Cannabidiol, a substance present in the marijuana plant, is gaining more and more popularity in the United States. It is basically found in the Cannabis Sativa plant and is commonly known as CBD. If extracted successfully, it offers several health benefits and doesn’t cause any euphoric sensation or other side effects. From treating epilepsy to reducing anxiety, it is known for improving mental and physical wellbeing.
Another well-known compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which contains psychoactive properties and causes a ‘high.’ Using high-quality CBD products means that there is zero to 0.3% THC in them, and such products are 100% safe to consume. CBD products come in various forms, like pills, oils, creams, and vapors. Sales of CBD items are expected to reach $2 billion by 2021. In this article, we discuss its benefits, side effects, and a lot more. So, let’s have a look together!
What is CBD?
It is an active compound of the hemp plant, which doesn’t cause any ‘high’ in its users. It is the most famous cannabinoid out of 113 known compounds of the plant. In the 2018 Farm Bill, the consumption of CBD became legal, and it has been on the rise since then. Although there isn’t enough evidence yet about CBD benefits, scientists and researchers are producing CBD studies.
The anecdotal evidence shows that it has helped many individuals in improving both physical and mental health. The purest and best quality CBD is the one that is derived through the CO2 extraction method. Also, make sure to look for its products which contain less than 0.3% THC.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
May Reduce Anxiety and Depression
The World Health Organization research shows that more than 300 million people suffer from depression across the world. In fact, it’s a widespread mental ailment, and most individuals don’t even know they have it. A vast population of these people also suffer from anxiety. These two mental disorders can ruin the quality of one’s life. The good news is it has shown to potentially reduce anxiety and depression in people. Not only that, it may also help fighting social and public anxiety. It provides a relaxing and calming effect and improves mood swings.
May Decrease Chronic Pain
The most common reason for CBD popularity is its potential ability to reduce pain. From the neuropathic form of Multiple Sclerosis to the physical pain of arthritis, it reduces a wide range of chronic pain conditions. In fact, people with pain caused by an inflammatory disease can also use CBD for reducing its symptoms.
May Help Prevent Diabetes
The naturally occurring compounds also could also prevent a condition known as insulitis, which destroys pancreatic beta cells. As insulitis is the main reason for having Type 1 Diabetes, reducing it may also prevent diabetes. Scientists are conducting clinical trials to find out whether CBD actually helps prevent diabetes or not.
May Fight Insomnia
Do you find it difficult to fall asleep at night? If yes, then CBD can help you have a peaceful sleep. It fights insomnia and other potential sleeping problems. It is related to CBD’s ability to decrease worries and anxiety that cause people to stay awake.
May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the main reasons for the development of Alzheimer’s disease is neuroinflammation. The good news is that CBD may help decrease and prevent neuroinflammation by protecting neurons from harmful elements, free radicals.
May Help Maintain Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure leads to cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and heart attacks. It has been said that consuming CBD daily may help patients feel better by maintaining blood pressure. It means that individuals will have reduced possibilities of having a stroke or heart attack.
May Remove and Prevent Acne
Since CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties, it may help in lowering sebum production in the skin. Sebum is natural oil produced by the skin, and it’s responsible for making one’s skin oily. Also, an excessive amount of sebum leads to acne formation. Consumption of CBD may reduce sebum production, which ultimately results in acne removal and healthier skin.
Substance Abuse Treatment
CBD modifies circuits in the brain linked to drug addiction. In a rat study, the naturally occurring compound reduced morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior.
Is It Safe to Consume?
CBD with zero or up to 0.3% THC is safe to consume because CBD is non-addictive itself. Despite this fact, it is better to watch out for the following side effects:
- Fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain or loss
All these side effects are mentioned in a study. Also, you may experience these side effects only in case of a higher dosage or low quality of CBD. Therefore, be sure to consume the best quality of CBD oil.
Also, there are a few contraindications for consuming these tinctures. People who take medicines that list a grapefruit warning risk the same harmful effects with CBD because of both impact the same metabolic markers, which conclude how a drug passes through the body.
Other antipsychotic drugs or antidepressants could also interrelate with CBD oil, either affect the benefits of itor result in toxicity for the consumer. So, it’s always essential to talk to your doctor before going for a new supplement, as you never know how CBD’s interaction with other pharmaceuticals may affect your health condition.
Besides, individuals with fatty livers might notice increased liver inflammation with the use of them. Some of these side effects were only witnessed in animal studies on extremely high doses of CBD. Therefore, more testing needs to be done, and it’s best to first consult your doctor and begin with lower doses.
Are CBD Products Legal?
The THC concentration level is essential to know in order to determine whether CBD is legal or not. If a CBD product has less than 0.3% THC, then it’s legal to consume under federal law. If it comes with more than 0.3% THC, its usage is considered illegal. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers these CBD products with over 0.3% to be Schedule 1 controlled substances, meaning they have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
After the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, most manufacturers don’t have to prove whether their CBD products are effective or safe to consume before selling them. Since the government has not enforced restrictions on marketing, it helps explain why there has recently been a surge in products with hemp based CBD.
Where to Buy CBD?
If you are looking for the best quality CBD product, there are several platforms you can entirely rely on. They offer CO2 extracted, 100% natural, and non-GMO CBD products to every client – all you have to do is look for the right manufacturer.