CBD, short for “cannabidiol”, is a chemical compound or “cannabinoid” sourced from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients found in cannabis and an essential ingredient in medical marijuana. 

With increasing numbers of states and countries now legalizing CBD for medical and recreational use, media coverage on the substance has increased drastically. So, chances are you want to know a little bit more about CBD, its history, its uses, who it is suitable for, how to use it and much more useful information on the subject. 

Read on for information on some of the most commonly asked CBD questions!

What is CBD?

Let’s start with the absolute basics. As we have briefly mentioned, CBD is “cannabidiol” – a chemical compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. In particular, CBD is sourced from hemp, which is any cannabis with less than a 0.3% THC content (by dry weight).

CBD is extracted from the hemp plant so that you gain the benefits of cannabis without the “high” that is caused by THC (a more commonly used name for 9-tetrahydrocannabinol). This means that any CBD you purchase will not be psychoactive. When you take CBD, you won’t feel sedated or altered in any way.

CBD IN
CANADA

A Timeline

A History

CBD hasn’t always been legal in Canada. Let’s take a moment to look at the process that built up to cannabis becoming legalised!

The Opium Act of 1908, introduced by Mackenzie King (the then Deputy Minister of Labor in Canada), outlawed various substances throughout the country. At the time, there was a huge anti-opium movement taking place, which led to riots, damaging the properties of opium manufacturers. 

People were largely against the production and casual sale of opium and opium related products. To dissipate unrest, strict laws surrounding opium and its manufacture were put into place. Stringent fines and even prison sentences were used to strictly regulate and limit opium, its manufacturing process and its sales.

In the 1920s, these fines and prison sentences were further enhanced, drawing other substances into the law too. In 1923, cannabis became included in this area of law. The Narcotics Drug Act Amendment Bill was adjusted to consolidate the penalties associated with opium with new penalties for three new drugs, including marijuana. 

The anti-opium movement had expanded further into a general anti-drugs movement and marijuana was tarred with the same brush as hard drugs. Canada in general was involved in various global conferences, discussing cannabis. Sticking in the same vein of thought, the League of Nations made the drug illegal to all member nations.

Considering all of this, it’s not all too surprising that use of cannabis was relatively low. It wasn’t until the late 1930s that anyone was arrested in relation to marijuana, its use, supply or consumption. As time passed by, cannabis-related arrests in Canada only represented 2% of total arrest during the 1940s.

However, a turning point arrived in the 1960s. Demand for marijuana skyrocketed around the world, as youth movements saw people making their own decisions and rebelling against the status quo. 

At this time, the penalty for possession of a small amount of cannabis was increased to six months in prison and a $1000 fine – even for a first time offender. But even this wasn’t sufficient to dissuade huge swathes of the youth indulging in recreational use of cannabis.

This, arguably, resulted in increased reports of marijuana causing no harm to users and piqued interest in the subject. In 1969, the Le Dain Commission was formed by the National Government, with the aim of investigating non-medicinal use of marijuana. 

This was with the hope of understanding the substance better and determining whether it was a potential threat to the public or not. In 1972, the commission recommended that all criminal penalties should be removed from marijuana use.

The removal of criminal penalties from marijuana resulted in a positive stabilization of the use of marijuana and marijuana products. In 2001, marijuana became legal for medical use. However, in 2016, it was estimated that around 5 million Canadians were regularly using cannabis for non-medical use. This resulted in further talks and more serious discussion on the legalization of cannabis products in general.

Since 2018, it has been legal to use CBD and various other cannabis products within the country. This is due to the establishment of the Cannabis Act on 17th October 2018. The Cannabis Act permits both medicinal and leisure use of marijuana products that include CBD. 

Of course, there are a number of rules, regulations and restrictions that any manufacturer should be aware from and that any user benefits from. This strict regulation of the cannabis industry helps to ensure that Canada now has some of the best CBD products in the world.

The Legalities

CBD is classified as a controlled substance by the United Nations Drug Convention. This means that laws regarding CBD and its use are categorized in the same manner across all of Canada’s provinces and territories. 

There are strict rules and standards in place regarding the quality of CBD products that are sold. These fall under the authority of Health Canada, who also regulate the possession, production, sale and distribution of CBD products.

Perhaps the most important thing to note in regards to legalities surrounding CBD is that all manufacturers of CBD must obtain an official license in order to operate within the industry. 

Anyone who wants to grow hemp to produce and sell CBD will require a federal license. This license will fall into the category of cultivation or industrial hemp. If you intend to process CBD, you will also require a processing license. Failure to obtain these licenses when producing and trading marijuana can result in huge penalties and serious consequences.

Areas that Health Canada regulate include:

• How CBD products are distributed and sold
• Where licensed stores can be located
• How licensed stores are run

It is also important to be aware of any additional licenses or requirements you may need to obtain or meet depending on the province you’re operating within and where the plants you’re dealing with are located. 

Further licenses that you may need to look into include licenses to import or export CBD products, as well as additional regulations pertaining to edible CBD products, such as CBD gummies. The main aim of regulations associated with edible CBD products is to ensure that they are not marketed, targeted at or intended to appeal to the nation’s youth.

The Effects & Benefits of CBD

Of course, if you’re considering using CBD, you’re going to want to know its effects. Here are just a few of the medicinal benefits of all good quality CBD products.

Chronic Pain Relief

The most common reason that people use CBD is to tackle chronic pain. Many people take CBD for pain caused by conditions like arthritis, injuries, muscle pain, migraines and more. In fact there are CBD oils targeted at specific conditions, such as CBD oil for arthritis or CBD oil for back pain.

Generally speaking, people who use CBD oil for pain opt for products containing THC. There are reports that this provides better relief.

Anxiety Relief

Nowadays, we’re becoming increasingly aware of the impact that mental health conditions can have on your life. Science is progressing and social stigma around mental health conditions is reducing, meaning that we are now finding more effective means of combating the symptoms of various mental health conditions. 

CBD can be extremely beneficial for people with anxiety in particular. CBD for anxiety will change how your ECS receptors acknowledge and perceive serotonin in your brain. It can help to reduce the negative symptoms associated with anxiety and make day to day life easier.

There are various types of CBD oil for anxiety available on the market. Consult your physician for advice on the best type for you, as well as recommendations regarding dosage and use.

Relief from the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Another common reason that people use CBD is for relief from chemotherapy. This treatment is harsh on the body and can result in issues such as nausea, vomiting, weight loss and fatigue. Use of CBD can help to alleviate these side effects and make patients more comfortable throughout their treatment.

CBD for Epilepsy

While epilepsy isn’t a particularly common condition, there are still a huge number of people out there who have the condition. CBD can help in regards to reducing seizures and is used by many as an anti-seizure treatment. 

If you are considering using CBD to tackle epileptic seizures, it is absolutely essential that you consult your physician first. They’ll be able to ensure you only use the right products to help alleviate your condition.

Popular CBD Products

CBD is available in a variety of different forms. The best form of CBD for one person may vary from the best type of CBD for another. This is because we all have different needs and preferences. Chances are, you’ll have to go through a little trial and error before you find your favorite CBD product. 

Here are a few of the most popular and commonly used CBD products that are currently available on the market.

CBD Oils and Tinctures

If you hear people talking about “CBD oils” and “CBD tinctures”, they’re one and the same product. Some manufacturers will even print both names on the packet to help avoid confusion. 

Put simply, a CBD oil is CBD combined with a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include coconut oil or hemp seed oil. These help the CBD to be absorbed by your bloodstream more easily. Generally, you will buy CBD oil in a small bottle. 

The concentration of CBD in the oil will vary from one product to another, so it’s always best to check the concentration to get the right one for you before purchasing.

If you’re unsure what CBD concentration is, it is essentially the potency of CBD in the overall product. If you want a lot of CBD, you should opt for a highly concentrated CBD oil. If you’re looking for a product with lower levels of CBD, you should opt for a low concentrate CBD oil.

Generally, people will take CBD oil by placing a small amount of the oil orally. Most will place the oil under their tongue. Most bottles will come with a scoop so that you can get the right dosage for your needs. A consultation with a physician should help you to determine what dose will be best for you as an individual.

It’s recommended that you familiarize yourself with any CBD oil’s ingredient list before taking any. This will help you to check whether you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the oil beforehand.

When you buy CBD oils, you will generally be offered one of three CBD extract options:

• Isolate – this is a CBD oil that solely contains CBD and the carrier oil. There will not be any other cannabis plant compounds in the oil.
• Full-Spectrum – this CBD contains other chemical compounds from the cannabis plant. This will generally include THC, which is what gives you the “high” effect of using marijuana.
• Broad-Spectrum – broad spectrum CBD contains other chemical compounds from the cannabis plant, but will not contain any THC, meaning that it will not give psychoactive effects.

When buying CBD oils, you will also be faced with the option of additives. These tend to give the oil flavor, making the product more palatable and enjoyable. 

CBD naturally has a relatively bitter taste, so sweeteners can make its use much more pleasant. There are countless flavours available, so browse full ranges before settling on any individual oil.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals are not ingested or consumed. Instead, they are applied to the skin! This is a more appealing option for those who have sensitive palates or can’t find a CBD oil flavor that they are fond of. The most common type of topical CBD is a balm. However, you can get a variety of CBD vapor rubs too!

Now, you might be wondering how topicals even work. While you may not be aware of it, you do have endocannabinoid receptors in your skin. These bind with CBD and help the product to be absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin. 

Topicals are popular with people who are looking for targeted relief from pain or to soothe the inflammation commonly associated with skin conditions, such as psoriasis or acne.

CBD Transdermal Patches

CBD transdermal patches use similar logic to CBD topicals. They place CBD on the skin, where it can bind with your skin-based endocannabinoid receptors. However, they release CBD gradually, giving a longer-lasting effect which is ideal for those with chronic pain or regular and ongoing anxiety.

It is recommended that you place the patch on an area of your body where there are plenty of veins close to the surface of the skin. This could include your wrists, your ankles or the back of your palm. But it’s also fine to use transdermal patches in more discreet and coverable locations if you want to benefit from CBD more subtly throughout the day. 

Just make sure to change the location each time you use a new CBD patch. This will help with absorption, rather than making one spot of your body become accustomed to it.

CBD Capsules and Tablets

Of course, some people would rather incorporate their CBD consumption into their daily routine with pills and tablets. CBD capsules and tablets are available and prove ideal for those who are happy to just add an extra tablet into their vitamins and usual medication in the morning. 

There are various varieties available, catering to all required concentrations and doses. The main benefit of CBD capsules is that they are fast to take, but do not leave any CBD aftertaste.

There are two main forms of CBD capsule:

• CBD Oil Infused with CBD
• Powder containing CBD

Both may contain added extras, such as carrier powder, oil or terpenes. Make sure to check the full ingredients list on any CBD capsules so you know exactly what you’re getting with each tablet.

CBD Concentrates

If you’re looking for highly potent CBD, then CBD concentrates are your best bet. CBD concentrates contain a higher concentration of CBD. They commonly come in the form of a shatter, wax, crumble, budder, resin or live resin.

To use a CBD concentrate, you will usually dab it. For dabbing, you will use a rig, which is similar to a bong, but simply inhale CBD in vapor form through it. This allows for fast and effective absorption into your bloodstream.

While you will have to invest in a rig, making this a potentially more expensive mode of consuming CBD, many are adamant that it’s worth the one-time investment for the setup for the fast effects.

CBD Extracts

CBD extracts are oil in consistency and vary widely in color. A CBD extract could be anything from honey colored to a shade of dark red. 

Generally, CBD extracts are used for medicinal purposes rather than leisure purposes. This is because they contain CBD isolate, fatty acids and terpenoids. The CBD is extracted with CO2 to get the purest CBD possible.

When you buy a CBD extract, you will usually receive something that looks like a syringe with measurement indicators on the packaging. This all helps you to dose the product properly. It will be clearly labelled as an extract.

CBD Isolates

CBD isolates are the purest form of CBD. The CBD and only the CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, with all other chemicals such as THC and terpenes being removed. If you want pure CBD, this is your best bet.

When you buy an isolate, you’ll receive a white coloured powder with crystals. It is highly potent and will contain over 99% CBD. This is perfect for anyone who’s looking to completely avoid the psychoactive elements of CBD, as there won’t be any THC present at all.

Generally speaking, you will need to take higher doses of CBD isolate to get your desired effects, but it is the safest form of CBD that you can use.

CBD Edibles

CBD edibles have been heavily promoted and advertised in various ways over the past few months. This has resulted in CBD edibles being the second most popular form of CBD in Canada – second only to CBD oil. 

While there are various different types of CBD edibles available on the market, CBD gummies are by far the most popular and best selling options. This is because you can easily consume them at your leisure and they simply taste great for anyone who has a sweet tooth! They are also widely available both online and in stores. 

CBD chocolates are also available and experiencing increasing popularity as people become aware of their market presence. Of course, CBD edibles should only be consumed by anyone over the legal age.

Other ways to consume CBD as an edible is to prepare your own CBD edibles. Baked goods, such as cookies and cakes, tend to be a popular option. There are countless recipes available for free online and some brands even sell precooked and packed edible CBD baked goods.

This is a relatively slow means of feeling the benefits of CBD, as you have to wait for the food to be digested in your stomach. You may also need to take higher concentrations in order to account for the digestion process. But this slow release method works well for many.

CBD Drinks

It’s not all too surprising that the skyrocketing popularity of CBD edibles has paved the way to a market for CBD drinks. CBD drinks are relatively new to the market, as CBD is hydrophobic, which means it doesn’t mix well with water. 

Recent changes in CBD extraction methods are the only reason that things have advanced and CBD drinks are now possible and available! 

Popular CBD infused drinks include:

• CBD teas
• CBD sodas
• CBD juices
• Other CBD soft drinks

You can also purchase powdered CBD drinks that can be mixed with water as and when you want or need them.

Again, CBD drinks are a slow release method of CBD consumption, as your body has to digest the drink before the CBD will enter your bloodstream.

CBD Vape Pens

Vaping has also been on the rise around the world in recent years. CBD vapes are more popular with younger generations who have just reached the age where they can use CBD. It combines the technology of a regular vape pen with CBD isolate. 

When the isolate is heated up, you simply inhale it. This provides fast exposure to the benefits of CBD, providing faster relief than options like edibles and drinks.

If you’d like to try CBD vaping, but don’t want to invest too much in case it’s not for you, you can buy lower cost, disposable CBD vape pens. They generally come with instructions on how to use the pen and can be thrown away after use. This will give you a good trial run of whether CBD vaping is for you or not.

CBD Skin and Hair Products

CBD skin and hair products work in a similar way to topicals. Like all of the other forms of CBD, there are a wide variety of concentrations and dosages available. You can even get full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate options! 

Generally, they will take the form of CBD creams, which infuse CBD with the cream. They can be applied topically and will enter your body through your skin. Popular CBD skin and hair products include:

• Lotions
• Creams
• Moisturizers
• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Hair masks
• Hair sprays
• Cleansers
• Beard oils
• Pomades
• Balms

Of course, this is just an introductory guide to CBD hair and skin products. There are plenty more options out there on the market when you start to look for them!

CBD Oral Sprays

Vitamin sprays have found great popularity as an alternative to vitamin capsules and tablets. CBD has gone in the same direction and there are now CBD oral sprays available! They will come in a small bottle or tube with a spray nozzle attached. 

These sprays tend to have flavors and sweeteners incorporated into them to make their consumption more palatable and enjoyable.

You will spray the CBD into your mouth, usually the inside of your cheek, according to the dosage instructions. The CBD will then enter your bloodstream in a similar way to the way CBD oils or CBD topicals do.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?

One of the most commonly asked questions regarding CBD is whether it has any side effects. For most people, the answer is yes. However, it’s important to remember that you will only know the specific side effects that CBD will have on your body when you try it out yourself.

Perhaps the most commonly reported side effect is that you can potentially experience a high feeling from CBD products – even CBD isolate. Not everyone will experience this, but some will. Researchers are currently looking into why this happens.

Another common side effect of CBD use is diarrhea. However, this tends to be more common with use of edibles, oils and sprays and other products that pass through your digestive system than other forms of CBD. If you do experience diarrhea as a side effect of any of these products, you may want to try an alternative, such as topical CBD or a transdermal patch.

CBD can also cause fatigue. Your body may feel tired after using CBD and you might feel that you want to take a nap. If this happens to you, you may want to consider using CBD products before bed or at another time of day when you can take a nap safely and conveniently. 

It’s worth making sure to monitor your diet to ensure that you’re not missing out on any usual meals or snacks through napping. This will help you to maintain your healthy weight.

Where Can You Buy CBD?

If this all sounds good to you and you’re interested in buying CBD, it’s important to do your research first. There are ever increasing numbers of sellers and providers cropping up as demand for CBD grows. But you want to make sure you get the best of the best. 

As we’ve highlighted above, all CBD sellers need to be fully registered and licensed. This will ensure that you’re only buying quality products.

If you’re looking for the best CBD oil and service on the market, we’re your best bet. Here at Just Cannabis, we pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of top quality CBD products. We also have a number of friendly staff available and ready to chat about your needs, requirements and preferences if you’re looking for any further advice on the best CBD for you!

Don’t hesitate to get in touch and the JustCannabis team will be able to help you along the way!

Final Point

As you can see, there really is a lot to know about CBD. But the more you know, the better choices you can make about what’s best for your personal use! While CBD isn’t a cure for any particular condition, it is something that can provide relief and is enjoyed by countless individuals across the world. 

Luckily, it is now legal and available for your use! Hopefully, some of the above information will prove useful for you and will help you to find the best CBD products for your needs and preferences.