Did you ever think you’d see the day when getting high meant not getting high? Sorry to throw you a curveball right off the bat. But it’s an appropriate starting place for today’s topic, the types of CBD products now available. CBD (cannabidiol), as you already know, is the second most common cannabinoid—or “active ingredient”—in cannabis. THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana, and so far as we know, it’s also the only one responsible for the dreamy, delightful euphoria we like to call “being high.”
So…why bother with CBD at all? A lot of reasons, as it turns out. Even if CBD lacks THC’s distinctive psychoactive nature, there’s strong evidence to suggest it’s doing a great deal of good for our bodies and our minds. And many associate pure CBD with a subtle and gentle calming effect, a testament to its anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety properties.
Let’s dive into a few of those effects, and then move on to some of the most popular types of CBD products and high-CBD strains so you can find out for yourself!
What Does CBD Do For Us?
CBD appears to have a wide range of effects on the body, and some of them are still becoming clear to researchers. Thus far, studies suggest CBD may be an effective remedy for:
- Many types of pain, including nociceptive, neuropathic and central pain
- Anxiety and depression
- Side effects of treatments for cancer, including nausea and vomiting
- Epilepsy
In addition, there are many promising avenues of research regarding CBD and the body. It’s been shown that CBD may help control certain neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. Research has linked CBD to increased heart health, reduced risk of diabetes, and a surprisingly wide variety of other chronic conditions and ailments.
And perhaps most famously, a young Colorado girl suffering from the debilitating effects of Dravet syndrome was able to reduce her seizures to a manageable level using a CBD-rich cannabis oil called “Charlotte’s Web”; she’s profiled in the CNN documentary Weed.
What Types of CBD Products Exist?
Because CBD isn’t psychoactive in and of itself, there are many ways to access it, even in states where cannabis isn’t legal. But it’s complicated.
Because cannabis remains illegal at the Federal level and is currently only legal in certain states, the different types of CBD products in cannabis-illegal states must be derived from the cannabis plant’s cousin, wild hemp, which contains only minute quantities of THC.
That said, some people believe that CBD is more effective in conjunction with THC, even if it’s only present in small amounts. That’s because cannabinoids interact in a phenomenon known as “the entourage effect,” though we should point out that some researchers believe this characteristic is not always strictly beneficial.
What’s more, wild hemp tends to accumulate toxins in the soil. Unless you’re sure that your hemp-derived CBD has been thoroughly tested, you may want to stick with cannabis-derived CBD instead.
Let’s take a quick tour of some of the most common types of CBD products you’re likely to encounter.
CBD Topicals
These products are creams—such as lotions or salves—that take advantage of CBD’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe tired, aching, or sore muscles.
CBD Capsules, Pills, and Tinctures
This large group of products utilizes the same general component: CBD oil. It’s a concentrated form of cannabis (or hemp, as noted above) that can be extracted from the plant by a variety of methods and ingested via capsules, pills, or as a tincture (a plant extract suspended in a neutral medium such as coconut oil). They start working relatively quickly, though not as quickly as inhaled or vaped cannabis does.
CBD Wax
These products are essentially oils or extracts that have been treated to solidify. They can be dabbed for a rapid onset of effects, but be advised that any waxes containing THC will typically be quite potent at anything more than tiny amounts.
CBD Edibles
These CBD products are the easiest to understand, as they’re simply items of food or candy—such as gummies, mints or chocolates—infused with CBD. Because edible cannabinoids are metabolized differently than other forms, their onset is typically the longest of all, and their effects the longest-lasting.
CBD Isolate
This CBD product is a bit more esoteric than the others. For one thing, its sterile crystalline format doesn’t exactly shout “user-friendly!” That said, these pure and concentrated crystals of CBD can be added to fatty foods like butter or oil, made into a tincture, or even dabbed.
What Are High-CBD Strains?
If you’re interested in taking advantage of CBD’s beneficial effects, we recommend you look for products with at least a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio. Our stock is always changing, but these strains tend to be reliably high in CBD:
ACDC
This cannabis is a sativa-dominant CBD powerhouse! With an extremely CBD-heavy cannabinoid makeup, this strain produces few if any intoxicating effects. It helps many patients treat pain, anxiety, and other conditions with a clear head.
CBD Critical Mass
A high-CBD cross of Afghani and Skunk #1, this indica-dominant strain is great for relaxing and easing physical discomfort. It stimulates creativity and euphoria without knocking you out.
Cannatonic
Typically showing a 2:1 CBD to THC ratio, this hybrid delivers many medical benefits without the anxiousness and paranoia associated with THC. A real favorite!
Harlequin
This beloved strain displays sativa-dominant uplift, usually with a very slight euphoric effect. It’s great for daytime activities while giving a mild and soothing CBD ride.
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