What is CBD?

Cannabis sativa, also known as cannabis or hemp, contains a substance known as cannabidiol. One type of CBD has been approved as a seizure medication in the United States.

More than 80 cannabinoids, also known as psychoactive substances, are found in the Cannabis sativa plant. THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known component of cannabis. cannabidiol is obtained from hemp, a Cannabis sativa plant variation with relatively no THC present. cannabidiol seems to have some effects on various brain chemicals, contrasting with THC’s effects.

CBD is prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy (epilepsy). However, there isn’t any conclusive scientific evidence to support these claims. In addition to these uses, cannabidiol is also prescribed to treat pain, anxiety, dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and various other disorders.

Due to legislation passed in 2018, the sale of hemp, CBD gummies and other goods made from it is now lawful in the US. But not all hemp-derived CBD goods are legitimate. Adding cannabidiol to food or nutritional supplements is prohibited because it is a recognized prescription drug. Therefore, CBD is only allowed in “cosmetic” products. However, there are still CBD products on the market with labels that read “nutritional supplement.” Sometimes the amount of CBD in these products is higher or lower than what is stated on the label.

Health Benefits of CBD

There are numerous illnesses for which cannabidiol is said to have health advantages. It is most frequently used to treat inflammation, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia.

One study suggests that cannabidiol may lessen pain by affecting the endocannabinoid system’s receptors, which also control many other physiological and mental processes, including mood, memory, and pain.

The use of cannabidiol to treat persons with seizure disorders is well supported by research. The first CBD-containing prescription drug for the treatment of epilepsy received FDA approval in 2018.

We know that cannabidiol is a successful treatment for some types of seizures, but it’s critical to realize that it is not a panacea.

The World Health Organization reported in 2017 that additional research is required before drawing firm conclusions on the potential benefits of cannabidiol as a treatment for other medical disorders.

According to Dr. Janet White, medical director of the Cedars-Sinai Integrative Health Program, some patients who try this claim to have benefits while others claim not to.

7 things to know before buying CBD

1. Consult your physician

Consult a pain specialist if the pain is the problem. Consult a sleep expert if you are experiencing insomnia. You see what I mean. According to Edward Mariano, M.D., professor of anesthesiology, perioperative, and pain medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine in California, “expressing interest in cannabinoids is the start of a conversation.” “You’re telling your doctor that what you’re doing right now isn’t working and that you want to try something different,” the doctor said. Additionally, your doctor will be able to track your development and responses and (at the least) can recommend you in the direction of cannabidiol items that other patients have found effective.

2. Research potential interactions

Although the World Health Organization emphasizes that cannabidiol typically has a favourable safety profile and is well tolerated, it is crucial to understand that thorough safety studies on CBD have not yet been conducted. Therefore, consult your doctor about any potential interactions before experimenting. For instance, cannabidiol should be avoided if you have any liver problems and it raises your risk of bleeding if you’re on certain blood thinners.

3. Recognize any potential adverse effects

A recent FDA warning warns that taking cannabidiol may result in irritation, sleepiness, and/or diarrhea.

4. If you’re expecting, avoid it.

Some cannabinoid receptors in the brain seem to be developed in fetuses by 14 weeks. Therefore, according to Mark Zakowski, M.D., a professor of obstetric anesthesiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, “cannabidiol may potentially interfere with proper embryonic brain development.”

5. Carry out some research

It would be great if your doctor suggested a reputable manufacturer. If not, seek out businesses that follow the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP); while not yet required, reliable manufacturers will do so. A third party usually evaluates the quality of the product for reputable producers. Look for a certificate of analysis (COA), which serves as documentation that a separate lab has considered the cannabidiol. According to Debbie Petitpain, M.S., R.D.N., a Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics representative, “THC can contaminate a cannabidiol product at amounts high enough to be identified on a drug screen.” This could be a serious issue for someone who works for a business with a strict anti-drug policy.

6. Be ready to pay a higher price

Since hemp doesn’t produce a lot of cannabidiol, a concentrated product will cost more as a result, according to Petitpain. The cost is also increased by third-party testing. According to Petitpain, if the price of the cannabidiol oil you’ve been eyeing seems too good to be true, it probably is.

7. You’ll find out right away if it works.

According to Petitpain, “Your body will reach maximal cannabidiol concentration in a day or two.” Therefore, if you are not experiencing the desired results after a few days, it is likely that everything will stay the same, and you should consult your doctor again.

In April 2020, this article first appeared in EatingWell Magazine.

Side effects and safety concerns of CBD

The reported adverse effects of cannabidiol include low blood pressure, sleepiness, and dry mouth.

The absence of regulation surrounding cannabidiol is the leading cause for concern. Most cannabidiol-infused products are sold as supplements, which are not subject to FDA regulation. However, state laws are regulated, and each state has its methods for guaranteeing the safety of its products.

You may not always be aware of the dosage you’re taking or the actual ingredients, according to Dr. Chung. Numerous consequences could happen depending on what you get.

CBD Shopper’s Few Reminders

There are numerous cannabidiol product brands available if you want to try one. Daily, new ones appear. In addition, most states allow you to purchase cannabidiol products offline, online freely, and even at eateries and coffee shops. How, then, can you determine which goods are the safest and most efficient?

Every expert we consulted for this article advised readers to use extreme caution while purchasing cannabidiol.

Here are the following:

1. If you reside close to a state-run dispensary, purchase cannabidiol there. They may have knowledgeable employees that may point you toward products with a good reputation. And even though the laws are very different, there is a higher likelihood that some protocol is in place.
2. Find out if a product has a certificate of analysis or COA. A COA indicates that the product has been examined, tested, and confirmed to contain precisely what is stated on the label. You should only be purchasing a product from them if they are able to supply such information.
3. Read the fine print if you’re making an online purchase. According to Hatch, the company needs to be very transparent about the CBD’s origins, the locations of the natural plants, how they were cared for, and the methods used to extract it. Check to see if they have the lab results; if not, get in touch with the company to ask for them. Avoid visiting websites with no transparency.
4. Check to see whether the product makes any health claims, advises Hatch. Another red flag is that. Health claims, such as “relieves cold and flu symptoms,” “prevents inflammation,” “reduces soreness,” and “treats muscle tension,” are all prohibited unless a product has received FDA approval.
5. Always check with your doctor before using any amount of a new cannabidiol product. Yes, it is that crucial.

FAQS

What is CBD used for?

It is most frequently used to treat inflammation, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. One study suggests that cannabidiol may lessen pain by affecting the endocannabinoid system’s receptors, which also control many other physiological and mental processes, including mood, memory, and pain.

Are CBD and marijuana the same thing?

Cannabidiol is a chemical found in marijuana.

cannabidiol does not cause impairment; hence it does not cause a “high.” Both non-hemp and hemp plants can be used to make CBD. Hemp refers to any part of the cannabis Sativa plant with less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana.

How does CBD make you feel?

cannabidiol can cause adverse effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased appetite, exhaustion, and lethargy, even though it is typically well tolerated. Additionally, the cannabidiol may interact with other medications you are taking, such as blood thinners. Another thing to be concerned about is the unpredictability of the quantity and quality of cannabidiol in products.

Why do people take CBD, and what is it?

It is advocated that cannabidiol can help people with anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is additionally promoted as a sleep aid. One of the things that makes cannabidiol so appealing is the idea that it is “nonpsychoactive” and that consumers can take advantage of the plant’s health benefits without feeling high.

Is CBD safe to use every day?

Yes, consistent use can be advantageous, mainly if you manage recurring issues like chronic pain, persistent anxiety, or insomnia. For example, CBD can relax your nervous system, and controlling a severe flare-up is more complicated than attempting to prevent a symptom from getting worse.

Is CBD a drug?

Since CBD is a recognized prescription medication, it is illegal to add it to food or dietary supplements. CBD is restricted to “cosmetic” products only. However, there are currently CBD items available on the market with nutritional supplement labels. There are a lot of forms of CBD, cbd bath bombs / cbd bathbomb are one of the popular products many enjoyed.

References

Pahr, K. (2018, August 3). Beginner’s Guide to CBD. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/your-cbd-guide

CBD: What You Need to Know Before You Try. (n.d.). Cedars-Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cbd-safe.html

What you need to know about CBD. (n.d.). Thrive. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/thrive-together/live-well/what-you-need-to-know-cbd

CBD: What You Need to Know. (2022, August 8). Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/featured-topics/CBD.html

7 things you need to know before using CBD Oil. (n.d.). Harrogate Organics CBD. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://harrogateorganicsc