When it comes to taking CBD, it's essential to consider your personal health goals and characteristics to ensure you have the experience you desire. CBD affects different individuals in different ways, and understanding these factors beforehand will help you find the most suitable CBD product for your needs.

What is CBD?

CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol, a naturally occurring molecule found in the cannabis (hemp) plant. It has recently gained popularity for its variety of benefits. These benefits include:

• Pain relief
• Anxiety & stress reduction
• Sleep aid

One common misconception is that CBD gives you the "high" that's associated with weed. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects so it will not impair functioning or mental sharpness. This makes it safe to operate vehicles or perform daily responsibilities after consuming CBD

There are many factors that play a role in how CBD may affect your body, including: gender, metabolism, weight, sensitivity, experience, and pre-existing health conditions.

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Factors to consider:

1. Goals

• Reduce stress
  • CBD may help promote relaxation
• Enhance mood
  • Cannabis has been reported to positively impact mood, promoting a sense of well-being.¹
• Improve sleep
  • CBD has the potential to enhance sleep quality and help with insomnia or sleep disorders.²
• Control appetite
  • Some individuals use cannabis to help with appetite stimulation or suppression.³
• Pain management
  • Cannabis products may offer relief for chronic or minor conditions.
• Enjoyment
  • Some individuals enjoy the calming and soothing effects that cannabis can provide

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2. Personal Traits

Your personal characteristics can also influence how CBD affects your body. Consider the following factors:

• Gender
  • Biological differences between males and females may affect how CBD is processed in the body.
• Metabolism
  • Your metabolic rate plays a role in how quickly CBD is metabolized and eliminated from your system.
• Weight
  • CBD dosage may be influenced by body weight, as individuals with higher body weight may require higher doses.
• Sensitivity
  • Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of CBD, while others may require higher doses for noticeable effects.
• Experience level
  • Your previous experience with CBD may influence your tolerance and response to different CBD products.
• Pre-existing conditions
  • If you have any pre-existing health conditions, it's important to consider how CBD may interact with them and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.

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Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions when choosing CBD products. For example, if your goal is to improve sleep, you might consider CBD products specifically formulated for sleep support. If you have a faster metabolism, you may opt for CBD products with higher potency.

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Remember, it's always a good idea to start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effects. Every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work the same way for another. By considering your goals and personal traits, you can find the right CBD product to support your well-being and experience the benefits of CBD.

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3. Cannabinoids

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Cannabinoids are active compounds found in cannabis plants (hemp and marijuana). There are more than 100 cannabinoids,  all of which play different roles in terms of effects.  The most abundant and widely studied cannabinoids are CBD, THC, CBG, and CBN.  When cannabinoids are taken together, they can have more beneficial effects than isolated forms. This is known as the “entourage effect." Let's explore these major cannabinoids and their reported benefits in more detail.

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• CBD
  • CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the main compounds found abundantly in hemp. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not alter perception. CBD is most commonly used for its potential benefits in supporting the ECS with sleep, stress, and pain management.
• CBG
  • CBG (cannabigerol) is a common compound found in cannabis. Unlike the well-known THC compound that makes you feel "high", CBG does not have psychoactive effects.  In recent studies, it has been discovered that CBG may have benefits for skin health.⁷ When you take CBG together with other cannabinoids like THC and CBD, they can enhance each other's effects. This is called the "entourage effect".⁸  
• CBN
  • CBN (cannabinol) is a common compound found in cannabis.  CBN is known for its sedative properties and is a popular cannabinoid for sleep aid.⁹
• THC
  • THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis and is federally illegal. THC is used both recreationally and medicinally.  THC is most abundant in marijuana, while its cousin CBD is dominant in hemp.  THC has been shown to be effective in supporting a variety of conditions, including chronic pain ¹⁰, nausea, and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.¹¹

4. Terpenes

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What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes (pronounced tur-peens) are natural oils that give plants their different smells and flavors. There are about 140 different terpenes found in cannabis plants. These terpenes can bind to receptors in your brain and cause different effects ¹². Let's discuss the most common terpenes, otherwise known as primary terpenes.

Primary Terpenes:

• Caryophyllene is a natural oil that gives some plants, including many spices and cannabis, a peppery or spicy scent and flavor.

• Humulene gives some plants an earthy, woody scent. It can be found in cloves, basil, hops, and cannabis sativa. This natural substance has a subtle, spicy aroma that may be familiar from certain cannabis strains.

• Limonene creates a fresh, citrusy aroma often found in citrus plants. It is found most abundantly in lemons, juniper, rosemary, and fruit rinds. Limonene allows better absorption of other terpenes. This citrus-scented substance has shown a lot of potential benefits.

• Linalool occurs naturally in many flowers and spices like lavender, coriander, mint, and birch trees. It has a floral aroma that is complex yet delicate.
  
  
• Myrcene creates a tropical, musky fragrance in plants like mangos, hops, bay leaves, thyme, lemongrass, and basil. It is found in many cannabis strains, where levels over 0.5% may contribute to sedative, relaxing effects.

• Pinene creates a pine-like, woodsy fragrance in certain plants such as pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, and dill. Research indicates pinene may have various health benefits.

• Terpineol has a floral aroma and is often added to soaps, lotions, and perfumes. It occurs naturally in plants like lilacs, pine trees, lime blossoms, and eucalyptus. Research shows terpineol has relaxing and other various health benefits.

• Terpinolene has a fresh, floral, herbal aroma, sometimes with citrusy notes. It occurs naturally in plants like nutmeg, tea tree, evergreens, apples, cumin, and lilacs. Terpinolene is occasionally added to soaps, perfumes, and lotions. Research shows it has sedative-like and other benefits.

5. Delivery Method

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When it comes to deciding which delivery method is best, everyone has different preferences based on their individual needs. Keep in mind that each delivery method varies in onset time.

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The best delivery or consumption method that is best for you depends on your goals:

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• Inhalation: Smoking cannabis offers the fastest way to feel its effects and benefits. When smoking, you take in all the natural cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant. However, inhaling smoke is not healthy for the lungs over time.
• Topicals: CBD topicals are fast-acting and allow direct application to sore muscles and joints pre- or post-workout, taking effect within 15-30 minutes.
• Oils: CBD oils provide a sugar-free option with precise dosages based off of your individual needs, with relief setting in between 45-90 minutes.
• Gummies: CBD gummies are a tasty way to get the benefits.  Effects kick in after 60-90 minutes.
• Beverages: Cannabis beverages are a new technology in the cannabis industry.  As an easy way to try cannabis products for new users, effects kick in quickly within 15 to 30 minutes.
  
  

Pure Shenandoah’s Hydrate Sparkling Water blends electrolyte-rich bubbly water with vitamins and CBD for a unique sparkling water experience that promotes relaxation and rehydration.

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6. Mood

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Believe it or not your mood plays a big role in the effects you may feel from cannabis.  Your mood can depend on multiple factors, including the environment you are currently in and how you feel.

What environment are you in?

The environment you are consuming cannabis in can greatly impact your overall experience. Consuming in a calm, comfortable place where you feel safe will lend itself to more positive effects. Environments that make you feel anxious, paranoid or overwhelmed can exacerbate those feelings when using cannabis. Consider your setting - are you relaxed at home or out in an unfamiliar social situation?

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How do you feel?

Your internal emotional state when using cannabis also affects the experience and potential benefits/side effects. If you are already feeling anxious, tired, stressed or sad, cannabis may amplify the negative emotions. However, when you begin feeling happy, relaxed and at ease, cannabis is more likely to enhance your good mood. Mindset matters - if you are in a positive frame of mind rather than an overwhelmed one, cannabis can improve your outlook even more.

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7. CBD Dosing and Frequency

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How much CBD?

Due to differences in metabolism, weight, tolerance, and other factors, everyone responds differently to CBD. A good starting dosage is 10-20 mg taken consistently for 3-5 days, then increased incrementally if needed. Those with more severe conditions may start at higher dosages, adjusting the dosage until desired effects are achieved.

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How often?

Consistency is key. To allow CBD to build up and take effect, it's best to take it regularly at first. Taking a consistent dose for 3 to 5 days before adjusting your dose based on the effects is recommended. This allows time to properly gauge your personal sensitivity. Finding the right dosage often requires patience as the CBD builds up in your system.

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What time of day?

CBD can be taken at any time of day depending on your needs and preferences. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating so it does not impair mental clarity, judgment or motor functions. You can take CBD in the morning, afternoon or evening. The time of day depends mostly on the effects you want at that time. For example, take CBD in the morning for energy and focus or in the evening to wind down and relax.

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When consuming cannabis, the experience and effects depend greatly on your personal goals, traits, product choices, and overall mindset. By considering factors like your health objectives, metabolism, sensitivity level, mood, and environment, you can better understand how cannabis may affect you. Choosing the right delivery methods and dosing regimen based on your needs also helps ensure optimal results. Whether your aims are therapeutic relief or recreational enjoyment, cannabis offers versatile solutions. With so many varieties now available, take the time to self-reflect and experiment mindfully until you discover your ideal fit. When using cannabis, the most important thing is putting your well being first.

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REFERENCES:

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1. Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, et al. The “entourage effect”: terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020;18(2):87-96.
2. Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041.
3. Brierley DI, Samuels J, Duncan M, Whalley BJ, Williams CM. Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2016;233(19):3603-3613.
4. Lowin T, Tingting R, Zurmahr J, Classen T, Schneider M, Pongratz G. Cannabidiol (Cbd): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts. Cell Death Dis. 2020;11(8):1-11.
5. Lowin T, Tingting R, Zurmahr J, Classen T, Schneider M, Pongratz G. Cannabidiol (Cbd): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts. Cell Death Dis. 2020;11(8):1-11.  
6. Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041.
7. Perez E, Fernandez JR, Fitzgerald C, Rouzard K, Tamura M, Savile C. In vitro and clinical evaluation of cannabigerol (Cbg) produced via yeast biosynthesis: a cannabinoid with a broad range of anti-inflammatory and skin health-boosting properties. Molecules. 2022;27(2):491.  
8. Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, et al. The “entourage effect”: terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020;18(2):87-96.  
9. Singh, Dr. Abhinav, and Danielle Pacheco. “CBN for Sleep.” Sleep Foundation, 25 July 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/cbn-for-sleep.  
10. Aprikian S, Kasvis P, Vigano M, Hachem Y, Canac-Marquis M, Vigano A. Medical cannabis is effective for cancer-related pain: Quebec Cannabis Registry results. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. Published online April 12, 2023  
11. Parker LA, Rock EM, Limebeer CL. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1411-1422.
12. Cox-Georgian D, Ramadoss N, Dona C, Basu C. Therapeutic and medicinal uses of terpenes. Medicinal Plants. Published online November 12, 2019:333-359.

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