Cannabidiol (CBD) is an oil extracted from the cannabis plant that has therapeutic properties. One of the potential health benefits is the reduction of inflammation and discomfort. However, it is not allowed in all places, and there may also be certain hazards associated with using it in specific situations.
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the prescription use of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD oil, for the treatment of two types of epilepsy. Epidiolex is a purified form of CBD oil. Other kinds of cannabis are permitted in several places, including Colorado.
Cannabis includes a diverse spectrum of chemicals, each of which has a distinct effect. Some — but not all — of them are effective as treatments. In a similar vein, some types of marijuana — but not all — are legal in certain states.
This article will discuss what CBD is, how it might improve a person’s health, how to use it, any potential hazards, and whether or not it is legal in the United States at the time of writing.
Is CBD legal? CBD products derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3 percent THC are allowed under federal law, but they are still banned under several state regulations. While CBD products derived from cannabis are banned under federal law, they may be permitted under state law in certain jurisdictions. When travelling, especially in foreign countries, always sure to check local legislation. It’s also important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be labelled incorrectly.
CBD oil
CBD is one of many cannabinoids (compounds) found in the cannabis plant, and it has anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have been investigating the potential medicinal applications of cannabidiol (CBD).
THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the chemicals found in marijuana. These chemicals have a variety of effects on the body.
Until recently, THC was the most well-known of the cannabis compounds. In addition to being the most active ingredient, it also has a psychological influence. When smoked or used in cooking, it produces a mind-altering “high” that is difficult to describe. This is due to the fact that THC degrades when heat is applied to it and when it is introduced into the body.
CBD, on the other hand, has no intoxicating properties. When someone uses it, it has no effect on their state of mind. However, it has the potential to cause big changes in the body, and it is demonstrating some considerable medicinal advantages in some studies.
Where does cannabidiol originate?
A compound called cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the cannabis plant. Cannabis plants are referred to as either hemp or marijuana, depending on how much THC they contain in their leaves.
The FDA points out that hemp plants are lawful under the Farm Bill as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent THC, according to the agency.
Over the years, marijuana farmers have intentionally cultivated their plants to contain high concentrations of THC and other substances that are beneficial to their businesses or personal interests.
Hemp farmers, on the other hand, rarely alter the plant. CBD oil is derived from hemp plants that are legal in the United States.
What CBD does and how it works
Almost all cannabinoids exert their effects on the body by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, which are found in every cell of the body and are part of the endocannabinoid system.
The human body creates two types of receptors:
CB1 receptors are found throughout the body, with the highest concentration in the brain. They are in charge of coordinating movement, pain, emotion, mood, thinking, appetite, memories, and a variety of other processes.
CB2 receptors are more prevalent in the immunological system than in the nervous system. They have an anti-inflammatory and anti-pain effect.
THC binds to CB1 receptors, whereas CBD stimulates the receptors, causing the body to manufacture its own cannabinoids, which are referred to as endocannabinoids.
Health benefits
CBD has the potential to improve a person’s health in a variety of ways.
According to a 2018 study, the following are some of the benefits of consuming CBD oil:
- chronic pain
- arthritis or joint pain
- anxiety and depression
- sleep disorder
- migraine
- cluster and other headaches
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- nausea
- cancer
- allergies or asthma
- epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- lung conditions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Some of these applications have some proof to back them up.
Natural pain relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities
Conventional medications can assist in the relief of stiffness and pain, but some people believe that CBD is a more natural option.
An increasing body of data suggests that marijuana’s non-psychoactive components, such as cannabidiol (CBD), may be a promising treatment for chronic pain.
Studies on mice conducted in 2018 revealed that CBD decreases inflammation by blocking the release of molecules that cause inflammation in the body, according to the findings.
Following the application of CBD to the skin as an ointment, researchers discovered that it dramatically reduced the symptoms of inflammatory skin illness and scarring.
Quitting smoking and drug withdrawal
According to the findings of a 2013 pilot trial, smokers who took CBD inhalers smoked less cigarettes than they would have otherwise and no longer craved nicotine. This shows that CBD may be beneficial in the cessation of smoking.
Because of the soothing impact of CBD, according to a 2018 study published by Trusted Source, it was found to help lessen cravings during nicotine withdrawal.
According to the authors of a 2015 analysis, there is evidence that particular cannabinoids, such as CBD, may be beneficial to those suffering from opiate addiction disorders.
The researchers discovered that CBD was effective in alleviating some of the symptoms linked with substance use disorders. Anxiety, depression-related symptoms, pain, and insomnia were among the symptoms.
The use of CBD to manage withdrawal symptoms continues to be supported by research.
Epilepsy
Following years of investigation into the safety and efficacy of CBD oil for the treatment of epilepsy, the FDA approved the use of Epidiolex, a purified version of CBD, for the treatment of epilepsy in 2018.
They authorised it for the treatment of the following conditions in people aged three years and up:
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Dravet syndrome
These unusual forms of epilepsy are characterised by seizures that are difficult to control with conventional medications.
In recent years, scientists have begun to grasp how CBD reduces seizures without having the sedating side effects associated with drugs that have been utilised in the past. There are currently no synthetic medications available that target the endocannabinoid system in the same way as CBD does.
Alzheimer’s disease
A large number of research have been conducted to investigate the effects of CBD on Alzheimer’s disease.
A rodent study conducted in 2014 revealed that CBD may aid in the preservation of the ability to remember familiar faces. Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may lose this capacity.
According to a 2019 analysis, CBD may be beneficial in slowing the start and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. More research is being conducted to gain a better understanding of the dosage. Some scientists feel that a treatment that incorporates both THC and CHD may be more beneficial than a single treatment.
Other neurological signs and symptoms
According to research, CBD may also be beneficial in the treatment of problems associated with epilepsy, such as neurodegeneration, neuronal injury, and psychiatric illnesses.
According to the findings of a 2012 study, CBD may have effects that are similar to those of certain antipsychotic medications, and the molecule may be a safe and effective treatment for persons suffering from schizophrenia. Further investigation, on the other hand, is required.
Fighting cancer
According to the authors of a 2012 review, there is evidence that CBD may be beneficial in preventing the spread of certain types of cancer. The chemical appears to inhibit the growth of cancer cells while simultaneously encouraging their demise.
The researchers pointed out that CBD has low levels of toxicity, according to their findings. They advocated for greater research into how cannabidiol (CBD) can help standard cancer therapies work better.
A review study published in 2020 explores the use of CBD in combination with chemotherapy medications to boost the immune system’s response to cancer treatment.
Other studies have looked into how CBD might be beneficial in the following ways:
- prevent the growth of cancer cells
- reduce anxiety
- improve the action of chemotherapy
- lessen the side effects of conventional chemotherapy
Anxiety disorders
Doctors have frequently recommended persons suffering from chronic anxiety to avoid cannabis since the psychoactive compound THC can induce or increase feelings of worry and paranoia. CBD, on the other hand, may be beneficial in the reduction of anxiety.
According to a study published in 2019, CBD considerably reduced symptoms in mice suffering from anxiety.
Authors of a 2015 review have previously claimed that CBD could help persons suffering from the following conditions improve anxiety-related behaviours:
- PTSD
- general anxiety disorder (GAD)
- panic disorder
- social anxiety disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
According to the authors, current treatments may have negative side effects, and some patients may choose to discontinue using them as a result of this. There is, however, no evidence to support the claim that CBD causes major negative side effects.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes arises when the immune system targets cells in the pancreas, causing inflammation.
In 2016, researchers discovered evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) may help to reduce inflammation and may even prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.
According to a 2018 study, CBD proved to have neuroprotective effects on diabetic rats, including aiding in the preservation of their memory and the reduction of inflammation in their nerves.
Acne
Acne therapy is another application for CBD that has the potential to be successful. Inflammation and overworked sebaceous glands in the body are two factors that contribute to the development of the illness.
According to a 2014 study, CBD, in part due to its anti-inflammatory properties, can help to reduce the production of sebum, which is responsible for acne.
Research suggests that using CBD topically to psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions may help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
Cannabis-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming an increasingly popular element in cosmetics and skincare products. But some experts are concerned about the lack of proof on its effectiveness as well as the lack of government regulation in this area.
Legal status
The legal position of CBD in the United States is murky at best. According to the Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived goods are allowed as long as the total amount of THC in the product is less than 0.3 percent.
The specifics, on the other hand, are still a source of contention.
People should research the laws in their own state as well as any potential trip destinations.
It is important to remember that the FDA has not yet approved any nonprescription products, which means that individuals cannot be certain of the ingredients in their product at the time of purchase.
Risks and side effects
CBD therapy, like any other treatment, may come with potential hazards. It is possible that it will interact with vitamins and other medications. The FDA has not approved the majority of CBD products, which means they have not been subjected to rigors testing.
It is impossible to determine whether a product:
- is safe and effective for everyone to use
- has the properties or contents stated on the packaging
Anyone who is considering using CBD – whether as a prescription medication or in other forms – should consult with their physician first.
Possible adverse effects include:
- liver damage
- interactions with other drugs and alcohol
- changes in alertness, which can make driving dangerous
- gastrointestinal problems and loss of appetite
- mood changes, including irritability and irritation
- a reduction in fertility for males
Future study may reveal that CBD is useful in the treatment of a variety of illnesses. For the time being, however, the FDA advises individuals not to rely on CBD as a substitute for conventional medical treatment.
During pregnancy
Experts believe that marijuana use during pregnancy may have an effect on the development of neurones in the foetus. When kids use marijuana on a regular basis, they are more likely to experience problems with their memory and behaviour.
The Food and Drug Administration advises against the use of CBD during pregnancy or nursing.
How to Make Use of CBD
There are a variety of applications for CBD oil. These are not the same as ingesting or smoking cannabis in its complete form.
If a doctor recommends CBD for the treatment of epilepsy, it is critical that you adhere to their recommendations.
The following are some examples of how CBD products can be used:
- mixing them into food or drink
- taking them with a pipette or dropper
- swallowing capsules
- massaging a paste into the skin
- spraying it under the tongue
The recommended dosages differ from person to person and are dependent on factors such as:
- body weight
- the concentration of the product
- the reason for using CBD
Conclusion
The use of CBD as a medicine for a variety of illnesses is rising in popularity, but the FDA has only approved one product at this time. Using unapproved products is permissible in some states, but not all of them.
As the level of regulation in the United States rises, more precise dosages and prescriptions will begin to appear.
For the time being, consumers should consult with a healthcare practitioner for guidance on which product to use and how much to take.
They should also conduct research to ensure that they are adhering to regional and local rules and regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides information on a wide range of concerns relevant to CBD use.
