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CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is a type of cannabinoid, the chemicals found in Cannabis (marijuana) plants. Cannabis has mind-altering effects on the brain and body.
The two most active constituents of marijuana are THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol ) and CBD. Before the research on CBD, THC was considered the most active chemical found in cannabis. Its consumption had psychological effects on a person.
Whereas, CBD is extracted from hemp (a type of cannabis) which contains a small amount of THC. This extract also affects the brain but these are different from the THC. It does not make the consumer psychoactive rather it has some medical benefits.
There are three types of CBD products. These are classified as follows:
1. CBD Full spectrum: This type of product retains all the components of the cannabis plant along with a small amount of THC. The THC level approved by federal law is less than 0.3 per cent. The full spectrum product abides by the law and keeps the amount to the defined limit.
2. CBD Broad Spectrum: This type of CBD product contains all the cannabis components except THC.
3. CBD isolates: It’s a pure extracted form of CBD without any other components from the cannabis plant.
It is all in a Grey Area right now.
Purchasing CBD oil, if it contains less than 0.3% of THC, is legal in most states and some may require a prescription.
FDA has prohibited sale of all CBD products except Epidolex, a drug that contains a purified form of CBD. There a few related drugs approved by FDA but they dont have purified CBD oil.
How effective has FDA been in stopping all the CBD related products from reaching the markets is anybody’s guess although it has issued warnings to come companies.
Cannabinoids have been studied by several researchers for decades. Back then, THC was discovered as the prominent component in the cannabis plant. It was found effective in controlling nausea caused by chemotherapy. The study showed it has psychotic effects too.
The recent studies found CBD oil is the second active component in the cannabis plant, specifically hemp. It contains multiple medicinal properties and doesn’t mess with your brain.
The researchers identified two kinds of cannabinoid receptors present in our bodies. One receptor lies in our brain and the second in our immune system B cells. The cannabinoids may bind with these receptors and generate various effects. However, they are sceptical about the exact mechanism.
In recent studies, scientists have found out that our body produces its cannabinoids and Endocannabinoids. These components are responsible for the inflammatory process, mood swings, pain modulations and memory-related issues. They speculate that CBD works similarly in the human body.
As we mentioned earlier, the exact mechanism is still not known. Whereas, the studies support some of the benefits provided by CBD oil.
1. Nerve Pain:
The use of cannabis for pain relief is linked back to 2900 BC. Recent studies discovered that cannabis contains certain components, most likely CBD that is responsible for relieving pain.
Studies show that CBD relieves pain by affecting the endocannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters in the human body. Several studies show the combination of CBD and THC is an effective cure in relieving pain caused by Multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
2. Seizures and Epilepsy:
After long research based on epilepsy and seizures, the researchers found out the trace of CBD being effective in controlling the above two electrical activities of the brain.
CBD oil is now approved by FDA in treating seizures caused by genetic disorders and childhood epilepsy. A specific amount of CBD is added to these FDA approved drugs for its medicinal value.
3. Stress, Depression and Anxiety:
CBD holds antidepressant properties along with anti-inflammatory properties. It is found helpful in secreting Serotonin (commonly called feel-good hormone). It improves mental health and reduces PTSD, addiction due to stress and other withdrawal symptoms. The dosage may vary from person to person depending upon the level of health condition.
4. Insomnia:
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. This condition is increasing drastically due to the overuse of electronic gadgets and unhealthy lifestyles. Insomnia may be related to some other health issues.
The recent studies found out CBD oil improves sleep duration, sleep quality, reduces the duration to fall asleep. However, the quantity and CBD concentration must be prescribed by the doctor. The overdose may lead to other side effects.
5. Heart health:
CBD oil may prove beneficial in reducing heart-related risks. Several studies found CBD as an effective component in managing blood pressure and heart rate after vigorous exercise, anxiety, and extreme environmental conditions. More precise research in this field is still required. The actual effect and mechanism of the components need to be justified. No person should rely on products containing CBD oil for the long term without proper health checkups and doctor prescriptions. The results may turn out positive but serious heart issues need medical surveillance.
Along with loads of medicinal properties, CBD oil certainly holds some side effects. CBD oil affects differently on different people depending upon their medical and biological conditions.
Some of the common side effects are as follows:
1. Diarrhoea
2. Drowsiness
3. Vomiting
4. Mood swings
5. Nausea
6. Dry mouth
7. Change in appetite
8. Low blood pressure
CBD oil may interact with your other medications. Always consult your physician before starting the intake.
1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid the intake of any sort of products that contain THC and CBD. It can affect the mental growth of the fetus or the infant.
2. People suffering from liver conditions must take a little amount of the product or take a prescribed dosage recommended by the doctor.
3. Children must be prohibited from the use of CBD oil. They can only have the product under medical supervision.
CBD oil may fail you on a drug test due to several reasons:
1. A person using CBD oil manufactured with THC in as one of its constituents. The manufacturers claim their product does not include THC but may have it with a different name. Always confirm the product ingredients before purchasing.
2. Mislabelled products sold online may lead to a failed drug test. Sometimes sellers mislead by selling the products extracted from marijuana instead of hemp. Marijuana does contain THC. Never purchase CBD oil from unverified sellers.
3. Exposure to people smoking pot and marijuana may lead to passive intake. Passive inhalation also includes the THC contents in your body. A passive intake for several hours may lead to a positive on a drug test.