Why Everyone in Pittsburgh Is Talking About CBD

CBD is probably the hottest herbal product of 2019. You’ve seen it online. You’ve seen it in health food stores. You’ve probably even noticed it in local Pittsburgh vape shops and convenience stores. At this point, you’ve most likely begun to wonder why you’re not in on the party. Why does everyone else seem to be using CBD? What could it do for you? Just what the heck is CBD, anyway? 

Hold tight, because you’re about to find out exactly why CBD has everyone in Pittsburgh talking. 

What Is CBD?

CBD is a compound isolated from industrial hemp plant material. Hemp, of course, is the same plant as cannabis. While legal for medical use in Pennsylvania, cannabis isn’t legal to buy or sell for recreational reasons. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, has no recreational purpose because it contains no THC.

“Wait,” you’re probably wondering, “there’s more to cannabis than THC?” That’s right – THC is just one of the active compounds called cannabinoids that we’ve identified in cannabis. Cannabis contains at least 113 cannabinoids in all, and each of those interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a different way. Of those, THC and its derivatives are the only ones that make you feel euphoric. Industrial hemp doesn’t give you those sensations, and CBD isolated from industrial hemp is therefore completely legal to buy and sell over the counter without a medical marijuana permit. 

How Popular Is CBD?

How many people are trying CBD and using it daily? The total size of the CBD industry is already $1 billion yearly, and Entrepreneur predicts that the market could grow to $22 billion by 2022. That’s a lot of CBD – and it’s a sure sign that people are finding it helpful. Without the THC, hemp doesn’t get you high – but it can potentially do many other things.

Pittsburgh vape shop Vapor Connection LLC owner Bradley Anderson says, “I began stocking CBD products due to demand from my existing customers. I’m finding, though, that CBD appeals to people far beyond the vaping community. People are trying oral CBD oils, capsules and gummies for all kinds of different health conditions.”

Why Are People Using CBD?

CBD is currently under investigation for its potential ability to alleviate an enormous variety of health conditions. People have reported positive results when taking CBD for:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Chronic pain
  • Inflammation
  • Depression

The list goes on and on. In the United States, the FDA controls the marketing and sale of health-related products and does not allow sellers to make health claims about CBD or sell it as a health supplement. However, the FDA has approved a single CBD-based prescription medication – Epidiolex – for the treatment of certain seizure disorders. The FDA fast-tracked the approval process for Epidiolex because the people suffering from those disorders had no prescription medications available that could alleviate their symptoms. 

What else could CBD do? That’s what the scientific community is currently investigating, and the results so far are promising. Here’s the best part: As far as researchers can tell, CBD is completely safe to use. Some people have reported mild side effects such as tiredness and weight changes. A few have reported gastrointestinal symptoms. Overall, though, those side effects do not even begin to approach the negative experiences that many people have with prescription medications. CBD doesn’t get you high or make you feel medicated. It’s not addictive. You essentially have nothing to lose by trying it.

How Do You Use CBD?

CBD is readily available as an oil and as a nearly pure powder. Innovative companies around the world have used those two goods as the base ingredients in a wide variety of products that you can consume orally, topically or by inhaling. We’ll discuss a few of the most common CBD products that you’re likely to find in stores.

CBD Oils, Tinctures, Capsules and Gummies

People most commonly consume CBD orally and let their digestive systems process it. When you use a CBD gummy or capsule, you can enjoy the convenience of having your doses pre-measured for you – which is nice for those who want to be absolutely certain that they’re using exactly the same amount of CBD every time. 

On the other hand, CBD oils and tinctures are typically less expensive than CBD capsules and gummies because they have fewer ingredients and are less labor intensive. If you want to get the best bang for your buck when buying CBD, you definitely want to choose either of these routes. A CBD tincture contains alcohol, which may help with quicker absorption through your oral tissues. Alcohol, however, can burn when you hold it in your mouth. CBD oil tends to be more popular, and it doesn’t burn the mouth. Whichever product you choose, you’ll take it by holding a dropperful under your mouth for 30-60 seconds before swallowing it.

CBD Balms and Lotions

Some people have reported good results when using CBD products to alleviate inflammation, acne and other skin conditions. To use a CBD lotion, simply rub it on the affected area periodically. CBD lip balms have also begun to grow in popularity. A CBD lip balm is a great way to moisturize your lips. You’ll also ingest a small amount of CBD each time you lick your lips, making CBD lip balm a perfect option if you’d like to consume tiny doses of CBD orally throughout the day. 

CBD E-Liquids

The fastest way to get just about anything into your bloodstream is by inhaling it, and many people for that reason choose to buy CBD e-liquids and consume CBD in vapor form. To use a CBD e-liquid, you’ll simply add the e-liquid to the tank of a vaping device and puff as needed. A good Pittsburgh vape shop can set you up with a vaping device that’s easy to use and compatible with CBD oils.

CBD Isolates

CBD isolate is a white powder consisting of almost entirely pure CBD. People don’t usually consume CBD isolate directly. Instead, they use it as an ingredient in products that they make themselves. Would you like to make – and potentially even sell – your own CBD candies, oils, sprays and lotions? CBD isolate is what you need. 

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