What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is a compound that was made from marijuana. CBD lacks tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient in marijuana that produces the “high.” The CBD product that is most frequently purchased is oil, although it may also be obtained as extract, an inhalable liquid, and capsules. There are many different meals, drinks, and cosmetic products available on the market right now, including CBD.
Brief on CBD controversy
The use of CBD comes with its own set of potential risks. CBD is widely accepted, even though it can potentially cause undesired side effects like those described above. There is a possibility that CBD will interact negatively with the blood-thinning medication that you are already taking.
The CBD concentration and purity of products on the market are also questionable. According to a recent study, more than a quarter of 84 CBD products purchased online were discovered to contain a lower concentration of CBD than was promised. THC was found to be present in 18 more products.
Hemp and hemp products are now allowed to sell in the United States thanks to legislation approved in 2018. Yet, the law does not sanction all CBD products derived from hemp. Adding CBD to meals or dietary supplements is illegal because CBD is a legal prescription medicine. Only “cosmetic” items can legally contain CBD. Yet, CBD products persist on the market despite being mislabeled. Not all of these items have the same CBD quantity claimed on the label.
The Drug Enforcement Administration granted the application for clearance after finding, via many studies, that CBD significantly reduced the incidence of seizures in children older than 2 years old (DEA). Potential adverse effects of the medicine were recognized and labeled in safety trials; these included increased agitation, sadness, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, exhaustion, anorexia, and perhaps liver damage.
CBD is easily accessible in most parts of the United States despite the lack of clarity around its legal standing. All fifty states have passed legislation that legalizes CBD, but with varying degrees of autonomy and restrictions. In December 2015, the food and drug administration eased some limits on CBD trials. Because hemp production was made legal in the United States by the farm bill of 2018, it will be extremely tough to keep CBD banned. This is analogous to allowing the sale of oranges but not orange juice to be consumed.
Because the passing of the Farm Bill amended the Controlled Substances Act, any products made from hemp, including CBD, are no longer considered controlled substances. This suggests that CBD obtained from hemp is legal; however, CBD derived from cannabis (marijuana) is not legal. Even though CBD can be purchased lawfully in most states with a valid medical marijuana license, many people continue to do it online.
How cannabinoids work
Cannabinoids, like all other medications, exert their effects by interacting with the receptors on the surface of our cells. Within our endocannabinoid system, the primary receptors that CBD interacts with are called cannabinoid 1 and cannabinoid 2. These receptors are essential for relaying information about pain and stress to different parts of the body.
- CB1 is a receptor connected to the central nervous system and is frequently found on nerve cells due to this connection. The transmission of impulses to the central nervous system is their purpose.
- CB2 receptors are found on cells throughout the body, particularly in the reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. They have a wider distribution than CB1 receptors.
CBD medical benefits
More and more people worldwide are interested in learning about the advantages of CBD as its popularity increases. Some of the most often claimed advantages of CBD usage include: While we still don’t know enough to have a complete list of its prospective usefulness in medical and recreational settings:
- Anxiety reduction – Studies have shown that frequent use of CBD can help to lessen feelings of anxiety and tension due to its soothing qualities.
- Insomnia is a medical condition that may be challenging to treat, but CBD has shown promise in assisting patients with both falling asleep and maintaining a restful slumber.
- Reducing chronic pain — Narcotic (opioid) drugs are the gold standard for treating chronic and acute pain in the American healthcare system. Yet, because of the extremely addictive potential of these drugs, healthcare practitioners are actively seeking safer alternatives, one of which may be CBD.
- Anti-inflammatory effects Inflammation is a leading source of bodily harm and is notoriously uncomfortable and difficult to treat. One study suggested that CBD might help reduce inflammation in people with persistent osteoarthritis.
- Reducing cravings for addictive substances – CBD may help persons seeking to kick their habit by reducing their desire to use drugs like heroin and cigarettes.
- Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) are two examples of extremely uncommon neurological disorders that CBD has shown promise in treating (LGS). Both disorders are extremely challenging to treat medically as forms of infantile epilepsy. Epilodex is the first FDA-approved cannabis-derived drug, and it was developed after CBD significantly reduced the frequency and severity of seizures in children suffering from these diseases.
CBD legalization in Canada
The Cannabis Act’s and its regulations’ requirements and restrictions on cannabis also apply to CBD and CBD-containing products. No matter where the CBD is sourced from, manufacturers that intend to sell their finished goods must first get a processing license.
The only people allowed to sell CBD and items containing CBD, including cannabis oil, are Federally-licensed cannabis dispensaries allowed by a Canadian province or territory.
Whether entering or departing Canada, it is against the law to have cannabis or any product containing cannabis, including edible cannabis, cannabis extracts, cannabis topicals, and any CBD product.
- No matter how much weed you carry around with you.
- Even if you use cannabidiol (CBD) or any other type of medical cannabis until approved by Health Canada.
- Even if you’re going to or coming from a place where marijuana is legal or decriminalized.
FAQs
Is CBD safe?
Negative reactions to CBD include dizziness, weariness, and anger. CBD can enhance the blood concentration of blood-thinning and other medications by interfering with their breakdown by liver enzymes. Several medications have a similar interaction with grapefruit.
High dosages of CBD may cause anomalies in liver-related blood tests in certain people. This effect can also be achieved with several over-the-counter medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you are taking CBD regularly, you should tell your doctor.
How is cannabidiol different from marijuana, cannabis, and hemp?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the second most common psychoactive compound in marijuana (marijuana). CBD, a crucial part of medicinal marijuana, comes from the hemp plant (marijuana’s close relative) or is synthesized in a lab. CBD, one of marijuana’s hundreds of components, does not, on its own, result in intoxication. The World Health Organization has released a paper stating that “CBD does not produce any consequences in people that would suggest misuse or dependency. To this day, pure CBD consumption has not been linked to public health issues.”
How can CBD be taken?
Oils, extracts, pills, patches, vaporizer cartridges, and topical creams are some ways that cannabidiol (CBD) may be consumed. Topical CBD oil, lotion, cream — or even a bath bomb — may be the best option for reducing inflammation and relieving muscle and joint pain. Instead, CBD can be absorbed sublingually by using a tincture, spray, or CBC patch.
Sativex is a prescription medicine in countries other than the United States for treating cancer pain and the muscular stiffness that often accompanies multiple sclerosis. Epidiolex’s label in the United States includes indications for both epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis.
Conclusion
The government is carefully checking the CBD market since some businesses have made absurd claims, such as claiming that their product will cure cancer or COVID-19. This has prompted the government to do so. Although further research is required, cannabidiol (CBD) appears to have potential as a non-addictive therapy for a wide range of uncomfortable illnesses. It isn’t easy to know precisely what you are receiving when purchasing CBD because it is frequently offered as an unregulated dietary supplement. Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies, it is impossible to identify optimal dosages.
Before giving CBD a try, look into the manufacturer’s background. Also, verify with your healthcare practitioner to ensure there won’t be any adverse interactions between your medications.