WHAT IS CBD

WHAT IS CBD

The Cannabis sativa plant contains over 80 compounds known as cannabinoids. The major and well-known component of cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). On the other hand, CBD is derived from hemp, a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant that has only trace quantities of THC. CBD appears to impact several brain chemicals, although these are distinct from THC’s effects.

Functions of CBD

CBD has been praised for a wide range of health conditions. Still, the greatest scientific evidence is for its efficacy in treating some of the most brutal pediatric epileptic disorders, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which often do not respond to antiseizure drugs. CBD has been shown in multiple trials to lessen the number of seizures and, in some circumstances, to stop them completely. Epidiolex, a CBD-containing drug, is the FDA’s first cannabis-derived medicine authorized for these diseases.

Animal studies and self-reports suggest that CBD may also aid in:

  • Anxiety. CBD has been shown in investigations and clinical testing to help with anxiety.
  • Insomnia. According to many studies, CBD may help people fall and remain asleep.
  • Chronic pain. One animal study published in the European Journal of Pain suggests that CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis when administered to the skin. Other research suggests that CBD may help to reduce inflammatory and neuropathic pain, both of which are difficult to treat.
  • Potentially Beneficial for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A prescription-only nasal spray containing both 9-delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (Sativex, GW Pharmaceuticals) has been proven to decrease pain, muscular tightness, and frequent urination in persons with MS. Outside of the United States, this substance is utilized in over 25 nations. However, there is inconclusive evidence on the efficacy of cannabidiol for symptoms of multiple sclerosis when used alone. Some research indicates that applying a cannabidiol spray may reduce pain and muscular stiffness in MS patients, but not muscle cramps, weariness, bladder control, or well-being and quality of life. 
  • Addiction. According to scientific studies, CBD can reduce cravings for tobacco and heroin in certain situations. Animal addiction models suggest that it may also reduce cravings for alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and stimulants.

How Should CBD Be Consumed

CBD is available in various forms, including oils, extracts, capsules, patches, vapes, and topical skin applications. A topical CBD-infused oil, lotion, cream – or even a bath bomb – may be the best option for reducing inflammation and relieving muscle and joint pain. A CBC patch, tincture, or spray meant to be applied sublingually, on the other hand, allows CBD to enter the bloodstream immediately. Outside of the United States, the prescription medicine Sativex, which contains CBD as an active component, is recommended for multiple sclerosis muscular stiffnesses and cancer pain. Epidiolex is licensed in the United States to treat certain epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis.

CBD Legality

CBD’s legal status in the United States is complicated. Under the Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived goods are lawful if the THC content is less than 0.3 percent. People should research the rules in their state and potential trip destinations. The FDA hasn’t yet approved nonprescription products, so customers can’t know what they’re getting.

Side Effects

CBD is likely safe to use in proper doses when administered orally. Doses of up to 200 mg per day have been safely administered for 13 weeks. A specialized prescription CBD medication (Epidiolex) has been used at larger doses and for longer durations under the supervision of a health professional. CBD is predominantly marketed and sold as a supplement rather than a prescription, which raises serious safety concerns. The FDA currently does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements. As a result, you cannot be certain that the purchased product contains active chemicals at the dose specified on the label. Furthermore, the product may contain other unidentified elements.

CBD has been linked to several negative side effects, including dry mouth, low blood pressure, light-headedness, and drowsiness. High doses of CBD products, especially tablets and capsules, have also been linked to liver damage.

Skin application: There isn’t enough verifiable evidence to tell if CBD is safe on the skin or the potential adverse effects.

Warnings and Special Precautions

Pregnancy and lactation: Taking CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding may be dangerous. CBD products may contain other dangerous substances to the fetus or infant. Though there are not enough studies to prove this, it is safe to avoid it.

Youngsters: Taking a specialized prescription CBD drug (Epidiolex) by mouth at doses of up to 25 mg/kg every day may be safe for children. CBD is also permitted for usage in children over the age of suffering from specific medical disorders. Other CBD products are not known to be safe for children.

People with liver illness may need to take lower dosages of CBD.

Conclusion

Some CBD companies have faced criticism from the authorities for making outrageous, unjustified claims, such as CBD being a cure-all for cancer or COVID-19, which it is not. More research is needed, but CBD may be a beneficial, non-toxic choice for treating anxiety, sleeplessness, and chronic pain. We can’t estimate beneficial amounts without enough high-quality information from human research. Because CBD is currently available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know what you’re getting. If you decide to experiment with CBD, make sure you purchase it from a reliable supplier. Also, see your doctor to ensure that it will not interfere with other medications.

References

Murphy, R. E., & Vance Jr, J. E. (1954). Delimiting the CBD. Economic Geography, 30(3), 189-222.

Xiong, W., Cui, T., Cheng, K., Yang, F., Chen, S. R., Willenbring, D., … & Zhang, L. (2012). Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting α3 glycine receptors. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 209(6), 1121-1134.

Hurd, Y. L., Spriggs, S., Alishayev, J., Winkel, G., Gurgov, K., Kudrich, C., … & Salsitz, E. (2019). Cannabidiol for reducing cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(11), 911-922.

Julia Davis
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Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.

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