What we know about cannabidiol (CBD) and what we don’t
Cannabidiol (CBD) has received a lot of press recently, and you might have noticed it as a supplement in your post-workout smoothie or morning coffee. What is CBD, exactly? What’s the deal with it becoming so popular all of a sudden?
What distinguishes cannabidiol from marijuana?
Cannabidiol is the abbreviation for cannabidiol. It’s the second most common active component in marijuana (marijuana). CBD is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant, and is an important component of medical marijuana. While CBD is a component of marijuana (among hundreds), it does not provide a “high” by itself. “In people, CBD demonstrates no effects indicative of any misuse or dependence potential,” according to a World Health Organization report. To date, there has been no indication of public health issues linked to the use of pure CBD.”
Is it legal to use cannabidiol?
CBD is widely available in most parts of the United States, despite the fact that its legal status is still up in the air. CBD is lawful in all 50 states with varied degrees of restrictions, and though the federal government still considers CBD to be in the same class as marijuana, it is rarely enforced. The FDA relaxed regulatory criteria in December 2015, allowing researchers to undertake CBD experiments. Many people now buy CBD online without having a medical marijuana card. The government’s stance on CBD is unclear, and it varies depending on whether the CBD is derived from hemp or marijuana. CBD’s legal status is likely to change, as there is currently bipartisan support in Congress to legalize hemp, making CBD difficult to prohibit for all intents and purposes.
Cannabidiol’s health advantages are supported by evidence.
CBD has been hailed for a range of health conditions, but the best scientific evidence is for its efficacy in treating some of the cruelest childhood epileptic syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which do not respond to antiseizure drugs. CBD has been shown in multiple trials to lessen the number of seizures and, in some circumstances, to completely stop them. Videos demonstrating the effects of CBD on these youngsters and their seizures can be found easily on the Internet, and they are quite impressive. Epidiolex, which contains CBD, was recently approved by the FDA as the first cannabis-derived drug for these diseases.CBD is often used to treat anxiety, and studies suggest that CBD may aid in falling and staying asleep in people suffering from insomnia.CBD may be a viable treatment option for a variety of chronic pain conditions. CBD applied to the skin could help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, according to a study published in the European Journal of Pain. Another study showed how CBD reduces inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. More human research is needed in this area to back up CBD proponents’ claims about pain relief.
Is cannabidiol a safe substance?
Nausea, tiredness, and irritability are some of the CBD’s side effects. CBD can boost the amount of the blood thinner coumadin in your blood, as well as the levels of some other drugs in your blood, in the same way as grapefruit juice does. CBD is generally marketed and sold as a supplement, not a pharmaceutical, which raises serious safety concerns. Dietary supplements are currently unregulated by the FDA in terms of safety and quality. As a result, you can’t be certain that the product you buy contains active chemicals in the dose specified on the label. Other (unknown) elements may also be present in the product. We also have no idea what the best effective CBD therapeutic dose is for any given medical condition.
Cannabidiol’s final verdict
Some CBD manufacturers have come under fire from the authorities for making outlandish, unsubstantiated claims, such as that CBD is a cancer treatment, which it is not. More research is needed, but CBD may show to be an effective treatment for anxiety, sleeplessness, and chronic pain. We can’t estimate beneficial amounts without enough high-quality information from human research, and because CBD is generally sold as an unregulated supplement, it’s impossible to know exactly what you’re getting. If you decide to try CBD, talk to your doctor first to be sure it won’t interfere with any other prescriptions you’re taking.
CBD Oil’s Advantages and Applications (Plus Side Effects)
Cannabidiol is a widely utilized natural treatment for a variety of diseases.CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of over 100 chemical components present in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa.The psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive cannabinoid contained in cannabis, and it’s what gives you that “high” feeling. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychotropic like THC.CBD is a good choice for people who want to get relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or other pharmaceutical medicines.CBD oil is manufactured by extracting CBD from marijuana plants and diluting it with a carrier oil such as coconut or hemp seed oil.It’s gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry, with some scientific research indicating that it can help with symptoms of chronic pain and anxiety.The following are seven health benefits of CBD oil that have been scientifically validated.
1. It Has the Ability to Relieve Pain
Since 2900 B.C., marijuana has been used to relieve pain. Scientists have recently discovered that some components of marijuana, such as CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving properties.The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a specialized system in the human body that regulates a number of processes such as sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response.Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters produced by the body that connect to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.CBD has been demonstrated to alleviate chronic pain by influencing endocannabinoid receptor function, decreasing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters, according to research.For example, one rat study discovered that CBD injections lowered pain response to surgical incisions, while another rat study discovered that CBD treatment reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation considerably.A combination of CBD and THC has been demonstrated to be useful in relieving pain associated with multiple sclerosis and arthritis in several human studies.Sativex, an oral spray containing THC and CBD, has been licensed in numerous countries to alleviate pain associated with multiple sclerosis.A one-month study of 47 persons with multiple sclerosis looked at the effects of using Sativex. Pain, walking, and muscle spasms all improved for the subjects. Nonetheless, there was no control group in the trial, and placebo effects cannot be ruled out.Sativex significantly decreased pain during activity, pain at rest, and sleep quality in 58 persons with rheumatoid arthritis, according to another study (8Trusted Source).CBD has a lot of benefits, especially when it comes to pain relief.In combination with THC, it may be effective in decreasing discomfort caused by some diseases.Multiple sclerosis with rheumatoid arthritis, for example.
2. Has the Potential to Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health conditions that can have serious consequences for one’s health and well-being.Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, while anxiety disorders are ranked sixth (9).Pharmaceutical medicines are commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, and they can have a variety of adverse effects, including sleepiness, agitation, sleeplessness, sexual dysfunction, and headaches.Furthermore, benzodiazepines, for example, can be addictive and lead to substance dependence.CBD oil has showed potential as a treatment for depression and anxiety, piqueing the curiosity of many people who suffer from these conditions.In one Brazilian study, 57 males were given either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before being put through a mock public speaking test. A 300-mg dose of CBD was found to be the most efficient at considerably lowering anxiety during the test, according to the researchers.A placebo, a 150-mg CBD dose, and a 600-mg CBD dose all had little to no effect on anxiety.CBD oil has even been used to treat insomnia and anxiety in youngsters who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.CBD has also been proven in animal experiments to have antidepressant-like effects.CBD’s ability to operate on serotonin receptors in the brain, a neurotransmitter that governs mood and social behavior, is connected to these properties.CBD has been shown to be effective.In both human and animal research, it has been shown to alleviate anxiety and sadness.
3. Cancer-Related Symptoms Can Be Reduced
CBD may help to alleviate cancer-related symptoms and treatment-related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and pain.In one study, 177 persons with cancer-related discomfort who had not found relief from pain medication were given CBD and THC to try.When compared to individuals who just received THC extract, those who received an extract containing both components saw a considerable reduction in discomfort.CBD may also aid in the reduction of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are two of the most common adverse effects for cancer patients.Although there are medication that can help with these unpleasant symptoms, they aren’t always successful, prompting some people to look for alternatives.A study of 16 persons receiving chemotherapy discovered that a one-to-one CBD and THC mouth spray reduced chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting more than standard treatment alone.CBD has even been demonstrated to have anticancer qualities in test tubes and animals. Concentrated CBD, for example, was found to cause cell death in human breast cancer cells in a test tube research.CBD also prevented the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice, according to another study.However, because they are animal and test-tube research, they can only suggest what might work in humans. Before any judgments can be drawn, more human investigations are required.In conclusion, CBD has been used to treat a variety of ailments.It’s been demonstrated to aid with cancer and cancer treatment symptoms, and it could help you live longer.More research is needed to determine whether it has cancer-fighting abilities.Efficacy and safety are two important factors to consider.
4. Acne-Reducing Potential
Acne is a prevalent skin problem that affects more than 9% of the population.Genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation, and the overproduction of sebum, an oily fluid produced by sebaceous glands in the skin, are thought to be contributing factors.CBD oil may help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory qualities and capacity to lower sebum production, according to recent scientific studies.CBD oil inhibited sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, had anti-inflammatory effects, and blocked the activation of “pro-acne” chemicals such inflammatory cytokines, according to a test-tube study.Another study found similar results, indicating that CBD could be a good and safe strategy to treat acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties (25Trusted Source).Though these findings are encouraging, more research into the effects of CBD on acne in humans is required.CBD may offer a number of benefits.Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its antibacterial properties, it has a positive impact on acne.Ability to manage excessive sebum production from the sebaceous glands
5. It’s possible that it has neuroprotective properties.
CBD’s potential to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems, according to researchers, could help people with neurological illnesses.In fact, treating neurological illnesses like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis is one of the most researched uses for CBD. Several studies have showed encouraging outcomes, despite the fact that research in this area is still relatively new.
Sativex, a CBD-and-THC-based oral spray, has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for muscle spasticity in persons with multiple sclerosis.
Sativex reduced spasms in 75 percent of 276 persons with multiple sclerosis who had medication-resistant muscle spasticity, according to one research (26Trusted Source).Another trial administered 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (2–5 g/kg) of body weight to 214 persons with severe epilepsy. Their seizures decreased by 36.5 percent on average.Another study indicated that when compared to a placebo, CBD oil dramatically reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome, a complicated pediatric epilepsy illness.It’s crucial to note, however, that some patients in both groups had negative reactions to CBD medication, including seizures, fever, and exhaustion.CBD has also being studied for its ability to treat a variety of other neurological disorders.For example, multiple studies have indicated that CBD medication benefited persons with Parkinson’s disease’s quality of life and sleep.CBD has also been found in animal and test-tube tests to reduce inflammation and assist prevent the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.CBD was given to rats genetically susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease in one long-term trial, and it was found to help prevent cognitive deterioration.CBD has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties, despite the fact that research on the subject is limited at this time. Alleviate epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease symptoms CBD (cannabidiol) is a benefit.In test-tube studies, it has also been found to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
6. It Has the Potential to Improve Heart Health
CBD has been related to many heart and circulatory system benefits, including the ability to decrease high blood pressure, according to recent studies.High blood pressure has been related to an increased risk of a variety of health problems, including as stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.CBD has been shown in studies to aid with high blood pressure.A recent study demonstrated that giving nine healthy males 600 mg of CBD oil lowered resting blood pressure when compared to a placebo.The guys were also given stress tests, which are known to raise blood pressure. Surprisingly, the men’s blood pressure increased less than expected in response to these tests after just one dose of CBD.CBD’s ability to help lower blood pressure may be due to its stress- and anxiety-relieving qualities, according to research.Furthermore, because to its significant antioxidant and stress-reducing qualities, CBD has been shown in multiple animal studies to help reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease.One study indicated that treating diabetic mice with heart disease with CBD lowered oxidative stress and avoided heart damage.Although more research is needed, CBD has been shown to help heart health in a variety of ways, including by lowering blood pressure and avoiding heart disease
7. Several Other Possibilities
Other than the health conditions listed above, CBD has been explored for its function in treating a variety of ailments.
CBD is thought to provide the following health benefits, though further research is needed:
CBD has antipsychotic properties, according to studies by lowering psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.Treatment for substance abuse: CBD has been demonstrated to alter brain circuits connected to drug misuse.I’m addicted. CBD has been found to lessen morphine addiction in rats heroin-seeking tendencies.CBD has been shown to have anti-tumor properties in both test tubes and animals anti-tumor properties. It has been found to stop the spread of disease in animals, cancers of the breast, prostate, brain, colon, and lungs.Diabetes prevention: Diabetic mice were given CBD treatment which lowered diabetes incidence by 56 percent and considerably a decrease in inflammation.In conclusion According to some research, CBD may aid in the treatment of diabetes, substance misuse, mental problems, and certain forms of cancer. However, further human study is required.
Are There Any Negative Consequences?
CBD is generally well tolerated and considered harmless, however some people may experience negative side effects. The following are some of the side effects that have been reported in research:
- Diarrhea is a common ailment.
- Appetite and weight fluctuations
- Tiredness
CBD has been found to interact with a number of medicines. Consult your doctor before beginning to use CBD oil to assure your safety and avoid possibly hazardous interactions.
This is especially crucial if you’re using any drugs or supplements that include a “grapefruit warning.” Grapefruit and CBD both inhibit cytochromes P450 (CYPs), a family of enzymes involved in drug metabolism.
CBD-rich cannabis extracts have the potential to cause liver damage, according to a mouse study. However, several of the animals in the study were given unusually high dosages of the extract by force.
In conclusion Despite the fact that CBD is a non-psycho, it is generally regarded safe, it might induce side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting. Some persons experience weariness. Certain drugs may also be affected.
Final Thoughts
CBD oil has been researched for its possible involvement in reducing the symptoms of a variety of common health problems, including anxiety, depression, acne, and heart disease. It may potentially provide a natural alternative for pain and symptom treatment for cancer patients. CBD oil is still being studied for its possible health advantages, so new therapeutic applications for this natural treatment are bound to emerge. Though there is still much to understand about CBD’s efficacy and safety, new research suggests that CBD could be a safe and effective natural treatment for a variety of ailments.
If you want to try CBD, there are a variety of products available online, including candies, oils, and lotions.
Is CBD a legal substance? CBD products made from hemp (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal in the United States, however they are still banned in several states. CBD products produced from marijuana are prohibited on the federal level, although they are lawful in several states. Check the laws of your home state as well as the laws of any country you visit. It’s important to remember that nonprescription CBD products aren’t FDA-approved and may be mislabeled.