CBD or Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in the plant, Cannabis Sativa (hemp or cannabis). CBD is derived from hemp that only contains traces of Tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH). The effects of CBD are way different from THC. Prescription forms of cannabidiol are used to assist in the treatment of many health issues like anxiety, sleep disorders, epilepsy, muscle and joint pain, and arthritis.
The 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to cultivate, process, and sell hemp in the United States. While it is legal to grow hemp, and CBD is pretty much legal everywhere in the US, the industry remains in a grey area when it comes to regulation. The FDA does not currently approve any over-the-counter CBD products, and since cannabidiol isn’t regulated by the FDA, CBD cannot be marketed as a supplement or drug. CBD is allowed by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (FD&C Act)1, which pretty much classifies CBD as a “cosmetic”.
Hemp and marijuana plants are both members of the cannabis plant family. While both plants contain both THC and CBD compounds, the amount of THC in the hemp plant is significantly less than the amount in the marijuana plant. It is actually legal to have up to 0.3% THC within a CBD product, and the products that contain this amount are full-spectrum CBD products.
Does CBD Produce a “High”?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is among the phytochemicals and non-psychoactive cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis plant or hemp plant. The cannabinoid that produces a “high” in the cannabis plant or hemp plant is Tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH).
Medical marijuana produces “high” but, CBD products do not. Phytocannabinoids in cannabis interact with the endocannabinoid system or ECS and can affect different body functions like sleep, pain processing ability, mood, inflammation, etc.
What Does Cannabidiol Do?
The effectiveness and uses of cannabidiol are as follows:
Epilepsy or seizure disorder- A particular prescription medicine i.e. Epidiolex has been approved by the FDA (US). This is used in the treatment of seizures that are caused by the syndrome of Lennox-Gastaut, Tuberous Sclerosis, or Dravet syndrome.
It is still unclear if the other forms of cannabidiol help to treat seizures or not so it is better to stick with prescription drugs.
Multiple Sclerosis- Cannabidiol has a possible effect on MS or Multiple Sclerosis. A prescription nasal spray i.e. Sativex contains both CBD and TCH. This has been shown to improve muscle tightness, urination frequency, and pain in people suffering from MS.
Enjoying your read? Sign up to be a part of the CBD School community, and we’ll send you a free eBook called The Beginner’s Guide to CBD. It will get you caught up in all things CBD. Additionally, you’ll get updates on the best CBD products and discounts in the industry.
Skin problems- The correct source of healthy oil and fat is excellent for the skin as it will provide and lock moisture. But, it is non-comedogenic as well (does not clog pores). CBD benefits the skin in many ways because they are anti-oxidants in nature. CBD also contains amino acids and vitamin B complex which are very crucial for healthy skin. The aim of CBD is to achieve stasis or balance in the ECS.
CBD treats acne as it fights will the redness and inflammation. In skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea it treats inflammation and pain. CBD may also assist people with scarring or scar tissues by rubbing CBD topicals into the skin. CBD lowers the chronic itching or treatment-resistant itching by blocking the nerve endings so that the itching sensation does not reach the brain.
It also helps in balancing out the skin complexion, soothes the skin from irritation, and has the properties to reduce the signs of aging if CBD is applied topically in the form of oils, creams, lotions, balms, etc.
Arthritis– Cannabidiol may assist in helping you to relieve pain and stiffness and it acts as a natural alternative to conventional medicines. There is enough research that proves that non-psychoactive compounds like CBD oil can treat and provide you relief from chronic pain.
CBD can reduce inflammation by averting the release of the compounds that activates any kind of inflammation in the body. It is hugely used in treating arthritis or any inflammatory skin diseases.
Anxiety and Stress- Research and studies have shown that CBD can reduce stress and anxiety. Vaping or smoking CBD flower can provide relaxation immediately when a person is in a stressful condition like public speaking, speech giving, etc. CBD also induces sleep that will lead to lowering stress or anxiety. It also helps people with insomnia.
Addiction issues- According to research and studies, Cannabidiol helps to lower cravings for drugs like heroin, cocaine, and also tobacco under specific conditions. It also shows evidence to lower cravings for cannabis, stimulants, opiates, and alcohol. Although there are no specific available products for addiction issues, studies have proven them to be true.
Is Cannabidiol Safe for You?
Yes, it is safe to consume but most things have side effects. CBD side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, and nausea. Cannabidiol can also increase blood thinning levels. The FDA is continuing to research CBD and its applications as it is one of the drugs of high curiosity for its practical therapeutic benefits.
As mentioned above, CBD has shown improvements in treating mentally unstable patients, insomnia, muscle soreness, inflammation, skin problems, and many more. You should always speak with your doctor prior to adding CBD to your daily regimen.
How is CBD Consumed?
Cannabidiol comes in multiple forms such as extracts, oils, vape juice, capsules, topical cream or balm, and patches. CBD oil, creams, and lotions help in reducing pain (joint and muscle) and inflammation. CBD tincture, spray, or a patch is to be kept under the tongue and it allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream directly.
Conclusion
CBD or cannabidiol requires more research and studies to prove its effectiveness. It is a natural and non-toxic option for reducing stress, relieving anxiety, inducing sleep, lowering pain, and many more. CBD products can be also given to your pets (under a doctor’s supervision or advice).
If you are deciding to buy CBD products then make sure that you are purchasing them from a reliable source, like from two of our most trusted brands cbdMD and New Phase Blends. Consult with your physician before consuming any CBD products and discover what CBD dosage is right for you, sometimes there is a trial and error period to find what is right for you. Speaking with your doctor is very important if you take prescribed medication as CBD and drugs interact.
references
1Commissioner, O. of the. (n.d.). Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/laws-enforced-fda/federal-food-drug-and-cosmetic-act-fdc-act