A non-intoxicating, highly therapeutic compound in cannabis known as CBD, or cannabidiol, has sparked a revolution in cannabis. Studies have demonstrated CBD’s benefits in treating a variety of ailments, including epilepsy, cancer, pain, arthritis, and anxiety disorders, although it can also be used to alleviate everyday stress and more mild symptoms.
CBD can be extracted and processed into a variety of forms, each appropriate for different needs and lifestyles. Below, find out which one is right for you, and then head to Leafly’s dispensary locator to find a cannabis provider nearby.
Hemp oil and cannabis-derived CBD oil
The popularity of high-CBD cannabis oil has lit up in recent years, especially since the CNN documentary “Weed” captured the miraculous story of 5-year-old Charlotte Figi, whose seizures decreased significantly with the orally-administered concentrate. Using hemp or high-CBD cannabis strains, CBD can be extracted and rendered into a non-intoxicating CBD oil. This oil can be ingested, added to a capsule, or mixed into food or a smoothie.
Cannabis tinctures
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extractions that are applied under the tongue. Soaked in either alcohol or vegetable glycerin, cannabis tinctures were among the earliest forms of cannabis medicines prior to its prohibition in the United States. They tend to be less concentrated than other oil extracts, but their effects kick in faster than ingestible oils and edibles.
CBD-infused cannabis topicals
Cannabis-infused topicals have become a popular item among patients treating a variety of aches and pains. Applied directly to the skin, topicals deliver localized relief and often contain a variety of therapeutic compounds, not just CBD. Because balms and salves are non-intoxicating, topicals are a great choice for patients needing relief with a clear head.
CBD-infused cannabis edibles
Cannabis-infused edibles aren’t always loaded with THC. Many cannabis producers now offer CBD-infused edibles and drinkables that relieve stress, anxiety, and other medical symptoms while sating your appetite.
Vaping or smoking CBD oils and strains
High-CBD strains and oils can be smoked or vaporized for immediate effects with little to no high, depending on the product’s THC content. A strain may contain only trace amounts of THC for clear-headed relief, or it may have balanced levels of THC and CBD, delivering a mild high but potent relief. Inhalation of CBD is popularly used to relieve symptoms like anxiety more instantaneously than ingestible forms.
Explore the menu of your nearby dispensary for a full list of the offerings near you, or browse high-CBD strains on Leafly for an idea of popular varieties to look out for.
