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A Beginner's Guide to CBD: What You Need to Know

This guide will introduce you to the basics of CBD, including why it's popular, the different types available, and how to decide which one is right for you.

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A Beginner's Guide to CBD: What You Need to Know

In This Article:

Are you new to the world of CBD and curious about what it is and how it can benefit your health? We can help! This guide will introduce you to the basics of CBD, including why it's popular, the different types available, and how to decide which one is right for you. We'll also discuss the most important things to know before using or buying CBD products and highlight some of the most common misconceptions about this natural wellness supplement.

By the time you've finished reading this guide, you'll have a solid understanding of the benefits and potential risks of using CBD and a better understanding of why it's often referred to as 'the next big thing' in holistic health and wellness.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main components of the cannabis plant and is known to have a variety of potential health benefits. It can be used to treat anxiety, pain, nausea, inflammation, seizures, addiction, and more.

Studies show that CBD may help alleviate some physical symptoms associated with chronic pain, seizures, and mental health disorders. Additionally, CBD does not produce the same psychoactive effects as marijuana, so it does not cause any feeling of being "high". Proponents of CBD argue that it can provide relief from many conditions without the risks or side effects commonly associated with pharmaceutical drugs. This could make it highly desirable to people trying to find natural but effective solutions for their symptoms.

Differences Between CBD and Marijuana

CBD and marijuana are two very different compounds that are often confused with one another. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, while marijuana is a psychoactive compound found in the same plants. Marijuana contains high levels of THC, which is the substance that produces the euphoric “high”, while CBD has no psychoactive properties.


This means that while both compounds are derived from cannabis plants, they actually have different effects on the body. When people consume marijuana, they feel increased heart rate and a range of mental effects including altered perception and mood changes. On the other hand, taking CBD does not produce these psychoactive effects at all; instead, it has been known to potentially have a number of beneficial health effects.

The debate about whether or not CBD should be treated differently than marijuana has been going on for some time. While many countries have legalized both substances for medicinal use under certain conditions, there is still much debate about how each compound should be used medically and recreationally. Supporters of medical and recreational marijuana will argue that the two substances should be legally regulated differently due to their psychoactive differences; those opposed will generally argue that they should all be treated as one single substance due to their common origin and status as controlled drugs.

Is it Safe to Use CBD?

The safety of using Cannabidiol (CBD) products is a key question for many potential users. Proponents argue that CBD is completely safe to use, and some even claim that it has numerous benefits for the human body. On the other hand, there are detractors who worry that it is not as safe as manufacturers would like us to believe.


At the moment, limited research exists in regards to long-term CBD usage. Its effects on humans have yet to be fully studied and understood, so it is important to take caution when using CBD products. That being said, it is generally agreed that CBD itself is safe and non-toxic; its effects are simply unknown to us at this point.

CBD can act as a blood thinner, which can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people taking certain medications or supplements. It can also interact with certain drugs, such as blood pressure medications and even over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen. Some people may experience dry mouth, lightheadedness, or drowsiness after taking CBD. As such, people should talk with their doctor prior to starting any type of supplement regimen.

Overall, there are both supporters and opponents of CBD usage due to the lack of comprehensive studies about its long-term effects on humans. While the majority opinion seems to lean towards the notion that it is mostly safe for human consumption, caution should still be taken when using it on a regular basis. To learn more about the types of CBD products available today, please continue reading our next section below.

Types of CBD Products

CBD products come in many forms and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. The type of product you choose will depend on what you need, your lifestyle, and other factors. Here are some of the most popular types of CBD products:


Tinctures: A tincture or CBD oil Canada is a liquid extract made by steeping cannabis flowers in oil or alcohol. Tinctures are taken orally, placed under the tongue and held for 30 seconds before swallowing. This method allows the CBD to quickly enter the bloodstream and has been found to be more effective than other forms of ingestion.

Capsules: CBD capsules are used like any other supplement, taken orally with a glass of water or other drink. They provide a convenient and controlled way to consume CBD as each capsule contains a known amount.

Edibles: Edibles provide an enjoyable way to take CBD through food or drinks. These include gummies, cookies, chocolates, tea, or even infused honey or olive oil that can be added to foods. It’s important to note that edibles take longer than other methods to take effect as they first have to be digested before entering the bloodstream.

Topicals: Topical creams and lotions are used on the skin to help reduce inflammation and ease pain in joints and muscles. They do not enter the bloodstream but rather bind directly with local endocannabinoid receptors found in the skin.

Vaping/Smoking: Vaping is a popular method for consuming CBD because it takes effect faster than other methods since it enters the lungs and bloodstream immediately after inhalation. This makes it ideal for those seeking relief from anxiety or pain without having to wait for their body to digest an edible or capsule. However, smoking should be avoided as much as possible due to its health risks.

While there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a CBD product, understanding your individual needs and preferences can go a long way in finding the best fit for you.

How Much CBD Should I Take?

Determining how much CBD to take can be a tricky process. Everyone’s body responds differently, meaning that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. To find the right dosage, it’s important to take into account various factors associated with CBD, such as concentration and potency, individual metabolism, individual body chemistry, and most importantly, desired effects.



However, there isn’t a “one size fits all” when it comes to knowing how much CBD to take because each person’s biology is unique in its own way and will affect their response to the active compound. Therefore, it is important for each individual to experiment with finding their optimal dose. Determining exactly how much CBD you should take might require some trial and error or might even be best discussed with a doctor or healthcare professional before trying any new supplement or lifestyle habit.



Many people believe that taking higher doses of CBD will produce better results. However, this is not always the case - as it could potentially lead you to experience an adverse effect known as overmedication. Overmedicating can result in unpleasant side effects like nausea, anxiety, dizziness and drowsiness which could last anywhere from several minutes to several hours - depending on the amount taken and the individual's metabolism. Additionally, overmedication may also increase the risk of developing dependency on the supplement so it's important to be mindful when consuming an excessive amount of CBD.



When deciding how much CBD you should take, start small with minimal doses and gradually increase your intake if necessary. And while it’s easy to be overwhelmed when starting out with cannabinoids, rest assured that you don't need to use large amounts of CBD every single day in order to achieve desired results. Even minimal amounts of CBD can have positive effects when taken regularly and consistently over time - allowing your body to adjust accordingly for better health outcomes.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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