How CBD Can Change Your Life

When the majority of people think about Cannabis, they tend to think of the rockstar cannabinoid delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol better known as THC. With its psychoactive properties, THC provides individuals with the classic “high” experience often associated with cannabis products. However, the cannabis plant possesses over 100 cannabinoids all of which interact with our bodies in a unique way which in turn, results in different effects experienced by the human body (Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know). Another widely known cannabinoid, cannabidiol or better known as CBD, has made a name for itself by being THC’s non-psychoactive alternative with numerous potential health benefits. Given that CBD has only recently been isolated and studied as beneficial for human health and in treatment of certain conditions, research is in its early stages to further understand its potential in healthcare. Currently, CBD is being widely researched for its potential in providing relief from chronic pain, inflammation, epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia and even managing cravings from addiction (Grinspoon). In 2018, Epidolex became the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy (Watson & Slowiczek). With time and further research, CBD shows promise to be a first-line treatment for countless conditions.

Why Choose CBD?        

There are many reasons that a person may choose to consume CBD as an alternative to other synthetic medications. The most common reason individuals opt to use CBD as a method for symptom and pain relief is to avoid the need of synthetic pharmaceuticals. Prescription pain medications often come with an onslaught of less than ideal side effects and can pose the risk of developing an addiction or dependency. CBD is an entirely natural compound that according to the World Health Organization, “exhibits no effects indicative of abuse or dependence potential” (World Health Organization). Thus, an individual cannot become addicted or dependent on CBD in any way. CBD is often well tolerated by most, some of the only known potential side effects of consuming CBD include dry mouth, reduced appetite and fatigue (“CANNABIDIOL (CBD): Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews”). Further, as previously mentioned, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning that it can be taken safely at any time. In Canada, we are incredibly fortunate that cannabis has been legalised because this has led to the innovation of countless CBD products. Each method of consumption has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, and this article will outline them all for your convenience (along with some great recommendations of products you can find right here at Ashario). 

Smoking CBD Flower 

The most traditional method of consuming CBD would be to smoke it. The benefit of smoking CBD is that it is among the quickest-acting methods of treatment and it is also one of the affordable methods. Many individuals enjoy the experience of smoking, they may find it calming and may be happy to have a bit of time in fresh air, away from the craziness of life. There are both CBD whole flower and pre-rolls for consumer purchase. Some varieties have negligible THC for those looking to avoid the psychoactive effects, while others contain a balance or specific ratio of THC:CBD. The most obvious drawback of smoking CBD would be the negative impact that smoking has on the respiratory system. While CBD flower does not have the same toxic chemicals that can be found in cigarettes, inhaling the byproducts of combustion affects the entire respiratory system and can lead to long term health complications. 

Ashario’s Flower Choices: 

Flowers: 

• For a balance - Orchid CBD CBD Runtz 3.5 g 
• For CBD only - WholeHemp Premium CBD Flower 3.5 g 
• Color Cannabis - Mango Haze 3.5 g for balanced THC:CBD

Pre-Rolls: 

• Pure Sunfarms - Pure Sun CBD 10x0.3 g
• Orchid CBD - CBD Runtz 5x0.6 g for a close to balanced THC:CBD 
• Simply Bare - BC Organic Harlequin 5x0.3g for CBD dominant 

Vaping CBD Distillate 

Following the trends of the smoking community, CBD vape cartridges have been created for the consumer’s convenience. Many cannabis consumers have opted to use vapes over smoking for many reasons. Like smoking CBD flower, vaped CBD is fast-acting. The primary reason to choose vaping as an alternative lies in the absence of combustion. Vapes act essentially as a specific temperature (or voltage) controlled oven that heats distillate without ever burning it. Thus, no harmful combustion toxins are inhaled (Chaiton et al.). Further, many choose to vape due to the lack of smoke smell that seems to linger on fabric and skin forever. A potential drawback for some individuals would be the experienced harshness of inhaling distillate. For people who have sensitive respiratory systems, even smoking vaporizers can be unpleasant. 

Ashario’s CBD Vaporizer Choices:

510 Thread Cartridges:

• For CBD alone, High Priestess - Aquarius CBD Live Resin Cartridge 1 g 
• For a balanced experience, try BoxHot Cruise Control Fiji Fresh Cartridge 2g
• For focus and relaxation, Flyte 2:2:1 Cartridge 2g

Disposable Vapes:

• For CBD only, Purefarma - CBD Earth - Distillate - Hybrid 1 g
• Option with minimal THC, try Glacial Gold - CBD 3:1 Berry Lemonade 1g
• For CBD dominant, try Madge and Mercer MM 002 El Alevio Menta CBD 0.5g

 

Consuming CBD Edibles, Capsules, and Oils 

For those looking to bypass the act of smoking altogether, there are countless alternatives. Innovations in cannabis creations have taken off since its legalisation, so there is bound to be something perfect for each unique consumer. Edible cannabis exists in almost any form you can imagine, from sparkling beverages, bakery treats to an endless selection of confectionaries such as gummies, chocolates and lozenges. Further, if you’re looking to bypass the sweets or the act of eating altogether, capsules may be exactly the method of consumption for you. Cannabis capsules work exactly the way you would anticipate a pill to work, swallow the capsule and wait from 30 minutes to two hours to feel the effects. Both cannabis edibles and capsules are metabolised by the liver and thus, require at least 30 minutes to take effect, and some of the useful cannabinoids are lost in the metabolization process. Further, metabolization of delta-9-THC in the liver converts the compound to a more psychoactive 11-hydroxy-THC which may cause a more intense high experience that may not be desirable for all users (Johnson). A solution to bypass the longer wait time and loss of compound due to metabolization would be to use a cannabis oil or spray sublingually (placed under the tongue). In fact, there are even fast dissolving strips that can be placed under the tongue for convenience. Any medication administered under the tongue takes roughly 15 minutes to take effect, and first pass metabolism is bypassed thus, resulting in less of the medication being lost to metabolism (Johnson). For all of these options, varieties exist as pure THC, combinations of THC and CBD in addition to pure CBD so that the consumer has the choice to take exactly what they need for whatever situation they may find themselves in. 

Ashario’s CBD Edibles, Capsules and Oils Choices

Edibles:

• Kinloch Wellness - CBD Green Apple contains 50 mg of CBD per soft chew
• For a CBD only experience, Solei Mango Passionfruit 25 mg CBD sparkling beverage
• For a combined experience try Chowie Wowie Soft Caramel Balanced Chocolate 10 mg THC & CBD
• Alternatively, Dulces Sweet Peach Sparkling beverage - 10 mg THC & CBD 

Capsules:

• Wellness + CBD capsule, Dr. Well Turmeric-Ginger CBD capsules 25 mg per capsule
• For a THC & CBD combined experience, Universe Cannabis Natural Full Spectrum Capsules 9-10 mg THC & 20-30 mg CBD per capsule
• CBD Only, Naturally Nutra CBD capsules contain 100mg of CBD per capsule

Oil:

• Medipharm CBD 100 Ultra Oil contains 100mg of CBD and 4mg of THC per 1ml syringe
• Redecan Reign Drops 15:15 THC:CBD,15 mg of THC & CBD per mL
• CBD only option, AXEA THC-Free Daytime oil contains 52 mg per 1ml syringe

Sprays, Sublingual Strips:

• Feather Berry 1:1 Rapid Spray, 1 mg each of THC & CBD per spray
• Kin Slips Park Life CBD Sublingual strips 10 pack 1 mg THC & 10 mg of CBD per pack 

 

Using CBD Topicals 

Some individuals may wish to avoid consuming cannabis products altogether, and that’s totally fine too; enter the cannabis topical. Topicals are exactly as they sound, they are creams and gels that are infused with some amount of THC or CBD (or both) which are meant to be applied topically to where pain is experienced. This is a great alternative to having to consume any sort of treatment that would be metabolised by the liver. This may be a great solution for individuals who are required to be on significant amounts of synthetic medications and thus are worried about potential drug interactions. Further, for individuals with localised pain, applying a topical directly to the affected area (for example, an arthritic joint) ensures immediate relief is provided to the specific location, no wait time for metabolization is required. The last benefit of using a topical product lies in the other ingredients added to these products. All cannabis topical products are created using high quality ingredients that are great for your skin, such as cocoa butter, beeswax, arnica, and jojoba oil to name a few. 

Ashario’s CBD Topicals Choices: 

• Solei Free Cucumber Mint CBD Cream
• Rebound by Stewart Farms - Turmeric & Arnica Recovery Balm
• Spring Hill Body Budder High CBD Eucalyptus Spearmint & Tea Tree

It is evident that while CBD might not be intoxicating like its psychoactive counterpart THC, CBD shows promise to make its own powerhouse reputation as a go to treatment for countless conditions. CBD provides an excellent alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals that often come with an onslaught of undesirable side effects. 

Your favourite dispensary Ashario Cannabis, has Canada’s widest variety of CBD products at the best prices in town. You can find us at three convenient locations across the GTA -

• Finch & Dufferin - 1111A Finch Avenue West Unit 1, North York, Ontario M3J 2P7 (6473687722)

• Aurora Yonge Street - 15114 Yonge Street, Aurora Ontario, L4G 1M2 (9055036770)

• Yonge & Steeles Centerpoint Mall -  6464 Yonge Street Unit 187, North York Ontario, M2M 3X4 (4164779333)

Come in at our locations  during the full legal operating hours of 9:00am - 11:00pm, 365 days a year and discover the difference with the best staff, customer service, high THC and CBD products in a safe, luxurious, health and wellness focused environment. See how CBD can change your life, we cannot wait to meet you!

 

 

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References

(2017, November 9). World Health Organization. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf

CANNABIDIOL (CBD): Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1439/cannabidiol-cbd

Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know. (n.d.). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know

Chaiton, M., Kundu, A., Rueda, S., & Ciano, P. D. (2021, August 27). Are vaporizers a lower-risk alternative to smoking cannabis? NCBI. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8975973/

Grinspoon, P. (2021, September 24). Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't. Harvard Health. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

Johnson, B. (2020, Spring). Beyond the Smoke: Cannabis Under the Tongue. CRx Magazine. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.crxmag.com/issues/2020/spring/cannabis-under-the-tongue.shtml

Watson, A. R., & Slowiczek, L. (2023, November 7). Epidiolex (cannabidiol): Side effects, cost, dosage, and more. Medical News Today. Retrieved March 8, 2024, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/epidiolex#_noHeaderPrefixedContent