CBD oil is extracted from hemp plants and contains cannabinoids, molecules naturally found in hemp plants. Hemp and marijuana plants are essentially the same species, but they are differentiated by their THC content. THC is the chemical in marijuana that causes the well-known “high” and other psychoactive effects. If a plant naturally produces very low levels of THC, it is classified as a hemp plant; CBD preparations from hemp plants generally contain less than 0.3 percent THC and will not cause a high. However, CBD oil has many healthful benefits.
How Does It Work?
Some parts of the human body, such as the brain and immune system, naturally express receptors that normally bind to cannabinoid-like compounds produced by the human body. In very general terms, these compounds act by inhibiting the activity of neurons, sort of like applying a dimmer switch to specific neuronal pathways. Thus, CBD oil has been found to be very effective in reducing anxiety and pain and helps to induce sleep. In fact, some companies like MINERAL sell specific CBD sleep aid products. In addition to these effects, CBD oil can be effective in preventing and/or stopping some types of seizures, may have anti-cancer effects, and may have beneficial effects on children with autism. Since the research is just getting started on this natural product, undoubtedly, many other uses will be revealed in the near future.
How Is It Taken?
CBD oil comes in two primary forms. Full-spectrum CBD is sort of a crude extract of the hemp plant. CBD isolate, on the other hand, is a purer form of the cannabinoid. The isolate is more concentrated and has no flavor or smell, and thus, it can be added to beverages and food. CBD oil can be consumed directly, absorbed through mucus membranes, applied to the skin as a cream, or consumed in candies, beverages, and foods. It has the fastest effect when the oil is absorbed through the mucus membranes in the mouth and a slower, more long-lasted effect when consumed in foods.
Choosing a Product
Because of the wide range of different CBD oil products available, it is best to talk with an expert about your goals and needs before purchasing products. MINERAL, located in Austin, TX, has a full-service “CBD community center,” where curious can go to learn more about CBD oil and its many benefits and receive advice about the best product to use to get the most benefit.
MINERAL was founded in part by Matthew Miller in 2018, initially offering only online sales. However, after realizing the importance of face-to-face interactions, community support, and education of CBD consumers, the company opened its first concept store for
use as a CBD community center at 1105 E. Sixth Street.
The company’s vision is to promote plant-based wellness overall, using its unique line of specialized CBD products as an initial offering to improve customers’ health naturally. The company intends to supplement this offering in the future with education about other plant-based products to promote a holistic approach to wellness. Of course, in addition to being a fun, supportive community and educational center, customers can also buy CBD oil products, such as MINERAL’s CBD sleep aid products.
