From your favorite yoga studio to the local farmers market, chances are you’ve run into CBD in more ways than one—especially lately. This stuff (even though it’s not new) is hot hot hot right now. However, behind the glamorous instagram posts and buzzy CBD skincare products, there’s a lot of questions about this “too good to be true” substance. This wellness staple has become beloved by many, but… what is it? And, why should you take it? 

To help you understand the wonderful world of CBD, we’re exploring all the important “what’s” and “how’s” of the industry. 

Keep scrolling for pretty much *everything* you should know about our good friend, CBD...

What is CBD?

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is one of the 100+ active compounds found in the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant.

Many people confuse the two most abundant cannabinoids (THC and CBD) with each other. The reality is, although they do have similarities, they’re more like apples and oranges.

For example, one study compared the effects of THC and CBD, and found that CBD (unlike THC) actually helps repress mitigate responses associated with sudden heart rate increase or respiration. In other words, CBD might be ideal for people looking to relax and unwind without the THC buzz. What does CBD Do, Exactly?A better question would be, “What doesn’t it do?” People who take CBD claim that it helps them with things like:

• Sleep
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Mood
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Appetite
• Libido

Recent studies discovered that CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures by about 43% for some patients, backing up claims about this substance being both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative. To get a better understanding of what CBD does, it’s helpful to learn how it interacts with your endocannabinoid system—or ECS.

CBD and Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The endocannabinoid system (ECS, for short) is a complex system of cells, found all throughout your body. This intricate system is incharge of regulating things like sleep, stress, appetite, mood, energy, metabolism, memory, and even your reproduction + fertility.

Whether you use CBD or don’t, your endocannabinoid system remains naturally active in your body. Needless to say: this system is a vital part of your day-to-day life.

Let’s break it down. Your body’s ECS is made up of three main parts:

• endocannabinoids
• cannabinoid receptors, which endocannabinoids bind to
• enzymes responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids, causing a response from your body

There are two main cannabinoid receptors in your body: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located in your central nervous system, helping regulate things like brain function. CB2 receptors are found on immune cells throughout your bloodstream. CBD—and other cannabinoids—trigger certain responses in your body by attaching themselves to these cannabinoid receptors.

Since cannabis plants were only recently legalized on a federal level, scientists are still trying to work—out exactly how CBD supports the ECS. However, what they’ve found so far looks incredibly promising.

CBD also works with your ECS system to naturally increase anandamide into your body, which is fondly referred to as “the bliss molecule.” Anandamide plays a vital role in neural pleasure pathways, enhancing your overall sense of happiness and well‐being.

No, it’s not too good to be true...

How Should You Take CBD?

To get your daily dose of CBD, you have several fun options. You can add it to your morning latte, your nighttime facial routine, and everything in between... The most common methods of taking CBD are:

• CBD Edibles
• CBD Topicals
• CBD Vape pens
• CBD Oils & Tinctures

Our favorite method (and the one that’s proven to be the most effective) is sublingual, meaning CBD is dropped directly under your tongue. This area of your mouth is rich in capillaries, which enables the CBD to be absorbed into your bloodstream faster. It’s more effective than any other method of taking CBD.

CBD Dosage; How Much Should You Take?

Because everybody is unique, and will respond to CBD in different ways, we recommend that you start out low and slow.

In the beginning, take a few drops of CBD under your tongue, hold for 30 seconds and swallow. If you feel like you could use more after a few days, gradually increase your dose by a few drops each time.

Play around with your dosage and see what feels right! Similar to any other natural supplement, the benefits of CBD aren’t going to hit you all at once. Stick with it, and don’t quit because you don’t “feel” it right away. For more detailed information, head over to our CBD dosage guide.