What is understood and what is not regarding CBD (cannabidiol)

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is frequently covered by the media, and you may see advertisements for it as an add-on to your morning smoothie or coffee after working out. There is even a CBD-infused sports bra available. But just what is CBD? Then why is it so popular?

How does CBD differ from cannabis, hemp, and marijuana?

The second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis, or marijuana, is cannabidiol, or CBD. Despite being an essential component of therapeutic marijuana, CBD is either taken directly from the related hemp plant or manufactured in a lab. Among the hundreds of compounds in marijuana, CBD is not the only one that doesn’t make you feel “high.” In a report, the World Health Organization said that there are no indications of CBD abuse or dependency potential in people. There is currently no evidence linking the use of pure CBD to any health problems for the general public.

Is it legal to use cannabidiol?

Although its exact legal status has been susceptible to revision, CBD is readily accessible in most locations of the United States. All 50 states have laws varying in degree that authorize CBD. In December 2015, the FDA relaxed rules to allow researchers to conduct studies using CBD. Thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, which also legalized hemp, it is now exceedingly difficult to keep CBD illegal in the US. Legalizing oranges but banning orange juice would be comparable.

Thanks to the Farm Bill, all hemp-derived products, including CBD, were exempt from the Controlled Substances Act, which outlawed the possession of drugs. In essence, this means that although CBD and cannabis are the same chemical, CBD obtained from hemp is allowed and CBD derived from cannabis is not. Since most states allow the use of CBD, many people are already buying it online without a medical marijuana license.

The evidence supporting cannabidiol’s health benefits

The most convincing scientific evidence supports the use of CBD in treating some of the most severe juvenile epileptic syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which frequently do not improve with antiseizure medications, even though CBD has been recommended for a wide range of medical conditions. CBD can reduce the frequency of seizures and, in some cases, entirely stop them, according to a number of studies. Epidiolex, which contains CBD, is the first cannabis-derived drug approved by the FDA for these conditions.

Is CBD safe?

The adverse effects of CBD include nausea, irritability, and fatigue. Blood thinners and other drugs can be present in your blood at higher concentrations when CBD competes with the liver enzymes that break them down. Grapefruit and a number of drugs have similar interactions.

Users of high dosages of CBD may exhibit abnormalities in liver-related blood tests. The effects of various over-the-counter drugs and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are comparable. Therefore, you should let your doctor know if you take CBD often.

Serious safety concerns are raised by the fact that CBD is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement rather than a prescription drug. The FDA does not currently have any control over the efficacy or safety of dietary supplements. For this reason, you cannot be certain that the product you buy contains the active ingredients at the suggested dose. There may be other undisclosed substances in the product. Furthermore, we don’t know what the ideal therapeutic dose of CBD is for any particular illness.

How is the CBD given?

CBD can be taken in a variety of forms, such as oils, extracts, tablets, vape pens, patches, and topical skin treatments. If you’re looking for anything to help with inflammation and pain in your muscles and joints, your best option could be a topical CBD-infused oil, lotion, or cream, or perhaps a bath bomb. Alternatively, a CBC patch, tincture, or spray meant to be administered under the tongue can directly deliver CBD into the bloodstream.

Outside of the US, the prescription drug Sativex, which has CBD as an active ingredient, is approved for the treatment of cancer pain and muscle stiffness brought on by multiple sclerosis. Certain types of epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis are recognized uses of Epidiolex in the United States.

The cannabinoid conclusion

A government inquiry has been launched against a number of CBD companies for making absurd and unsubstantiated claims, such as the false assertion that CBD may cure COVID-19 or cancer. Although further research is required, CBD may be a helpful and relatively safe substitute for treating anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. As a result of CBD being mostly supplied as an unregulated supplement these days, it is challenging to know exactly what you are getting and we are unable to identify the specific levels of CBD without sufficient high-quality evidence from human trials.

Verify that the CBD you wish to test is coming from a trustworthy supplier. Additionally, be sure it won’t conflict with any other prescriptions you take by seeing your doctor.