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According to Wikipedia, “cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract.”

While there have only been a few human studies for CBD, and yet a Gallup Survey found that in 2019 about 1 in 7 Adults use CBD Products

source:(https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2019-08-08/1-in-7-adults-use-cbd-products-gallup-survey-finds).

If you’re looking to reduce stress, nausea, and insomnia then cooking with CBD oil is something you should definitely try. If you’re new to CBD, or if you’ve never cooked with it, you may have some questions first of all.

How do you add CBD to food?
Will it mix well with any drinks?
Can CBD intoxicate you?
Does it actually work?

For all of this and more, read on!

Will CBD Intoxicate You?

CBD is found in cannabis plants like hemp and yes, marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not proven to intoxicate you.

Also, according to the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”

CBD has, however, been shown to relax people in ways that help with depression, insomnia, and anxiety.

If you live in a US state where marijuana is not legal, or you enjoy being relaxed but not feeling intoxicated, you should definitely look into CBD.

Combine It With A Fat

There are various ways that you can take CBD, you can take CBD as a drop under your tongue, in a vape pen, or by adding it to food or drink.

To add it to your cooking, it works best to combine the CBD with fat. Butter or coconut oil work great with CBD.

Once you’ve combined your CBD mixture, you can use it the same way you would use butter or oil!

One thing you need to remember is to be careful with heat. CBD can evaporate and loose potency when you apply too much heat.

It is best to drizzle some CBD oil over avocado toast, pizza, or eggs.

It is a great companion to sauces like guacamole and you can also mix it into salads and pesto as well!

What Does it Go With?

CBD can blend better with savory foods than sweet foods in my experience.

It mixes very well in soups, pastas, and salad dressings.

You can also make gummies or mix it into drinks – drinks, especially smoothies are my personal favourite!

CBD drink ideas include:

• Fresh Mint Tea
• Chai and iced chai teas
• Fruit Smoothies – add the CBD to a load of berries or citrus fruits, you get the added benefits of the fruit
• Green smoothies – similar to the fruit smoothies above, a smoothie with a decent of veg has many benefits
• Matcha or Green Tea – Matcha can be an acquired taste, green tea works just fine as well, you can also buy flavoured green teas. These have health benefits as well.

For mixing CBD into a drink, you usually only need to add the right amount and shake it up!

CBD oil will mix with most drinks, so you do not need to combine it with butter or another fat.

It is best, however, to follow the recipe just in case your drink is the exception rather than the rule.

Appropriate Dosage

If you cook with too much CBD oil, you may experience dizziness or nausea. Some report an “uplifted” feeling, but don’t worry. You’re not intoxicated, you just ingested too much CBD. Make sure to regulate your dosage.

If you aren’t experienced with CBD, start with a smaller dose and slowly move up until you feel your desired results.

Less is better in this situation, because you can always take more but you can’t go back in time to take less! If you are adding large doses and still feeling no benefits, CBD may not be for you.

Don’t risk taking too much.

Side Effects

Like most things some folks  report side effects associated with CBD.

These include diarrhea, mild nausea, dizziness, excessive fatigue, and dry mouth. If you experience any of these, you may be taking too much CBD or CBD may not be for you. CBD should relax you and ease your troubles, it should not give you stress.

If CBD isn’t working for you, consult a doctor and seek other treatments for your anxiety.

Precaution: Consult your doctor before using CBD. This article is not a substitute for medical advice

Before we go on with the article you must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.

On with the article

CBD has been used as a medicine in many cultures for thousands of years. So, how can it help you?

Many consumers today are looking for safer alternatives to prescription drugs and their often harsh side effects. CBD has been proven to provide relief from many chronic conditions without any harmful side effects.

cbd image

Let’s take a closer look at just a few ways CBD could help improve the quality of your life:

Chronic Pain

CBD creates anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that quickly help with pain management.

It’s been studied in relation with reducing cancer pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, and other body pain, particularly back and neck pain.

Anxiety Management

CBD interacts with distinct receptors found mostly in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.

While the exact way CBD interacts isn’t quite known, it’s believed that it may alter serotonin signals which is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in your overall mental health.

Low serotonin levels have been directly associated with depression and anxiety. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in rats, which means it could be used for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to injury. Chronic inflammation is a prolonged response that can negatively impact tissues and organs.

Chronic inflammation is found with many diseases and disorders, like Crohn’s disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and diabetes.

A 2015 review in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry found that CBD reduces inflammation through several pathways in the body and occurs relatively quickly.

Depression

CBD is thought to interact with special receptors found mostly in the central nervous system (CB!) and peripheral nervous system (CB2).

A 2014 study found CBD produced an antidepressant and anti-anxiety effect, and a 2018 review found that CBD can reduce stress if the depression is stress related.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disorders are where the body’s immune system gets mixed up and thinks its own cells are the invaders.

Then, it goes to work attacking different areas of the body as if they were diseased. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, so it may help with autoimmune disorders.

Metabolic Syndrome (diabetes or obesity)

Diabetes is an inflammatory condition and CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

A 2016 study, published in Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, found that CBD-treated mice showed a reduction in pancreatic inflammation and developed diabetes later than mice who didn’t receive the compound.

They also showed a reduction in immune-cell activity, which can cause inflammation. CBD has shown promise in lowering insulin resistance and moderating blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes who are not taking insulin.

Neuropsychiatric Illness (alcoholism, PTSD)

A 2019 review of several studies found that CBD potentially showed anti-psychotic and anxiolytic properties. It was also shown to reduce the addictive effects of many common drugs.

Several recent studies have shown that CBD can help with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms like nightmares and replaying negative memories.

These studies looked at CBD as a stand-alone treatment and along with traditional medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Cardiovascular Dysfunction (arrhythmia, atherosclerosis)

CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may be able to reduce some of the risks of cardiovascular disorder like high blood pressure.

In a 2009 study, CBD did reduce the blood pressure of rats exposed to a stressful stimulus. In 2017, a study showed reduced blood pressure in people compared with a placebo.

Skin Disorders (acne, dermatitis, psoriasis)

Topical CBD also reduces oil production, provides moisture to the skin, and may relieve pain and itching.

These products are also showing encouraging results in pain relief caused by certain skin disorders.

CBD also has proven neuroprotective effects, meaning that it protects your nervous cells and system.

Several academic research centers are now investigating CBD’s anti-cancer effects.

We encourage our readers to seek out products made from the unfertilized flower tops of high-resin, CBD-rich cannabis, which is better suited for extracting medicinal oil than is low-resin fiber hemp, or industrial hemp grown for seed oil or protein.

Plant breeders have been creating high-resin cannabis varietals with CBD levels over ten percent, while keeping the THC under 0.3 percent.

If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, always buy your CBD from a licensed dispensary.

If you don’t live in such a state, you can still obtain CBD from the internet, but you must be far more careful.

There is no regulation of these products and you usually have no idea how much CBD you’re going to be getting. Further, many hemp-derived CBD products are mislabeled.

A study reported in the American Medical Association journal reported that, out of 85 products tested, 69 percent had an incorrect amount of CBD listed on the label.

Another survey found significant discrepancies among some of the leading hemp-derived CBD products.

They falsely claim full-spectrum CBD-rich oil is included in their products, but lab tests of several samples revealed that only a single cannabinoid (CBD) was present.

This indicates that the products are made with CBD-isolate rather than the more effective whole plant CBD-rich extract.

Another problem: some of the highly processed hemp products also contain toxic solvent residues, corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, and other contaminants.

How can you tell which products are safe for use?

Consumer Reports suggests using products made in states where medicinal marijuana is legalized. Those tend to have stricter standards and regulations.

If you live in a “CBD-Only” state, choose CBD products made with American-grown hemp.

Choose full-spectrum, CBD-rich oil extracts instead of products labeled “pure CBD” or “no THC.”

Full spectrum means it contains several cannabis compounds, including a little THC. If THC is illegal in your state, look for “broad spectrum” CBD oil products that still contain other cannabinoids (but no THC).

Here are some things you should avoid when choosing a CBD product:

• Companies that make grandiose promises or explicit health claims. This is not allowed by the FDA.
• CBD hemp oil vape cartridges made with toxic thinning agents like propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol. Also, avoid flavoring agents and other toxic additives.
• Poor-quality CBD-infused gummies made with corn syrup and artificial colors.
• Brands that claim their CBD is extracted from the hemp seed and/or stalk. CBD is not found in hempseed and very little is found in the stalks.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and contact any CBD company you are considering purchasing through. Ask questions prior to making a decision to purchase to ensure you are properly informed.

Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the use of CBD. Let’s take a closer look at the most common ones.

Myth #1: CBD is medical, and THC is recreational.

In truth, THC has amazing medicinal properties as does CBD. Scientists at the Scripps Research Center in San Diego reported that “THC inhibits an enzyme implicated in the formation of amyloid beta plaque,” which is the type of plaque found in Alzheimer’s disease.

The FDA recognizes single-molecule THC (dronabinol, brand name Marinol) as an anti-nausea agent and appetite booster. They classify it only as a Class III drug, which is reserved for less-addictive substances.

Myth #2: CBD is most effective without THC.

In truth, CBD and THC work best together, just as the cannabis plant creates them.

Scientific studies have proven that THC and CBD act in tandem with each one enhancing the other’s therapeutic and natural healing effects.

Myth #3: CBD is not psychoactive.

CBD certainly isn’t an intoxicant, but it’s a mistake to label it non-psychoactive.

It does act as a powerful mood-altering compound, even though you don’t get “high” like you do from THC. It’s more accurate to say, “CBD isn’t as psychoactive as THC.”

Myth #4: Psychoactivity is always an adverse side effect.

Big Pharma is looking to synthesize medically active marijuana-like molecules that don’t make people “high.” So, to them, the “high” is an unwanted side effect.

In truth, the word euphoria literally means “having health” in Greek; it’s a state of well-being.

Dr. Tod Mikuriya, a psychiatrist and author of books such as the Marijuana Medical Papers says, “We should be thinking of cannabis as a medicine first.

One that happens to have some psychoactive properties, as many medicines do, rather than an intoxicant that happens to have a few therapeutic properties on the side.”

Myth #5: CBD is just like a sedative.

The truth is that very high doses of CBD may trigger a sleep-promoting effect (perfect for those suffering from insomnia), however moderate doses can actually be mildly energizing.

In other words, CBD doesn’t cause sedation, but it may help restore better sleeping patterns by helping your brain produce more melatonin throughout the night.

And since it also helps reduce anxiety, it can help improve the quality and duration of your sleep.

Myth #6: High doses of CBD work better than low doses.

CBD isolates do require higher does than whole plant CBD-rich oil extracts. That doesn’t mean the single-molecule version is better.

Reports suggest that a synergistic combination of CBD, THC, and other cannabis components can be more effective at lower doses.

Myth #7: CBD is converted to THC in your stomach.

There have been extensive clinical trials demonstrating that CBD, even at high doses, does not cause THC-like effects.

On the contrary, in the right amounts, CBD can lessen or neutralize the THC “high.”

CBD is available in many different forms, so before you choose which one is best suited for you, here’s a quick overview of currently available options.

@LittleIvan via Twenty20

Let’s take a closer look:

Capsules

These are used for systemic treatment of conditions such as seizures or digestive issues. They are also ingested to help with a variety of other health problems, including acne, anorexia and even glaucoma.

Remember that you must allow enough time for the capsule to dissolve in your stomach and be distributed throughout your body by your blood stream.

When you swallow a capsule, it’s absorbed through your intestines and sent to the liver. It takes about an hour to feel the effects if you take it on an empty stomach, and up to three hours if you’ve eaten recently. This means don’t take more until after at least 3-4 hours have passed.

The psychoactive effects of a capsule subside after around six hours in the average person. Other effects may last up to twelve hours. This longer-acting effect makes capsules suitable for many chronic conditions.

Gummy Edibles

Like capsules, gummy edibles first must be digested and pass through the liver before they begin to take effect. Again, remember not to take more until at least three hours have passed.

Oral Spray

Many studies have shown that CBD, through oral spray specifically that has a combination of CBD and THC, have been proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce muscle spasticity in those suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Tinctures

Tinctures are made with a solvent like ethanol or sesame or olive oil. They’re applied into the mouth, or under the tongue. These doses are absorbed directly into the blood vessels in the mouth.

How it works: You spray or drop the liquid onto the skin in your mouth and wait at least 1-2 minutes for it to absorb before you swallow.

If you just swallow immediately, it’s going to take much longer to have an effect, like a capsule or edible does. It’s best not to eat or drink immediately before or after taking a tincture.

Tinctures take between 15 minutes to an hour to have full effect. They last anywhere between six to eight hours.

Tip: Always start with the lowest dose possible if you are new to CBD. 2.5 to 5.0 milligrams are a good starting dose for most people. Always pay close attention to the label so you’ll be certain exactly how much cannabinoid you’re getting per dose.

Vaping

Inhaling CBD is the fastest way of administering the drug.

The chemicals are sent straight to the brain before they pass through the liver, so they take effect within seconds to minutes.

Most effects usually dissipate within two to three hours. The short onset and duration make this method good for acute problems like nausea.

The fast onset also allows patients to adjust their dose quickly. Even if you do get a “high,” it won’t last very long and you can adjust the next dose accordingly.

One thing to consider, however: vaping has been shown to be a dangerous habit and carries unique risks as they are often diluted with other substances such as MCT, oils and fats that are typically derived from natural sources like olive or coconut oil.

And while these oils are safe to eat, it hasn’t been proven whether they are safe to vape.

Creams, lotions, and gels

These topical products are rubbed onto the skin to provide quick pain relief for muscles and joints.

The CBD is not usually absorbed into the blood stream in any significant amount, so you don’t need to worry about getting “high” or causing side effects.

There is a very unfortunate, and untrue, stigma which still surrounds CBD related products.

This actual stems from a long campaign against Cannabis starting from the early 20^th century led to the effective criminalization of cannabis in 1937 – now there are various reasons for this and if you have time I wholeheartedly recommend reading up, as it was very politically driven at the time.  This trend continued and even got worse until Charlotte Figi came into spotlight.

@LittleIvan via Twenty20

Charlotte Figi’s story

Charlotte was 3 months old when she sadly had her first seizure, by the time she was 5 she was having ~300 seizures a week.  The Doctor’s gave up, thinking that there was nothing that they could do but thankfully her parents did not.

They continued to search and press for medical cannabis having heard that it may be of benefit and help their daughter.  On this journey they discovered the Stanley brothers, who produced high CBD and low THC strains of cannabis, though this was not in demand at the time.

Once the CBD Oil regime was started Charlotte began to improve and her seizures were limited to 2 to 3 a MONTH.  This particular strain then became known as “Charlotte’s Web” and this might be thought of as a turning point of the sentiment toward cannabis.

What Is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol is an organic chemical found in cannabis plants, including the hemp plant.  There are over one hundred cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant.  The most commonly known and looked down upon compound is known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this is the compound which contains psychoactive properties.

While one of the lesser known compounds, which as you may have guessed is CBD, is non-psychoactive, making it a prime candidate for medicinal benefits without the mind-altering side effects.

Cannabis containing 0.3% or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is classified as hemp, while that containing over 0.3% of THC is classified as marijuana.

Is CBD Legal?

The short answer is, yes but there are quite a few grey areas still.

The often confusing legal status of CBD largely stems from the lack of congruity between the quickly changing federal and state laws, along with the status of medical marijuana and recreational marijuana, and continuous misinformation and lack of clarity in the complex law between the hemp plant and marijuana.

Hemp Made Legal…

The US Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“Farm Bill”), which was then signed into law at the end of the year. The Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, expanding commercial cultivation practices, and legalizing the production of hemp on Indian tribal land and in U.S. territories.

Regulations regarding hemp now are under the charge of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) instead of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Given that hemp is now legal, most presume compounds extracted from it are legal as well. However, regulations do not necessarily provide legal status to hemp extracts.

As with most new laws in the United States, the structure and publication of laws surrounding CBD derived from Hemp are still yet not fully complete but hopefully are moving in the right direction.

Now add to the fact that various US states can have their own set of legislation that do not always conform to federal standards and vice versa, we are left with a plethora of varying and often unclear rules, but one thing is clear is the following:

At the federal level buying CBD, with THC content of less than 0.3% that is derived from the hemp plant, is currently legal.