Cannabidiol (CBD) is commonly referenced on the internet, and you may have seen it sold as a post-workout shake or used for pets. Even a CBD-infused sports bra is available! But just what is CBD, and why is it so popular?
CBD is one of the active chemical compounds that come from the cannabis sativa plant, often referred to as hemp. CBD presents in various forms, including cannabidiol oil, tinctures, topical salves and creams, drink powders, liquids, pet products, and more.
There has been extensive research into CBD, and this has shown evidence of certain therapeutic benefits. CBD is distinctly different from the other active chemical component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, because CBD has no intoxicating psychoactive effects.
CBD oil is widely regarded as a safe treatment with only minor drawbacks. CBD oil continues to be embraced by the health and wellness industry, with some research showing that it might aid with anxiety and chronic pain. Here is a comprehensive look into the benefits and possible side effects of CBD oil.
What distinguishes cannabidiol from marijuana?
The term marijuana refers to any part of the cannabis plant that contains 3% or more of the psychoactive chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is a psychoactive chemical that interacts with the CB1 neurotransmitter receptors to produce an intoxicating high, and it is this intoxicating high that marijuana users prize.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is also an active chemical component of the cannabis sativa plant. However, unlike marijuana, CBD interacts with the CB2 neurotransmitter receptors and doesn’t produce an intoxicating high. Indeed, scientists believe that CBD blocks CB1 and CB2 receptor’s effects, creating, for want of better terms, a physically calm, relaxing body state rather than a mentally intoxicating high.
According to a World Health Organization report, CBD demonstrates no effects suggestive of any abuse or dependency potential in humans. No evidence of public health-related concerns linked to pure CBD oils exists.
Is it legal to consume CBD?
CBD is widely available in most regions of the United States, yet its legal status still needs to be determined. On a federal level, CBD is legal in all 50 states (provided it doesn’t contain more than 3 % THC), but there are different degrees of regulation. For example, in Virginia, you can only purchase and use CBD if you have a prescription; in California, you can only purchase CBD if you are over 21.
The Farm Bill of 2018 rescinded all hemp-derived products, including CBD, from the Controlled Substances Act. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relaxed regulatory criteria in 2015 to allow researchers to participate in CBD experiments. Provided they meet the requirements of a particular state, individuals can now buy CBD online without a medical marijuana card.
The CBD Oil Benefits
Scientists are studying CBD, for its various therapeutic properties. Indeed, many studies confirm its medicinal benefits, from fitness to health.
The FDA states that selling CBD as a dietary supplement or food additive is illegal. However, it continues to gain traction in the health and wellness sector, with studies suggesting that it can help with symptoms of illnesses like chronic pain and anxiety.
Here’s a quick look the potential CBD oil health benefits.
Seizures
The FDA authorized Epidiolex, a CBD oral solution, in June 2018. Epidiolex is a prescription medication, not an over-the-counter (OTC) item.
Epidiolex is prescribed for treating two uncommon types of epilepsy in children under two: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
It was also authorized in 2020 for tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare hereditary disorder that causes benign tumors to proliferate throughout the body and is frequently accompanied by seizures. Epidiolex is licensed to treat all three of these illnesses in persons aged one year and older.
Anxiety
Research shows that CBD may have therapeutic properties useful in treating or offsetting the symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression.
A 2017 tested the anxiety level of men prior to a public speaking exercise. To determine anxiety levels, researchers used blood pressure and heart rate measurements and Visual Analog Mood Scale (VAMS).
The 2017 study produced interesting but inconclusive results. CBD exhibited anti anxiety effects in men who took 300 milligrams of CBD oil. However, CBD oil that contained 100 and 600 milligrams did not produce the same results. Because this experiment had a small sample size and only involved men, additional research is needed to determine the anti anxiety effects of CBD on women.
Addiction
Preliminary research into CBD’s impact on addiction is yielding conflicting results. A small randomized controlled study of fifty patients with heroin use disorder found CBD beneficial at 400 and 800 mg doses. People who received CBD vs. placebo (a sugar tablet) experienced fewer anxiety and cravings for heroin. However, before making a definitive medical claim, more rigorous experiments are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CBD oils.
The Side Effects of CBD Oil
Various clinical studies are identifying the possible adverse side effects of CBD oil. In one research study, 91% of people with seizure disorders who received the pharmaceutical medication Epidiolex, experienced side effects.
Some side effects regularly linked with CBDÂ products, include the following:
- Mouth dryness
- Diarrhea
- Appetite reduction
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Adverse interaction with other medications
- Alteration of liver enzymes
The specific adverse CBD oil side effects and their severity vary from person to person and from one CBD type to another.
Serious Side Effects
Consider that CBD products are not regulated and may be adulterated or mislabeled. According to one research study, THC was identified in 21% of CBD products marketed online. THC can have serious adverse effects, especially at dosages exceeding 2.4 milligrams, which include:
- Anxiety
- Cognitive impairment (lowered IQ scores and memory loss)
- Psychosis (involving suspiciousness, emotional disengagement, and hallucinations)
THC increases the likelihood of psychiatric illnesses among adolescent users. Psychosis and schizophrenia are among the psychiatric diseases associated with an elevated risk.
If you experience these adverse effects using CBD oil, stop using it immediately and consult with a healthcare expert.
Key Takeaway
The FDA does not regulate CBD, even though scientific studies continue to identify the possible side effects of CBD oil and other CBD products.
Contrary to popular belief, scientific studies have evidenced some potential negative side effects of CBD. These side effects include, a dry mouth, drowsiness and fatigue, a modified appetite, and diarrhea episodes.
Until there are further studies on CBD oil, it is vital to remember that it may not live up to the hype, and users may experience CBD oil side effects. If you decide to use CBD oil, talk to your doctor first to be sure that it won’t interfere with your prescription medications. CBD is unsafe to use during pregnancy, nursing, or in children.
Be sure to use only high-quality CBD oils by getting them at Herbal Fracture.
If you choose to purchase CBD products, it is better to consult reputable sources, like Herbal Fracture. By consulting reputable CBD oil in Denver suppliers, you can be sure you are purchasing a high quality and safe CBD experience.
