Opus Magna Cannabis

One of the major CBD selling points to come out of the compound's recent product boom is that the cannabinoid is both therapeutic and “non-psychoactive,” as opposed to the extraordinarily psychoactive THC. While you might commonly read this “fact” about CBD, it isn't accurate to say that CBD is devoid of any psychoactive effects.

CBD ispsychoactive in the sense that it directly affects mental processes of cognition and mood. CBD's most well-known psychoactive effect is the calming feeling frequently associated with the cannabinoid. CBD is, however, non-intoxicating, which means it doesn't produce the “high” of THC.

THC is also psychoactive, but because its effects can leave consumers temporarily impaired, it is intoxicating. The non-intoxicating qualities of CBD are what cause some to consider it a “non-psychoactive” cannabinoid.

Not all CBD oil is the same

Those who have had limited experience shopping for CBD oil may wonder where to start, or how to find a quality product. Firstly, understand that marijuana and industrial hemp are both common CBD oil sources. There are also several types and formulas on the market, which typically fall into one of three categories:

1. Full Spectrum contains the full spectrum of CBD, minor cannabinoids, cannabis-derived terpenes, and trace amounts of THC found in the plant.

2. Broad Spectrum contains a full spectrum of extracted cannabinoids and terpenes, but with trace amounts of THC removed.

3. Isolate is pure CBD with all other cannabis compounds removed until only a powdered or crystalline form of CBD remains.

So, if we're unable to figure out what dose is most effective for treating most ailments, where does that leave the user who doesn't have experience with CBD? Fortunately, it's easy to simply start with small doses and slowly work toward higher ones.

It's also been proven that doses of up to 1,500 milligrams per day are well tolerated, even over long periods of time. However, some subjects from several CBD-related studies have reported side effects of CBD use, including extreme sleepiness, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, convulsions, and vomiting.

Although the most effective CBD dosing can be difficult to pin down, mounting research is starting to give us a better idea of how to best use this non-intoxicating cannabinoid. For example, a study published in the February 2019 issue of “Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry” found that CBD may be useful for treating social anxiety associated with public speaking. The research team gave subjects doses of CBD ranging from 150 to 600 milligrams, as well as a placebo, prior to a public speaking challenge. The study seemed to indicate that 300 milligrams helped alleviate anxiety-related symptoms.