Cannabidiol (or CBD) has quickly gained popularity in the last few years. It is one of the most popular supplements and can be acquired almost anywhere. If you are thinking about trying CBD for the first time you might be overwhelmed by the number of options to choose from and choices to make. Here is a quick guide to help you get started. 

Benefits  

There are many benefits of CBD oil. Perhaps the most well-known benefits are treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Instead of giving you a high, CBD typically uplifts the user’s mood and makes them feel relaxed and at ease. Sometimes they will have increased energy. CBD is also commonly used to treat pain, especially chronic pain, or pain related to medical conditions like cancer, arthritis, and MS. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain and swelling associated with chronic pain and illness. 

One of the lesser-known uses of CBD is for treating neurological issues. It is known for being an anti-seizure treatment and can be used by people with epilepsy. It also helps people with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

Methods

There are many different ways to consume CBD oil. Perhaps one of the most popular is CBD edibles. Edibles are great because they allow for a slower release of the CBD than a traditional inhalation method. They’re also easy to make because you can bake CBD into just about anything. If you’re short on time you can try Lulu’s chocolate bar which comes with the CBD already infused and ready for consumption. Chocolate is one of the most popular edibles because it’s relatively cheap, easy to buy online, and will last you a long time. One or two squares are usually enough to feel the full effects of the CBD. 

Other methods include smoking, vaping, topical lotions, pills, and tinctures. All of these methods have varying positives and negatives, so it is important to research and find what will work best for you. You might also find that in certain circumstances you prefer a specific method, while other times you might want something different. It might take some time to find the exact right combination for you. 

Side Effects 

As with anything you put in your body, there are possibilities for negative side effects. The good news is because of the wide range of CBD options, you are highly likely to find something that works for you. However, it is good to be aware of common side effects so you can recognize issues quickly and make an informed decision about whether or not to continue taking CBD. 

Some of the common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, depression, dry mouth, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Because CBD isn’t regulated by the FDA, doses can vary drastically by brands and products. This variance in purity and potency can impact the amount and severity of side effects you have. Make sure you thoroughly research where you are getting your CBD from and know how much you should take. Another benefit of cannabis chocolate is the ability to easily portion out how much you’re getting (something that is much harder to do with vaping, for example). 

If you are experiencing side effects, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use CBD in the future. Instead, try experimenting with your method of consumption and the amount of consumption. If you are worried about a side effect never hesitate to seek medical help.