What is known and what is unknown about cannabidiol (CBD)

Media coverage of cannabidiol (CBD) is common, and it’s possible to see it promoted as a supplement to your morning coffee or smoothie after working exercise. Even a sports bra with CBD infusion is available. However, what is CBD exactly? Why is it so well-liked, then?

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What distinguishes cannabidiol from hemp, cannabis, and marijuana?

Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is the second most common active component in cannabis (marijuana). Even though CBD is a crucial part of medicinal marijuana, it is either produced in a lab or directly extracted from the hemp plant, which is related to the marijuana plant. CBD is one of hundreds of chemicals in marijuana, and it doesn’t get you “high” on its own. The World Health Organization said in a report that “CBD shows no signs of misuse or dependency potential in humans. There is now no proof that using pure CBD is linked to any issues with public health.”

Cannabidiol: Is it legal?

In most areas of the United States, CBD is easily accessible, although its precise legal status has been subject to change. Laws ranging in degree that legalize CBD are in place in all 50 states. The FDA loosened regulations in December 2015 to make it possible for researchers to carry out CBD experiments. It is now very difficult to keep CBD illegal in the US thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, which also made hemp legal. It would be analogous to legalizing oranges but outlawing orange juice.

All hemp-derived products, including CBD, were taken off of the Controlled Substances Act, which made drug possession illegal, thanks to the Farm Bill. Essentially, this implies that even though CBD and cannabis are the same chemical, hemp-derived CBD is legal while cannabis-derived CBD is not. Since CBD is legal in most states, a lot of individuals are already purchasing it online without a medical marijuana license.

The proof of cannabidiol’s health advantages

Although CBD has been recommended for a broad range of medical conditions, the most compelling scientific data supports its use in treating some of the most severe juvenile epileptic syndromes, such Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which frequently do not improve with antiseizure drugs. Numerous studies have shown that CBD can lessen the frequency of seizures and, in certain situations, completely halt them. The first cannabis-derived medication to be authorized by the FDA for these diseases is Epidiolex, which includes CBD.

Studies on animals and human self-reports or study indicate that CBD may also be helpful for:

Clinical research and studies on anxiety are examining the widespread claim that CBD helps lessen anxiety.

sleeplessness. Research indicates that CBD may be helpful for both getting to sleep and remaining asleep.

persistent discomfort. Additional human research is required to support claims that CBD reduces pain. According to an animal research published in the European Journal of Pain, applying CBD topically to the skin may help reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation. Additional studies reveal how CBD may suppress neuropathic and inflammatory pain, which are challenging to treat.

addiction. Some human studies suggests that CBD may help reduce cravings for smoke and heroin in some situations. It could also aid in reducing cravings for stimulants, opiates, alcohol, and cannabis, according to animal models of addiction.

Is CBD secure?

CBD side effects include weariness, irritation, and nausea. By competing with the liver enzymes that break down these medications, CBD can raise the concentration of blood thinners and other medications in your blood. Grapefruit and several medications interact similarly.

High CBD dosage users may have anomalies in blood tests relating to the liver. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other over-the-counter medications have similar effects. Thus, if you use CBD on a regular basis, you should inform your physician.

The fact that CBD is largely advertised and sold as a supplement rather than a prescription raises serious safety concerns. As of right now, the FDA has no authority over the quality and safety of dietary supplements. Therefore, you cannot be certain that the product you purchase has the active components at the recommended dosage. The product can also include other unidentified ingredients. Additionally, we are unaware of the best therapeutic dosage of CBD for any given ailment.

How is CBD administered?

There are several ways to consume CBD, including as oils, extracts, pills, vape pens, patches, and topical skin treatments. For those seeking relief from inflammation and discomfort in their muscles and joints, a topical CBD-infused oil, lotion, or cream—or even a bath bomb—might be your best bet. As an alternative, CBD can enter the bloodstream straight through a CBC patch, tincture, or spray that is intended to be applied under the tongue.

Outside of the US, multiple sclerosis-related muscular stiffness and cancer pain are approved uses for the prescription medication Sativex, which contains CBD as an active component. In the United States, some forms of epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis are approved uses of Epidiolex.

The conclusion about cannabidiol

Government investigation has been brought against several CBD producers for making ludicrous and unjustifiable claims, such as that CBD can treat COVID-19 or cancer, which is untrue. More study is necessary, but CBD could be a useful, comparatively safe alternative for treating chronic pain, sleeplessness, and anxiety. We are unable to determine the precise amounts of CBD without enough high-quality information from human trials, and it is difficult to know exactly what you are getting because CBD is now mostly sold as an unregulated supplement.

Make sure the CBD you want to test is coming from a reliable source. Additionally, confirm with your physician that it won’t interfere with any other medications you use.