Cannabidiol (CBD) is frequently discussed in the news, and it’s sometimes recommended as a supplement to your post-workout smoothie or morning coffee. You may also acquire a CBD-infused sports bra. But what exactly is CBD, and why is it so popular?
How is cannabidiol different from marijuana, cannabis and hemp?
Cannabinoids, also known as CBD and THC, are chemical compounds found in cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is a necessary component of legitimate medicinal marijuana, it is derived from the hemp plant, which is a distant relative of marijuana. CBD is one of hundreds of components contained in marijuana; it does not produce its own “high.” According to a research published by the World Health Organization, “There are no indications that CBD has any abuse or dependence potential in humans…. To date, there is no evidence indicating public health concerns connected with the use of pure CBD.”
Is cannabidiol legal?
CBD is readily obtainable in most parts of the United States, though its exact legal status has been in flux. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction. In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory requirements to allow researchers to conduct CBD trials. In 2018, the Farm Bill made hemp legal in the United States, making it virtually impossible to keep CBD illegal – that would be like making oranges legal, but keeping orange juice illegal.
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The Farm Bill effectively removes all hemp-derived items, including CBD, from the Controlled Substances Act. This implies that CBD is legal if it comes from hemp but not if it comes from cannabis (marijuana), despite the fact that they are identical molecules. Many people now purchase CBD online without a medical marijuana license, which is permitted in most states.
The evidence for cannabidiol health benefits
CBD has been hailed for a wide range of illnesses, although the most compelling scientific evidence regards its efficacy in treating severe epileptic syndromes such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which are generally resistant to antiseizure medications. CBD was found in numerous studies to lower the number of seizures and, in some circumstances, to stop them completely. Epidiolex, a drug containing CBD, is the first cannabis-derived pharmaceutical to be authorized by the FDA for these indications.
CBD may help with a variety of issues in addition to anxiety. CBD has been shown to aid with:
- CBD has been studied and investigated for its anxiety-reducing effects in numerous research papers and clinical trials.
- Insomnia. CBD appears to aid with both falling asleep and staying asleep, according to studies.
- Chronic pain. Human studies are required to verify claims that CBD reduces pain. When CBD was applied to the skin of rats with arthritis, it reduced pain and inflammation, according to a study published in the European Journal of Pain. CBD’s ability to inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain has been found by other research.
- Addiction. According to some human studies, CBD may assist decrease tobacco and heroin cravings under particular circumstances. According to animal addiction research, it might also help reduce alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and stimulant cravings in animals.
Is CBD safe?
CBD has few adverse effects. Nausea, tiredness, and irritability are among the most common CBD side effects. CBD competes with liver enzymes that break down various drugs in the blood and raises the level of blood thinning and other medicines in your body. Grapefruit works in a similar manner to certain medications.
CBD users who take high dosages may have abnormal liver-related blood tests. This is also true for many non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). As a result, you should inform your doctor if you use CBD on a daily basis.
CBD is a legal cannabinoid that has shown promise as a treatment for a variety of ailments. CBD, however, is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement rather than a medicine, which has prompted some to raise concerns about its safety. The FDA does not regulate the quality or safety of dietary supplements at this time. As a result, you can’t be confident that the goods you’re buying contain effective components at the levels stated on the label. Other unknown substances may also be included in the product. We don’t know how much CBD is optimal for each disease.
How can CBD be taken?
Cannabidiol, often known as CBD, is a cannabinoid compound found in cannabis that has been shown to have antioxidant, neuroprotectant, and anti-inflammatory properties. There are many different types of CBD products available, including oils, extracts, capsules, patches, vapes, and topical lotions for skin use. A topical CBD-infused oil or lotion – or even a bath bomb – may be the ideal solution if you’re looking to decrease inflammation and relieve muscular and joint pain. In contrast ,a CBC patch or tincture/spray intended to be placed under the tongue allows CBD to enter directly into the circulation.
In other countries, Sativex, a cannabinoid drug that includes CBD as a active component, is authorized for muscular spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and cancer pain. Epidiolex is licensed for particular sorts of epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis in the United States.
What is CBD oil?
CBD is one of several cannabinoids (compounds) found in the cannabis plant. CBD has been under study for potential therapeutic applications.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol are two of the chemical components found in marijuana. These chemicals have varied effects.
THC was formerly the most well-known component in cannabis. It is the most active compound, and it has a psychological impact. When a person smokes marijuana or uses it in cooking, THC causes a mind-altering “high.” This is because THC dissolves when a person heats it and introduces it into their body.
In contrast, full-spectrum CBD is not psychoactive. It has no effect on a person’s mental state when it is used. However, it may make significant changes to the body and is already showing significant medical advantages.
The bottom line on cannabidiol
CBD has come under fire from the federal government in recent years for reckless, unverifiable claims such as that it is a cure-all for cancer or COVID-19, which it is not. We need further study, but CBD may be useful in treating anxiety, sleeplessness, and chronic pain. Because CBD is now commonly available as an unregulated supplement without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies to determine effective doses, it’s difficult to know exactly what you’re getting.
If you’re thinking about using CBD, be sure it’s from a reliable source. Also, check with your doctor to ensure that it won’t interfere with any other medications you take.
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