What is CBD?
From infused energy drinks to tinctures, CBD can be found in more and more forms, but have you ever wondered exactly what it is? This part of our guide will be dedicated to the details that you should know about CBD, including more about it, how it relates to THC, and how you can take it.What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of the 100+ components found in the hemp plant. Each one of these are known as cannabinoids, and cBD (cannabidiol) is just one of these. CBD was been known about since the 1940s, but rose to popularity later in in the 2010s through to now.
In most places, the component, CBD, is legal while the cannabis plant itself still remains illegal. This varies based on where you are, and we’ll discuss more about CBD’s legal status in the UK and in the rest of Europe later.
What is THC?
THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in the hemp plant, meaning that it’s the one that gets you high. This substance is closely related to many chemicals that can already be found in the human body, which are known as cannabinoids. These chemicals bind to receptors in the brain, and these receptors are responsible for a range of feelings.For example, some receptors are linked to memory, pleasure, thinking, your perception of time, and coordination. When THC attaches itself to these receptors, these different areas will be affected, which is the reason why using cannabis will end up getting the user “high”.
In most cases, the effects of cannabis will impact the user within one minute of consumption if smoked or vaporised, though effects may start taking place up to 30 minutes later. Effects can last up to two hours, though this varies based on the individual’s tolerance and amount consumed.
What is The Difference Between CBD and THC?
THC and CBD are both secreted by the glands of the cannabis plant, but there are some very important differences between the two. The main difference is that CBD is legal and THC is not. This is because THC is psychoactive and CBD is not. Sovereigns CBD is trusted by 3 separate independent labs to ensure it contains 0% THC, this means you won’t feel any psychoactive effects when you use it.
For example, CBD won’t increase your appetite like THC, and it won’t result in any motor skill impairmen. Another difference lies in how the two substances are sourced. CBD is harvested from hemp, which contains no THC.While the molecular structure of CBD and THC is very similar, there are differences in the arrangement that result in different effects on the human body when consumed.
What Does CBD Do?
The number of scientific, medical and nutritional studies on CBD have exploded due to the popularity and reported benefits of using CBD. We know that CBD binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system (the ECS). This is a complex set of receptors found in our body which also link to the Central Nervous System (CNS).
The CNS plays a fundamental role in a range of physical and mental processes, including your reception of pain, the way you handle stress, your sleep cycle, appetite regulation and your hormonal balance.
As CBD interacts with these internal systems and chemical signalling, it has been found to be effective in supporting the above wellbeing and health concerns.
One of the most-studied claims is that CBD can help treat epilepsy, especially in children, and this has led to various medications being based on CBD to help treat the condition.
CBD is believed to act as a natural pain killer as it works to reduce the sensitivity of your pain receptors, meaning it can be a beneficial, natural alternative to taking over the counter drugs for some people. CBD is also believed to natural anti-inflammatory properties, which is why (especially in topical form) it’s loved and trusted by active people and athletes,
How Long Does CBD Take to Work?
When it comes to the length of time that it will take CBD to start working, you have to account for the method that you used to take it. This is due to changes in bioavailability depending on the method that you used to consume it. Many people may have tried CBD in a drink, or maybe as a vape. Because CBD I best absorbed either by your sublingual glands (i.e. under your tongue), or by your skin, CBD is not always effective in other formats.We suggest taking CBD in oil, capsules or topical format. People who are taller, heavier, or have higher muscle mass may want to consider a high dosage of CBD. We makes CBD in a range of strengths, from 500mg to 14500mg doses.
What Are the Different Ways to Take CBD?
As we mentioned in the previous section, there are a wide range of ways that you can take CBD, from Edible gummies, sprays, tinctures and topicals
Sovereigns topicals are loved and trusted by athletes as they can help deal with pain, inflammation and muscle aches. These topicals are applied directly to the skin, and can be used up to 3 times a day.
CBD capsules can be a great way to take CBD with added extra ingredients. Our CBD capsules contain 20mg of CBD in them each, meaning with a recommended dose you are getting 40mg of CBD per day. Our capsules also contain ginger and turmeric extracts, which scientific evidence to support they are natural anti-inflammatories and are high in anti-oxidants.
CBD Oils are the form which are the most bioavailable (most useful) to our bodies. We recommend taking between 0.5ml-1ml of CBD 1-2x a day depending on the strength you are taking. Drop the CBD under your tongue, and allow to absorb for up to a minute, being careful not to swallow!