Everything You Need to Know About Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD’s have been amassing much attention in the media and in the public sphere within recent years. Many benefits are discussed, but health risks also tend to get brought up. The discussion around CBDs tends to be emotive, and this leads to many misconceptions arising. This substance is relatively new to the mainstream which means that the science is still catching up. In this article, we will explain all of the important information you need to know about CBD and give you a summary of where the science is. Additionally, we look at the aspects that are as of yet unknown.

What is CBD?

CBD is a Cannabidiol. It does not contain any THC, which means that the psychoactive effects of marijuana are not present. It is a naturally occurring substance which has thousands of years of documented use. It has been used in the past and present for a variety of purposes. There are many CBD based products available such as oils, capsules, and much more. However, not all of these contain the same active ingredients, and there is a concern that consumers may be mislead.

Is CBD similar to Marijuana?

There are many unfair comparisons that are often made with CBD and marijuana. Both CBD and Marijuana do come from hemp. However, CBD does not elicit any of the ‘high’ effects. The lack of psychoactive compounds means that CBD should not be seen as an illicit drug. A common misconception is that CBD can get you high or that it can have the same adverse effects are marijuana. However, these are untrue since THC is not present within CBD at the levels needed for these effects.

What is the Legal Status of CBD?

The availability of CBD is relatively good throughout the United States and in some parts of the world. However, the specific legal situation is somewhat complex and always changing. This makes it difficult to know whether CBD can be obtained and used legally. Federally, there are strict laws against CBDS. However, these are liberally applied on a state level. As long as the CBD is obtained from Hemp then it is mainly legal to use for personal use. Congress is expected to ease federal regulation and the legal status is likely to change. For now, it seems as though using CBDs for personal use does not carry much. You should still check the guidelines for your local jurisdiction.

Does CBD Have Provable Health Benefits?

There are many health claims thrown around for CBD. Some of them have backed up scientific evidence, whereas others are based on subjective user experiences. Unfortunately, some have also marketed CBD as a miracle drug that can cure cancer. These claims have not be researched yet and you should proceed with your own research. Some of the strongest and provable health benefits come from the treatment of childhood epilepsy conditions. CBDs were shown to reduce seizures, and the FDA responded by rolling out medicines that were derived from CBD substances. CBDs are commonly used for pain relief, and many users have had success in using them to help aid withdrawal from opiate addiction. Additionally, many sufferers of chronic painful conditions have found CBDs to be effective in daily pain management. They can also help to lower inflammation which can aid conditions such as arthritis. However, there are more scientific studies needed to confirm the effectiveness of pain management. CBDs have also been shown to improve sleep and help those suffering from insomnia. Early studies have shown promise that CBDs can help users fall asleep, and also help them to attain high-quality sleep. Some users also use the substance to calm their anxieties. It allows them to handle the stresses of the day in a better manner.

What are the Risks of CBD?

The safety of CBD is frequently discussed with many claims being on both sides. As with all substances, there are some side-effects to be wary of. Some side-effects can include nausea, fatigue, and general irritability. The risk of side-effects increases with higher doses. CBDs are generally safe to take and carry far fewer risks than similar substances. However, there is concern about the marketing of CBDs. They are currently listed as supplements which means that they do not have the same regulation as medication. This means it is important to check the active ingredients when purchasing CBDs. Additionally, there are no confirmed doses for specific medical conditions. There are only personal experiences which mean users have to experiment to find the dose that works for them.

Closing Thoughts

CBD is an emerging substance that has some key benefits, some of which are proven anecdotally, others still require research. However, it has become apparent that CBD has become a life-changing substance for many people who have a variety of illnesses.