Maybe you have smoked cigarettes for a long time, or perhaps you’ve heard of the mounting evidence that supports CBD’s therapeutic potential and are curious about trying it. You might be asking yourself, “What are the benefits of smoking CBD?”
That's not an easy question to answer, as the direct impact of CBD on the body is not yet fully understood. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that CBD may offer a wide range of potential health benefits, including:
Reducing inflammation
Relieving pain
Improving sleep quality
Alleviating anxiety and depression
Reducing the frequency and severity of seizures
These are just some of how CBD has been shown to potentially improve health. Of course, more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits.
Given the fact that it appears completely safe for adults, you may want to test it out. Below, we’ll discuss what CBD is, how it works and lay out some of the benefits that it represents.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, CBD does not make people feel “high” or intoxicated. It doesn't have any psychoactive effects whatsoever; rather, it is just one of many compounds found in cannabis.
Even so, CBD has received a lot of attention lately because it appears to offer a wide range of potential health benefits with very few side effects, making it a popular alternative medicine or aid for quitting nicotine cigarettes.
How does CBD work?
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex system of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps to regulate a wide range of bodily functions, including:
Appetite
Sleep
Mood
Memory
Immune function
Reproduction
Pain perception
CBD interacts with the ECS to modulate these functions, which is why it has been shown to offer potential health benefits in a wide range of areas.
Beyond the potential medical uses, which still need more research – Epidiolex, a drug used to combat epilepsy, is the only FDA-approved treatment in the U.S. – there are many other reasons people might want to try smoking CBD, especially compared to some of the other ingestion techniques.
Fast effect
When you smoke CBD, it enters your lungs and diffuses directly into your bloodstream rather than passing through your digestive system. This means that it has a very quick onset time; you'll feel the effects within minutes. This is much faster than other methods of ingestion, such as edibles, which can take up to an hour or more to take effect.
The fast effects also mean it is processed through your body quicker than if it has to pass through your entire digestive tract.
While people that eat CBD gummies regularly might continue to have it in their system for up to 25 days after they stop, CBD will be almost eliminated from your body within a week after you stop smoking it.
There's no risk of failing a drug test because of CBD, but because some products do include a trace amount of THC, knowing you can get it out of your body quickly is an important consideration.
Doesn’t get you high
Even with that trace amount of THC, the number of CBD cigarettes you would have to smoke to feel any psychoactive effect is not practical. That means you won't be in danger of getting "high" by using these products, with any reasonable amount of use.
You can also avoid the paranoia or anxiety that some people feel when they use THC products. For many people, these feelings are unpleasant and make it difficult to enjoy the experience. CBD can counteract some of the effects of THC, so you'll likely feel more relaxed if you smoke a joint that contains both compounds.
Provides calming effect
One of the most common reasons people use CBD is to help with anxiety. Reports continue to flood in about how the chemical can help calm the nerves, lower heart rate, and reduce anxious feelings.
While it should not be considered medicine at this point, people use all kinds of things to reduce stress and CBD is no different. A few puffs on a CBD cigarette and you might feel much more relaxed. It has also shown early signs that it can help people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or insomnia.
No vaping required
While there are CBD products that use a vape pen or e-cigarette, natural pre-rolled hempettes avoid that process entirely. There has been a rise in the number of people affected by health problems associated with vaping, including some as young as 13 years old.
While smoking CBD doesn’t entirely remove the strain on your lungs, some products are made with all-natural ingredients and avoid harmful toxins that can be seriously damaging.
Can help quit nicotine cigarettes
That leads us to the big one – quitting nicotine. Smoking commercially available tobacco cigarettes kills so many people that it has become the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. Every single person that quits is one that likely would have died years earlier than they should.
Early studies suggest that CBD can drastically reduce the number of cravings that smokers experience while trying to quit, and can prevent some of the anxiety that is felt during the withdrawal period.
Because smoking hempettes will give you something else to do during your daily rituals, it can also be an easy stand-in for those who have had trouble quitting in the past. Similarly, many smokers who attempt to quit find that CBD cigarettes can replace the hand-to-mouth habit that smokers commonly acquire.
This is an impossible question to answer, as it depends on numerous factors, including your weight, height, metabolism, and the severity of the ailment you’re hoping to treat.
The most important thing to remember is to start low and go slow. Try a very small amount, to begin with, such as three to four puffs, and increase gradually until you reach the desired effect.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high, but it does interact with your body in interesting ways. Taking too much before you are accustomed to how your body will react can result in feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using CBD and consult a doctor.
Of course, there are other ways to introduce CBD to your body. These will not result in effects as immediate as smoking, but they are more appropriate for those who want to avoid the risks associated with smoking.
Oils
CBD oil is one of the most popular ways to consume CBD. You can either place a few drops under your tongue or add them to food or drink. The effects will take a little longer to kick in this way – usually around 20-30 minutes – but they will last longer, for 4-6 hours.
There are a few things to remember when using oils:
The quality of the oil is important. Look for oils that are organic, non-GMO, and free of pesticides and herbicides.
Start with a low dosage and increase gradually. Oils can be very potent, so it’s best to err on the side of caution at first.
Store oils in a cool, dark place. Heat and light can degrade the quality of the oil.
Sprays and topical creams
CBD sprays and topical creams are applied directly to the skin. They are usually used to relieve pain or inflammation in a specific area.
Topical CBD products are a good choice for those who want the potential benefits of CBD but don’t want to smoke. They are also convenient for targeted relief, though this has not shown to be effective for everyone. When using sprays or creams, remember:
Start with a low dosage and increase gradually.
Apply the product to clean, dry skin.
Do not use more than directed.
Gummies
CBD gummies are a convenient and delicious way to get your daily dose of CBD. They’re also perfect for those who want to avoid smoking or vaping. Simply pop one in your mouth and chew, and the effects will kick in after around 30 minutes.
Remember to store these in a place where children cannot reach them, as they are made to look just like normal candy! Also, keep in mind:
If the effect hasn't kicked in within an hour, don't eat more! Depending on various factors it can take a while for CBD to have an effect.
Check the dosage before eating. CBD gummies can be very potent, so it’s important not to overdo it.
Other edibles
Some people just don't like candy very much, so there are also other CBD edibles available, such as brownies, cookies, and even savory snacks like chips. As with gummies, the effects will take around 30 minutes to kick in. Start with a low dosage and increase gradually until you find the perfect amount for you remember to
Store these in a cool, dark place like you would with oils.
Check the dosage before eating. Just because they’re tasty doesn’t mean you should eat more than recommended!
Keep out of reach of children who might think they are just like a regular snack.
There are potentially endless benefits of smoking CBD. From reducing inflammation to alleviating anxiety, CBD represents a safe and effective way to improve your health.
If you’re thinking of trying CBD, be sure to do your research and purchase a high-quality product from a reputable source. Start with a low dosage and increase gradually until you reach the desired effect.
