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What is CBD?

Posted Saturday, March 31st, 2018 by

CBD, health, wellness

What is CBD?

CBD is a chemical that is extracted from hemp plants and turned into an oil extract. It does not get you high. However, it has been, and continues to be tested to ascertain the full range of its beneficial properties. It has been shown to be effective in treating epilepsy, chronic pain, inflammation and disorders that affect mood and anxiety. There are few or no side effects. It is legal in most states but may require a prescription/permit.

Introduction to the world of cannabinoids

Cannabis is a complex substance. You may know that different strains of cannabis produce different effects – some have psychotropic effects (they get you higher), while others are more effective at treating pain and inflammation. The reason for the variations is that cannabis is made up of roughly 400 different chemical compounds. Altering the balance of these compounds results in different effects.

It has been known for a long time that THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the feeling of euphoria. When heated, either during smoking or cooking, THC breaks downs into chemicals that affect our brain chemistry. THC is only one of the 400 hundred chemicals found in cannabis.

Another chemical in cannabis is CBD – cannabidiol. Despite its name, you will find larger amounts of CBD in hemp plants than in cannabis plants. For the sake of clarity, it’s worth explaining the difference between cannabis and hemp, as this is an understandable point of confusion for many people.

Both cannabis and hemp are the same plant, but each is selectively bred over time so to create different qualities. It’s like how both Great Danes and chihuahuas are both dogs, but after years of breeding, are now very different dogs. Currently, hemp is selectively grown to produce high levels of THC – but in its more natural form, the plant contains much higher levels of CBD.

Research into CBD

Scientists have been experimenting with CBD and found that it has therapeutic value. What’s more, it can have a medicinal effect without any associated ‘high’. This makes CBD a much more palatable solution than medical marijuana that contains THC. The applications of CBD are wide and varied, and are the subject of many clinical studies.

CBD affects the body in two different ways. First, it interacts with brain receptors (CB1 receptors) that affect, among other things, pain, emotion, mood appetite and memories. CBD also impacts the body’s immune system by affecting CB2 receptors that are linked to inflammation and pain.

Benefits of CBD

In lab tests, CBD has been shown to significantly reduce chronic inflammation and pain. It is a promising candidate for a non-addictive option for chronic pain treatment.

CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety, pain and insomnia, as well as mood symptoms associated with disorders such as PTSD and addiction, means that it is the subject of a wide range of studies. All of them are assessing how beneficial CBD can be in helping people to quit smoking or opioids. There has also been much interest in using CBD to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or panic- based disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

There have been many reports of CBD’s efficacy as a treatment for epilepsy. Use of the oil has been clinically shown to drastically reduce the incidence of seizure in many patients.

How do you take it?

CBD is primarily taken in the form of an oil extracted from hemp. The oil can be taken orally from a dropper or added to food or drinks. It can also be used as a topical treatment that can be massaged into the skin. The dosage depends on the condition it is being used to treat, but typically ranges from less than 1mg up to about 1,000mg.

You should seek professional advice before taking CBD, as it has not yet been approved by the FDA. It is a very new product that has garnered a lot of interest as of late.

Side Effects of CBD

There have been very few noted side effects of CBD, even at exceedingly high doses, which makes it a very safe treatment option. There have been some reports of it causing fatigue and, sometimes, diarrhea.

Risks of CBD

As no long-term studies of the effects of CBDs on the human body have been completed, you are advised to talk to a professional before you begin using CBD oil. Indefinite use of CBD is not recommended.

Legal Status of CBD

Generally, CBD oil is legal in most states. However, you should speak to a healthcare professional if you believe that CBD will be beneficial for you, as you may need a prescription to get it.