in

How to Know if CBD is the Right Choice for Your Family

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in plants of the cannabis family, including marijuana and hemp. While some compounds of this plant family can cause a disconnection and euphoria or high, CBD cannot.

How CBD Works

We all have endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies. Cannabinoids, such as CBD, bind to these receptors to alter transmission within the central nervous system. This binding means that transmissions such as

  • pain notifications
  • anxious thoughts
  • agitation related to insomnia

cannot travel the same pathway. While THC or tetrahydrocannabinol binds to the receptor and generates a sense of euphoric disconnection, CBD often offers a great sense of calm.

Different Methodologies Available

You can find CBD in

  • edible drops for under the tongue
  • topicals for joint pain relief
  • edible gummies for long term release
  • vaping liquids and tools
  • isolate powder for mixing into foods

If you plan to use it to help a child dealing with severe anxious thoughts, an inability to focus or seizures, keep a notebook. You will need the child to help you track how they feel after taking the product, especially if you are not using it to help them sleep.

Buy the Best

If you are considering CBD for yourself or your family, make sure that you buy from an excellent  CBD oil store that focuses on organic products. You can sometimes also find places that offer third party testing. Third party testing is an added step done by an outside lab that confirms that the product inside the bottle is what is represented on the label. This is very important so that you know what exactly you are buying.

Determine the Dosage

It is critical that you discuss your decision to use CBD with your physician and your pediatrician. While CBD is not addictive and you cannot build up a tolerance to it, you need to be aware that it can interact with other medications. For example, there are indications that CBD has a  vasodilatory effect, so you should never take it with blood pressure medications.

To start, a basic dosage calculation is one mg of CBD per ten pounds of recipient. If you struggle to sleep or are dealing with chronic pain and weigh 150 pounds, take 15 mg under the tongue and track your reaction in 15 minute increments. Be aware that the full dose is commonly considered to be a sleeping aid. Many users find that a smaller or microdose can be extremely effective.

When CBD for Sleep is Not Helpful

Many folks who use CBD just take it before bed. A dose under the tongue can increase sleepiness, and stacking the sublingual dose with an edible can help you stay asleep. However, if you need to be awake, sleepiness can be an unpleasant side effect of the product. In this case, microdosing can be extremely useful. Adults may find that chronic pain and anxious thoughts can be soothed with a couple of puffs from a vaping pen. Children with attention challenges can gain focus with a single milligram instead of a full sleeping dose. Teens with increased acne risk may notice clearer skin. Again, tracking your results in a notebook can help determine dosage.

A Word About Vaping

The products formulated to go into a vaping pen are generally alcohol based and should never be taken under the tongue. CBD products formulated for sublingual doses should never be put into a vaping tool as this oil has a much different smoking point and is dangerous to heat and inhale. If you are interested in vaping but have never used a vaping tool, consider a disposable pen to start.

Risks of Addiction and Overdose

You cannot build up a tolerance to CBD, so the risk of addiction and the need for more products is very slight. However, if you come to rely on it and have to go a few days without it, you will likely feel the difference. It is possible to take too much CBD. Sleepiness will be the first sign, and you may suffer an unpleasant bout of diarrhea. Use your notebook and dose with great care so you can track your response and determine the best dose for you and your family members.

How to Create STEM Lesson Plans for Homeschooling

Fun Things To Do In Palm Springs