People are using CBD products to deal with many issues, like chronic pain, but what is CBD really?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. But what is cannabidiol? If you want to get technical about it, CBD is a phytocannabinoid that was discovered in 1940. But for those of us without a PhD in chemistry, what does that actually mean?
With more and more research studies into CBD, and more CBD products appearing on the market, it's natural that people have many questions.
For example, where does CBD come from? Can it actually do anything useful? Does CBD actually do anything useful? Are CBD products a reasonable alternative to some other medications?
In this article, we're going to break down what CBD is, discuss where it comes from, explain what it does, and offer a handy guide to its uses. Read on, and discover why so many people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD).
Does CBD come from the cannabis plant?
All cannabis plants contain some amount of CBD. Both hemp and marijuana can be used to extract CBD.
On its own, however, the cannabis sativa plant can also contain THC, which is the chemical formulation that makes a person feel 'high' when they use marijuana (although in a hemp plant there is a much lower concentration of THC). Quality CBD oil, properly extracted, won't give you that high.
How does CBD make you feel?
Although both CBD and THC are found in cannabis, CBD is quite unlike THC in the sort of impact it has on a human being. CBD may help some people to feel relaxed quite quickly, but unlike THC it is not intoxicating and can be a great replacement for medical marijuana.
Scientific references indicate that when CBD is processed by the cannabinoid receptors over a longer period of time it can make a person feel less discomfort from inflammation, pain and anxiety.
Can CBD help with chronic pain?
Certain drugs, like opioids, can help with chronic pain, and while they may afford effective pain relief, they can be dangerous. Not just because they might have harmful effects like liver injury or dangerously lowering blood pressure, but because they can be addictive and are open to being abused.
Nonprescription CBD products, however, can be a fantastic alternative. Taking CBD is not addictive. According to the World Health Organisation CBD does not exhibit effects that are indicative of the potential for dependence or abuse.
Several studies have indicated that CBD products can make a difference with chronic pain. Talk to a medical professional about CBD, and see if it ends up being the right choice for you.
What sort of hemp derived CBD products are there on the market?
There are a wide assortment of different CBD products available for purchase. For example, there are CBD oils and pouches, and these come in a variety of different flavors.
What other health issues can CBD possibly assist with?
A generation ago, medical cannabis and CBD treatment were largely ignored in Western medicine. Today, however, CBD treatment is used for even severe forms of disease, including pain relief and anxiety disorders.
Much preclinical evidence and many studies suggest that CBD can help with a variety of health conditions. These include, but are not limited to:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain management
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatic diseases
- Anxiety disorders
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
- Liver disease
- Parkinson disease
- Muscle spasticity
- Dravet syndrome
There are a large number of instances where people have found CBD to be transformative in their lives. In many cases, however, more human studies have to be undertaken to better understand the relationship between CBD and health conditions.
It is important to remember that CBD products are not a replacement for certain medications, and CBD is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Appropriate medical information will vary from person to person, and although the benefits of CBD can be impressive, it's vital that you follow the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
Is CBD safe?
Generally, CBD can be considered safe. As with any product there are some safety concerns, but unlike THC (another phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant) CBD doesn't make a person feel 'high', so intoxication is not a worry.
There are some reports of people having adverse effects from CBD, more so when CBD is taken in high doses. Some people notice side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, diarrhoea and dry mouth.
To avoid issues like that, select a CBD product supplier who follows good manufacturing practices. Not all CBD merchants were created equal!
Is CBD regulated by the government?
Some parts of the world still have laws restricting CBD products, although these laws are overwhelmingly being lifted and relaxed as more research indicates that taking CBD can have a host of health benefits.
Previously, people might have had the misapprehension that taking CBD was similar to recreational marijuana use. There is still a great deal of widespread uncertainty in some areas of the community, with people asking "is CBD legal?"
Now, however, countries are winding back the drug enforcement administration on CBD manufacturers, in acknowledgement that scientific evidence suggests that CBD products such as CBD oil can be used effectively to treat many of the health conditions which impact the human body.
Is CBD used in dietary supplements?
Despite the fact that studies suggest many beneficial effects from CBD products, there are still some parts of the world where state laws prevent CBD being sold as an ingredient in dietary supplements, through things like a controlled substances act.
However, cannabidiol extracts sold online in the form of oil can be used in a variety of ways, including as part of cooking.
