies and tinctures, it can also be consumed via smoking or vaping. Many use CBD as a substitute for THC because it can provide some of THC's benefits without the high.
Why Try Smoking CBD?
Smoking CBD comes with many benefits. According toa survey of 5,000 CBD users , 60% of users take it for anxiety relief, with chronic pain, insomnia, and depression following behind. We’ve rounded up all the reasons why you might want to give smokable CBD a try.
It won’t get you high
One reason many people are drawn to smoking CBD over THC is that it doesn't get you high. While CBD is an active compound found in cannabis, it isn’t responsible for the psychotropic effects of the plant. That's what THC is for.
Smoking CBD alone is an appealing option for those looking to avoid the intoxicating effects of cannabis, those wanting to experience the effects of CBD alone, or those who are intimidated by the effects and illegality of THC.
It’s legal
Another benefit of smoking CBD is that it is legal in most states. Provided your CBD hemp buds contain less than 0.3% THC and meets other guidelines, you can smoke CBD without breaking any laws.
Has a high bioavailability
Smoking CBD is also an effective way to deliver CBD into your bloodstream, as its effects begin to work more immediately than other consumption methods, like gummies.
Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a substance that actually reaches your bloodstream. Smoking cannabinoids has been found to deliver an average bioavailability of 30%, which is an impressive number, especially when compared to someother consumption methods.
What are the Health Benefits of Smoking CBD?
Though further research is needed for conclusive evidence that the following health benefits exist, recent studies make it likely that they do. Among the health benefits are: anxiety and depression relief, chronic pain relief, insomnia treatment, and PTSD treatment.
Anxiety and Depression Relief
According to multiple studies, CBD has the potential to reduce symptoms for patients suffering from social anxiety and depression.
In onesmall study where patients took CBD prior to a simulated public speaking task, researches found that CBD reduced nervousness in patients suffering from social anxiety.
Achart review of psychiatric patientsMany other studies have also found that CBD may be effective in treating patients with anxiety and related disorders. More research is needed, and with legalization a constant discussion topic among lawmakers, we're hopeful it won't be long.
Chronic Pain Relief
CBD has been used for pain relief since theearliest human civilizations . But, its pain relief powers seem to be limited to a few specific chronic conditions, such as chronic back pain, nerve pain, multiple sclerosis (MS), and arthritis. For other conditions,researchers found CBD is most effective at relieving pain when used in combination with THC.
Astudy of about 50 patients suffering from MS found that patients experienced improved pain, walking ability, and muscle spasms.CBD studies conducted on rodents found that CBD may have relieving effects on pain an inflammation caused by arthritis. However, human research studies are needed.
Insomnia Treatment
Lie in bed trying desperately to fall asleep in the early hours of the morning? CBD might help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.
During the Epidolex trials for epilepsy,drowsiness was found as a side effect . Though more studies are needed, CBD might be a great sleep aid.
Many other studies also point to CBD as an insomnia treatment, but further research is certainly needed for conclusive evidence to be found. But, who knows? If you struggle with sleep, try CBD and see if it works for you.
PTSD Treatment
For soldiers who've returned home for war as well as children and adults who've suffered traumatic events, CBD seems to be effective in treating PTSD.
CBD is already being successfully used totreat anxiety in children suffering from PTSD .
One2019 study found that CBD use decreased many of the PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares, among adults.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are a few things one should keep in mind when testing out CBD as a treatment. For one, most studies are not conclusive as current legislation makes them difficult to conduct. But, the signs point to CBD as an effective treatment for anxiety and depression, PTSD, chronic pain, and insomnia. The bottom line is that if you suffer from any of these ailments, CBD worth trying out. It doesn't work for everyone, but it might work for you.