Everything about CBD: answers to the 13 most popular questions
CBD is a chemical compound found in industrial hemp. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids known for its diverse health benefits. One of the most popular CBD products is oil, but CBD can also be vaped as a liquid or taken in capsule form.
Everything about CBD is of interest today: from effects, potential uses, to questions about whether it is safe for pets. If you miss relevant information on this topic, we are here to help. We answer the most common questions people ask about using CBD (or cannabidiol).
The article answers 13 of the most common questions about CBD, including what CBD is and what benefits it can offer, whether CBD is legal in Lithuania, whether CBD can cause intoxication, and what potential side effects might occur. The importance of the ECS (endocannabinoid system) is mentioned, explaining how cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system, the effects of different types of CBD, and the potential benefits of CBD for animals.
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Note: This and other articles on Hempo's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'novel food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.
What is CBD?
CBD, also called cannabidiol, is a completely natural plant substance: it is a cannabinoid found in the fibrous hemp plant. It is valued for its medicinal and cosmetic properties.
The most popular form of CBD is oil, but CBD can also be sold as patches, e-liquid, oil-based capsules, gummies, cookies, and other products. CBD creams, gels and other CBD cosmetics for external use are also very popular.
What benefits can cannabidiol provide?
CBD has become popular due to its many positive properties that influence people's health and well-being. Doctors and scientists believe that CBD oil can effectively reduce anxiety, stress, relieve long-term pain (for example, back or joint pain). CBD oil can slow down the progression of diseases, improve well-being in chronic diseases (for example, arthritis, epilepsy, cancer). CBD c an also be effective for insomnia or sleep disorders, to improve appetite, improve concentration.
Another CBD benefit is that it can be used in cosmetics. Many people try CBD to improve skin conditions: to fight aging processes, acne (pimples), to revive damaged, dehydrated skin. Cannabidiol is also worth trying for hair: it is said to stimulate hair growth and strengthen damaged hair. Adding CBD oil to your hair care routine will make your hair healthier, stronger and shinier in the long run.
Is it legal in Lithuania?
From 2021 CBD products became freely and safely available throughout Lithuania. By purchasing certified CBD oils in Lithuania, from manufacturers operating here, you can be assured that you will purchase a legal, safe and truly effective product that will not disappoint you.
What is CBD Oil Used For?
Can it stun?
It is sometimes believed that CBD oil can cause a feeling of intoxication, but this is a complete myth. Cannabidiol does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).This is a well-known psychoactive ingredient, which cannot exceed the 0.2% limit in hemp products on the market in Lithuania.
Very small amounts of THC may be found in some cannabidiol products (such as full-spectrum CBD oil). However, the THC content in them is so low that it does not cause any intoxication or other unpleasant effects.
What side effects can occur?
In a nutshell, here's everything you need to know about the side effects of CBD:
Cannabidiol has practically no side effects: they occur very rarely and disappear quickly. However, it is worth being aware of possible symptoms such as:
- Drowsiness;
- Dry mouth;
- Nausea;
- Decreased appetite;
- Diarrhea or constipation.
As we mentioned, these symptoms occur only in exceptional cases and disappear when you stop using cannabidiol. You will reduce their risk if you choose certified hemp products offered by reliable manufacturers.
How Long Does It Take for CBD to Work?
What does the abbreviation ECS mean?
ECS stands for endocannabinoid system. This biological system was discovered relatively recently, only several decades ago. It is a naturally occurring neural network that is very important to each of us.
So far, scientists still lack some important knowledge about the functioning of the ECS system, but one thing is clear: it is responsible for homeostasis - the stable maintenance of the body's internal environment, regardless of external stimuli and threats. The functioning of ECS manifests itself as the regulation of extremely important body functions and processes. The endocannabinoid system affects a variety of areas such as general well-being, mood, sleep patterns, appetite, digestion, the body's response to the environment, pain perception, and more. If the ECS system works smoothly, the body's systems also function well and we feel great.
How does cannabidiol interact with the endocannabinoid system?
Interestingly, consuming CBD oil or other hemp products immediately begins to interact with the ECS. This is because this network of neurons is made up of so-called cannabinoid receptors. They provide an excellent medium for binding CBD that enters the body. This is the link through which CBD has a positive effect on the whole body and improves the functioning of the ECS system, helping to maintain the function of homeostasis.
How is CBD Made?
Are all cannabidiol products the same?
In a nutshell, everything about CBD products in Lithuania:
You can buy several different types of CBD in Lithuania: full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil and isolate. They differ among themselves in their composition and intensity of effect. Therefore, when purchasing, be sure to consider your needs and carefully choose which strength of cannabidiol is most suitable for you.
How do different types of extracts work?
Full spectrum CBD oil is perhaps the most natural and strongest CBD product: it does not contain other naturally occurring hemp components. Here you will find not only CBD, but all other types of cannabinoids, including CBN, CBC, CBN and very small traces of THC (0.2% or less). This is a completely safe amount of THC: its minimum concentration is allowed according to the laws in force in Lithuania.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil is a medium-strength product that may also contain various cannabinoids other than CBD, but will contain less of them than full-spectrum CBD oil. This oil contains almost all other important cannabinoids except THC.
CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol: this product contains only CBD without any other components. The effect of the isolate is the mildest.
Can cannabidiol be used for pets - dogs, cats?
In many states where CBD has been legal for years, people have been known to give CBD to pets regularly and see great results for a variety of reasons . These can be for various indications, just like in humans: to reduce the stress felt by the pet, to relieve pain, in case of digestive disorders, to speed up the recovery of the pet's body after an injury or surgery and much more.
True, not many clinical studies have yet been conducted on the effects of cannabidiol on pets. Also, experts warn to avoid full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains a small amount of THC. For these reasons, CBD should be given to pets carefully, in moderation, and before consulting a veterinarian. It is recommended to choose a broad-spectrum CBD oil that is completely free of THC.
Everything about CBD can seem confusing at first glance, but we hope these answers helped you get your bearings and you now know more about cannabidiol!