by Kate Kytle, HHP
Before I became a holistic health practitioner and opened my CBD and Wellness store, I was just like all of you: a confused patient looking for answers on how to use CBD and medical cannabis to help fight chronic illness. In my case, it was cancer.
I would go into dispensaries looking to the budtenders for answers and got little or no help. One of the main problems was no one really knew anything about CBD because, up until that point, the consensus in most shops was that THC was the only valuable constituent of medical cannabis.
Now, 4 years later, CBD products are everywhere, but there is still a lot of confusion on how or what to use. I am going to try to give you a little guidance based on what research has shown and what works for customers of mine. I am not a medical professional so none of this is medical advice. It is just general information that you may be able to use to help make your own decisions.
I personally do not think you can go wrong with using an oral form of CBD no matter what you are trying to achieve. Research has shown that we have our own endocannabinoid system and that CBD somehow signals it to start helping our other systems function better so most of us can probably get some type of benefit.
CBD OIL TINCTURES – This is usually CBD isolate or a Full Spectrum (all the cannabinoids) hemp extract infused into a carrier oil such as MCT or hemp seed oil. It is available in varying concentrations and flavors. It is used by placing a few drops under the tongue and letting it absorb before swallowing. Doing this on an ongoing basis is thought to reactivate our internal system and may help with chronic issues like inflammation, pain, and immune disorders over the long term. The severity of the condition often dictates the concentration you may need. However, it also seems to be affected by personal body chemistry, weight, and other factors. So, you must find your own “sweet spot.”
EDIBLES – These come in many varieties. Some of the most popular are chocolate and gummies. They are also available in varying strengths. When you consume CBD this way, you need more of it because a lot of it can be lost in the digestive process, so it is probably not the best way to treat severe conditions.
TOPICALS – This also comes in many forms, but balms, lotions, and roll-ons are most popular. Topicals may give some immediate relief from conditions like arthritis, pain after surgery, ongoing inflammation, neuropathy, dermatitis, cuts and bruises.
SMOKABLE CBD – These include “flower” (the bud of the hemp plant), liquid vape concentrates, shatter, wax, and crystals. These may also provide some immediate relief from things like anxiety, insomnia, pain, stress, and depression. Experienced consumers particularly like these forms.
While there are a few other CBD delivery forms, these are the main products you will see on the shelves of most CBD stores today. I hope this makes your choice a little easier. For any additional help, please feel free to contact me.