How to use CBD and is there any side effect?

How to use CBD and is there any side effect?

Unlike it counterpart THC, CBD does not make you high. Below we give you a brief description of how it works.

How long does CBD stay in your body?

This depends on various factors but CBD typically stays in your body for 2 to 5 days. Be wary that this does not apply to everyone and for some CBD can stay for weeks in their body.

How long CBD stays in your body will depends on:

  • How much CBD you consume or use
  • How frequently you use CBD
  • Your body type and weight
  • What you eat and how much you eat
  • Method of use

 

Is CBD intoxicating and what are the side effects?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is totally safe [1]. WHO states that “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.”

“To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD”.

With that being said, some minor side effects that some people could experience are:

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Change in appetite
  • Change in weigh
  • Interactions with other medication so make sure to speak with you doctor before using it.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products in the same way they regulate dietary supplements or drugs, so you sometime find companies mislabelling their products. It’s important to do your own research to find a quality product.

 

Different ways of use:

  • Edibles

There is a latency time with edibles. It could take up to two hours to kick in and you will only absorb 20-30% of the CBD you consume [2]. Gummy bears are one of the most popular and easy to take CBD edibles.

  • Sublingual products:

If you want faster results, you can choose sublingual products that you place under your tongue. These include sprays, oils, and lozenges.

These are a good choice for anyone who cannot take pills or capsules [2].

  • Vaping or smoking:

You can smoke CBD hemp flower in a joint or use a vaporiser (vaping) that contains CBD oil.

When consumed like this, CBD can take effect in 10 minutes or less. You will absorb only 35 to 55 % of the CBD you inhaled [2].

  • Topical applications

Topical applications include lotions, balms, patches or creams and are designed to be applied directly into the skin. They are great for treating localized pain or skin conditions like eczema [2].

  • Pills and capsules

They are used for a particular health condition such as treatment of seizures disorders or digestives issues. It can takes a while before the effects take place.

  • Talk to your doctor or physician

To find out which way is best for you, it is important to try all methods and see what suits you. But before trying, you should speak to your doctor, particularly of you are on any medication.

 

Sources:

 [1]: World Health Organization. CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Pre-Review Report Agenda Item 5.2 Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Thirty-ninth Meeting Geneva, 6-10 November 2017. https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf

[2]: How to take CBD. February 18, 2020. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-take-cbd#edibles

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