After a hard day at work or at school, there’s no better feeling than coming home and relaxing. But for some people, relaxing is easier said than done. Maybe you suffer from racing thoughts or are someone who is antsy and a worrier. Whatever the case may be, it can be quite frustrating to not be able to simply chill.

Enter CBD. The ever-popular product has become the go-to for those people who need help winding down and relaxing after a long, rough day. What’s even better is that CBD is available in a wide range of options, including gummies, tinctures, and capsules.

Keep reading to learn how CBD can really help you chill

What is CBD?

CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is an active compound found in the cannabis and hemp plants. Most CBD products use hemp-derived CBD, which means it naturally contains a low amount of THC, which is the component that causes you to feel “high.” With only trace amounts, users don’t have to worry about feeling altered in any way.

When CBD is taken, it won’t make you feel euphoric or stoned. Instead, you’ll feel a sense of calmness, focus, and relief. Racing thoughts will go away, and you’ll feel less stressed and anxious.

Whether you’re taking Charlotte’s Web CBD oil, an edible product, or using a CBD vape pen, you can expect to feel a lot less stressed. When life feels less hectic, it’s a lot more enjoyable.

The Science behind CBD

Ask anyone who uses CBD, and you’re sure to be given a glowing review about how life-changing the compound is. But, if you don’t want to just trust what others have to say about CBD, there is some scientific evidence that proves that CBD is able to soothe stress and anxiety.

While many of these studies have been conducted on rodents, the results are undeniable. A review of more than 32 different rodent-based studies on CBDs effects on stress and anxiety found that only one didn’t have notable results.

So how exactly does CBD calm the mind and body? It all comes down to how the cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid system. CBD interacts with more than 65 different receptors throughout the body, and when stimulated, the endocannabinoid system sends “feel good” signals.

CBD may help to restore balance to the endocannabinoid system by minimizing overstimulation of CB1 receptors. CBD also encourages the body to produce more endocannabinoids, which can help in relieving OCD symptoms as well as other anxious behaviors.

When CBD is taken, the compound binds to 5-HT1A, which is a serotonin receptor that plays a role in anxiety. This explains why CBD can help those who are overly anxious as well as those with diagnosed anxiety disorders.

Is CBD Safe?

One of the biggest questions that people have about CBD is whether or not it’s safe to use. The bottom line is that when CBD is used properly, for example, by not taking too high of a dosage, it does work and is plenty safe.

Only a few mild side effects have been linked to CBD, including:

• Dry mouth
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness and fatigue

It is worth noting that CBD may negatively interact with certain medications. So, it’s best to get medical clearance from your doctor first before adding CBD to your daily routine. You don’t want to complicate your health by having to deal with an adverse drug interaction.

A cause for concern when using CBD is the fact that the industry as a whole is unregulated. This means that there’s a lot of uncertainty and unreliability in determining the purity and dosage of a CBD in a product.

Tips for Using CBD

For many, the benefits that CBD offers far outweigh the potential risks. But, like any other supplement, CBD isn’t something that you want to add to your daily regime without first doing your due diligence. Here are some tips for using CBD so that you can get the calming effects that you want.

Choose a High Quality Product

The best thing you can do when trying CBD for the first time is to ensure that you’re buying a high quality product. Because the CBD industry lacks oversight and regulation, it’s extremely easy for low quality products to make their way into the market. This means you’ll need to do your part in researching a brand and product before buying it.

When considering what CBD product is best for you, there are some things to consider, including the type of CBD used. CBD products can be made with full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD.

As explained on CBDGrade, full-spectrum products contain a low amount of THC while broad-spectrum and isolate do not. Understanding the difference between each type of CBD can help to ensure you choose the best type for your needs.

Dose Low & Slow

Another key rule to follow when using CBD for the first time is to dose low and slow. Taking too high of a dosage in the beginning could cause side effects. When first starting out, stick to a 5mg or 10mg dosage. You’ll then want to slowly up the dosage, until you find your sweet spot.

Once you find the dosage that offers the calm and relaxation that you want, stick with it. Over time, you may notice that your sweet spot dosage increases. This is because your body will build tolerance overtime.

Be Patient

You won’t feel the effects of CBD immediately, so be patient! Don’t give up on a product because you don’t feel the effects the same day. For some, it can take weeks to feel the true benefits of CBD. You’ll need to give your body the time it needs to react to the CBD that you take.

If you’re looking for an all-natural product that will take off the edge and help you to chill, CBD may be just what you need. Keep this information in mind when trying CBD for the first time so that you’ll have an enjoyable experience.