People are using cannabidiol (CBD) products for all kinds of purposes these days and it is highly likely that someone may be suggesting you do the same. That’s probably why you are reading this blog so that you can find out everything about it.
What is CBD?
CBD is the second most abundant component in cannabis and one of the 113 cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, CBD, doesn’t create a high effect because it isn’t psychoactive. This naturally occurring substance is considered to be highly beneficial, which is why it is being used in all kinds of products these days. From CBD oil to CBD gummies, there are a lot of different CBD products for you to choose from according to your needs.
What are the benefits of CBD?
There is a lot of research around it and other cannabis products that tell us about the benefits of these products. These benefits may include:
Potentially reducing epileptic seizures
The FDA approved Epidiolex in 2018 for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. It is a CBD-based medical-grade drug that doctors prescribe to patients older than two years. The trials of these drugs show that it effectively reduces the frequency of seizures when combined with a traditional seizure medication.
Potentially relieving chronic pain
The use of cannabis for pain relief isn’t new; according to data, people have been using it since 2900 BC. Today, thanks to advanced technology, researchers have determined the components of cannabis that aid in providing pain relief and they include it. A literature review of 47 studies suggests that cannabinoids are more effective for treating chronic and cancer–related pain when compared with placebo; however, the review also suggests that it may have more side effects than the placebo. Another review by the Journal of Central Nervous System Disease suggests that Nabiximols (Sativex), an oral spray containing it and THC, is effective for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) pain when paired with a standard pain management treatment. Research also supports the use of it for relieving peripheral neuropathy pain.
Potentially reducing anxiety
The cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant are believed to hold anxiety-relieving properties. A Neuropsychopharmacology study reports that after taking cannabidiol, the majority of participants experienced lower levels of anxiety while the anxiety levels increased in a few users. The increase in anxiety is believed to be an effect of THC, especially when consumed in higher doses. The same study says that it may be able to mitigate the effects of THC and that it possesses the same anxiety–relieving effects as chemical–based anxiety–relieving drugs.
Neuropsychopharmacology published another study of people with generalized social anxiety disorder, which reports that a dosage of 600 mg of CBD is effective for reducing the anxiety levels when compared to a placebo.
Potentially easing chemotherapy side effects
Cancer is a serious disease, so much so that even its treatment can cause severe side effects that have the ability to disrupt the health of the patient. The side effects of chemotherapy usually include vomiting and nausea, which doctors treat by prescribing antiemetic drugs. Sadly, these drugs may not work for some people, so they’d have to find an alternate treatment. A British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology study suggests that it reduces cancer-induced nausea and vomiting when combined with THC and traditional antiemetic treatment.
A report published in 2019 by Future Oncology suggests that CBD and other cannabinoids of the cannabis plant may be able to prevent the side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. The side effects it can treat or manage include appetite loss, organ toxicity, and pain.
Potentially helping in the treatment of substance use disorder
A 2015 systemic review by Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment suggest that CBD may somewhat control compulsive behaviors, sway the brain circuits responsible for drug-seeking behaviors, and manage the stress that leads to drug addiction. A 2018 animal study suggests that it is effective for reducing relapse for five months and also reduces stress, impulsivity, and anxiety, which may lead to drug addiction.
Potentially aiding in the treatment of PTSD
There are studies that report on the ability of CBD to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when paired with psychiatric treatment. PTSD patients who regularly use it may also be able to sleep more peacefully and have fewer nightmares. It is believed that CBD doesn’t cause any serious side effects for PTSD patients.
How can you take CBD?
As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of different products that you can use in different ways.
CBD oil
CBD oil is made by mixing its extract into a carrier oil, which usually includes hemp oil or coconut oil. It is the most versatile product and you can use it in almost any way you want. You can use it sublingually by putting a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue, hold it for a while and then swallow. You can use it as a topical and apply it directly to your skin. You can even use it to create your own delicious and healthy edibles.
CBD topical
CBD topicals are just like normal creams, lotions, balms, etc.; the only difference is that they include CBD. Topicals are the preferred product for treating pain and inflammation and are considered to be the safest because the CBD does not enter into the bloodstream. To use a CBD topical, get the desired amount and then massage it on the problem area for a while, but if you want, you can apply it directly to the problem area.
CBD edibles
CBD edibles are the most delicious way of consuming it. These edibles usually include CBD gummies and food prepared with it. CBD gummies are just like THC gummies; the only difference is that they don’t get you high. Fair warning, though, these gummies are delicious and contain sugar, so don’t over consume them or else you might experience some negative side effects. CBD-based food is also gaining popularity these days and several restaurants have started adding it to their menu. We highly recommend that you try cannabidiol based food if there is no health concern or dietary restriction that you have to follow.
CBD pills and capsules
CBD pills and capsules are best for those who don’t like the taste of CBD oil, don’t want to consume sugar, but still want to reap the benefits of it. These pills are just like normal pills; the only difference is that they contain cannabidiol.
CBD vapes
Over the past couple of years, vapes have been gaining popularity, and as a result, we got CBD vapes. CBD vapes contain cannabidiol vape oil in a cartridge that you smoke using a vape pen. Inhaling it via vapes and joints is the quickest way of experiencing the effects of it; however, it can cause discomfort in your throat and lungs and there a lot of health risks attached to smoking and vaping. We don’t recommend that you smoke or vape CBD because we don’t consider it to be the best and safest method of consuming CBD.
Are there any side effects of CBD?
Experts agree that there aren’t any side effects of CBD if you use it appropriately; however, in some cases, you may experience a few side effects. These side effects may occur if you are sensitive to similar products that don’t contain CBD or if you are using a low-quality CBD product. You may not experience any of these side effects if you are topically using CBD. The side effects can’t alter critical functions of your body, such as breathing because CBD doesn’t interact with your brainstem receptors.
The toxic dose of CBD is 20,000 mg consumed at the same time, and even after consuming the toxic dose, the person may not experience life-threatening side effects; however, the side effects may get severe if left untreated. Immediately contact a doctor if you have been experiencing any of these side effects for a few hours after consuming CBD.
- Psychosis
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Anxiety and depression
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
Is CBD legal in the US?
CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are no longer in the Controlled Substances Act in the US. Hemp-derived CBD is legal in the US on a federal level under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. However, there are exceptions in some states. Marijuana–derived products, however, are still illegal in several states as they hold the status of being a Schedule 1 drug. In states where marijuana is legal for recreational and medicinal purposes, the marijuana–derived CBD products may also be legal. So be sure to check your state law before buying any CBD product.
Last word
CBD is a beneficial naturally occurring substance with immense potential; research is still underway to determine what other benefits it may provide. People are more inclined towards using CBD products for medicinal purposes, but it is recommended that they consult with a healthcare professional first. Furthermore, we also suggest that you buy quality CBD products that don’t contain any harmful elements; the best way to do that is to look for a product that has been tested by an independent lab.