Cannabidiol (CBD) is often portrayed as a booster add-on for post workout routine, where you often see people consuming it with tea, coffee, or smoothies. The idea is to enjoy the added benefits of Cannabidiol for a push of energy in your body. You can even purchase CBD based sports attire. But what is this Cannabidiol exactly and is it harmful to your health?
CBD or Cannabidiol can be found in cannabis along with THC, which does not cause a mentally inducing high effect if taken in the right amount. CBD can easily assist in managing certain health conditions, enhance your mood, and reduce pain in certain areas of the body. However, it may have its own side effects that come with a drug interaction usually.
As a new user, it’s always recommended to start CBD consumption in a low amount and then gradually increase the intake based on need or dosage. But what are the side effects and do the benefits make CBD worth using?
In this article, we are going to give a comprehensive overview of what is CBD (Cannabidiol), the effects of CBD on your wellbeing, and CBD side effects. We will also discuss different forms of Cannabidiol which you can use in daily life based on your preference.
What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
Cannabidiol (commonly known as CBD) is one of the 80 chemicals (known as Cannabinoids) found in the well-known Cannabis sativa plant. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most popular ingredient found in Cannabis. However, CBD is mainly obtained from hemp, which is also a form of Cannabis plant that contains a very small amount of THC. CBD is quite well known for having some effects chemical effects on the brain which are quite different from THC.
In order to cure seizure disorder (also known as epilepsy), a prescription amount of CBD can be recommended under controlled usage. CBD is more commonly used for temporarily curing anxiety, muscle pain, and a muscle disorder called dystonia. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, Crohn disease and various other conditions, CBD is considered to serve as a cure. However, there is no scientific evidence or research-based proof behind this effect.
Is Cannabidiol Different from Marijuana, Cannabis, and Hemp?
Cannabidiol better known as CBD, is the second most active ingredient in Marijuana (also known as Cannabis). Although CBD is considered the essential and active ingredient of Medicated Marijuana, it is related directly to the hemp plant, which belongs to the family of Marijuana that is usually manufactured in a laboratory. Even though Marijuana is popular for causing high and delusional effects, the 1 of 100 ingredients CBD is not known for causing the high effects on you.
Based on a report issued by World Health Organization:
“In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
According to a recent study, the journal of Neuropsychopharmacology stated that:
“acute CBD alone is unlikely to significantly impair daily functioning or workplace performance.”
What are the Types of CBD Products?
CBD products are categorized in different sizes, formations, and types, which makes it easier for the consumer to use its products based on their needs. Typically, CBD products are categorized into four main types which are mentioned below:
- Skin applicable transdermal and topical products.
- Oral sublingual absorbents or liquids that can be placed under your tongue.
- Ingestible capsules and tablets that can be consumed orally.
- Inhaling vaporous products in the form of smoke.
Skin Applicable Products
The following CBD products can be applied directly to your skin which are infused with CBD chemical composition. However, the amount of Cannabinoids may vary in each product based on quantity.
- Balms
- Creams
- Lotions
- Oils
- Ointments
- Patches
- Salves
Skin applicable products like CBD oil can be used for muscle and joint pain as well, where you just have to apply the oil directly to your skin. Furthermore, CBD skin applicable products can also help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Skin applicable CBD products are categorized into two main categories, which: Topical and Transdermal CBD products. The transdermal CBD penetrates through your skin and reaches your bloodstream, which provides systemic relief. While the topical CBD products stay on your skin.
Sublingual
This is the category of CBD products that contain oral consumable products that you usually put on your tongue using a dropper. This is much like the tinctures, which contain alcohol-based mixture. The mucosa in our mouth is filled with tiny capillaries that absorb the CBD compounds much more quickly.
- Capsules and chewable tablets
- Chocolates, gummies, and other candies
- Lozenges and mints
- Seltzers, teas, and other drinks
CBD based drinks are usually easier to consume since they are quick edibles. However, the effects of CBD drinks are generally not lasting and wear off sooner than expected. On the other hand, the effectiveness of orally consumable CBD takes a couple of hours to kick in.
Start Selling CBD Online - Build Your
Website and Store
In this category, the most popular product is CBD gummies, which are currently being consumed at a much higher rate in the United States. In the USA alone, a survey of 1,044 U.S. adults has disclosed that all of them have already used or would be interested in using CBD gummies as a part of their daily routine.
Inhalation
Our body is capable of absorbing and inhaling CBD compounds right from the lungs, which go into your bloodstream. Similarly, the smoking dominant strains of CBD or vaping CBD oil is the most effective way of experiencing the Cannabidiol effects. However, inhaling CBD can link to more severe side effects which can cause long term complications, causing lung injury. Therefore, adapt this method with caution.
What Does CBD Do to You?
Based on some studies, the CBD effects cause blockage of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors are the essential part of endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulation of many processes in our daily lives, including sleep, mood enhancement, and appetite.
CBD could also interact with the serotonin and opioid receptors, which stimulates the process of decreasing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. CBD is also known to be effective on the gamma activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, which affects intracellular calcium release. This disease is responsible for processes like muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and cell growth.
Health Benefits of CBD: Proven by Science
Now comes the part where you may actually decide why CBD is effective on your body or health based on various effectiveness and uses.
Effectiveness & Uses
Likely More Effective
The effectiveness and uses of CBD (Cannabidiol) depend on the prescription and medical tolerance of the consumer. A specified version (Epidiolex, GW Pharmaceuticals) is tested and approved by the USA FDA, stating that it can cure seizures caused by Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex. However, it is still not clear if the other formations of CBD are able to cure seizures.
Possible Effects
CBD can be found in the form of Multiple sclerosis (MS), which is a Nasal spray used in the product (Sativex, GW Pharmaceuticals) that contains both Delta-9 THC and CBD. This combination of nasal spray has been effective in improving muscle pain, tightness, and urination frequency in consumers with MS.
The CBD nasal spray Sativex, GW Pharmaceuticals is used in over 25 different countries other than United States. The survey and research done on these regions have exposed no solid evidence of using cannabidiol for symptoms of multiple sclerosis when it is used solely.
According to some early researchers, using Cannabidiol liquid under your tongue can help to improve muscle tightness and pain. However, it is not effective on the mythical effects like muscle spasms, tiredness, bladder control, or mobility.
Medical Evidence of Cannabidiol Health Benefits
CBD has been labeled for a wide range of health issues, and the strongest evidence of its health benefits has been found in curing childhood epilepsy syndromes. These syndromes Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which is so rare that it does not respond any progress to any type of anti-seizure medications. Many studies have revealed that CBD was able to reduce and even stop seizures in various patients.
Based on the research done by Harvard Medical on animals and human beings, CBD can help in the following cases to cure the condition:
Anxiety: Based on various studies and clinical reports, the CBD trials have revealed that its compounds can assist in reducing anxiety. Also, it is the most popular reason why many people consume and use CBD products.
Insomnia: Due to its muscle relaxing effects, many studies have revealed that it can help with falling asleep and staying asleep. At the same time, curing with chronic pain and anxiety.
Chronic Pain: Based on various human studies, CBD helps to control muscle pain and other sorts of chronic pains in the body. Based on research performed on animals by the European Journal of Pain, CBD can help with reducing inflammation caused due to arthritis if applied to the skin. Some other researchers have revealed that CBD could inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain, which is challenging to treat.
Addiction: Based on research Cannabidiol is very helpful in lowering cravings for addictive things like Tobacco and Heroin, but under controlled conditions. Experimentation on animal models has suggested that CBD can help to reduce the cravings in animals for other addictive substances.
CBD Side Effects and Risks
The side effects and risks of consuming or using CBD vary depending on its type. According to medical research, the side effects are genuinely caused by oral consumption, but Cannabidiol can also cause damage to the skin. Here is how:
Side Effects of CBD If Taken by Mouth
When consumed orally, CBD is pretty safe to consume if taken at an appropriate dose. However, if you kick up the Cannabidiol consumption to more than 200mg per day, you might start experiencing some side effects. CBD is only safe to consume at a 200mg per day rate for the first 13 weeks. Only a specific type of CBD product (Epidiolex) has been used in a higher potency for a longer dosage, but only with the guidance of a healthcare provider.
CBD can cause various side effects like dry mouth, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. Consuming Cannabidiol (CBD Epidiolex) in high dosage for a longer time period can also cause liver damage which may or may not be reversible.
Side Effects of CBD If Applied to Skin
There is a specific cannabis extract for the skin that contains a combination of THC and Cannabidiol (Sativex, GW Pharmaceuticals). This type of CBD balm or drops is only safe to use for the first 2 years. In the UK and Canadian region, such a product is used as a prescription drug. However, in the United States, it is an investigation drug.
Mild Side Effects of CBD
Upon first consumption of CBD, people may experience the following side effects which may or may not be tolerable for consumers.
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
Drugs You Should Not Mix CBD With
CBD can overreact when mixed with certain compounds or compositions of drugs. This list even includes over-the-counter drugs like the blood thinners. For an overview, the intensity of Cannabidiol’s reaction with the other drugs can depend upon the following factors:
- Strength and Purity of the Product
- Amount of consumption
- Type of drug or CBD product you are using
- Potency of CBD or the drug.
For a safety measure, its always better to read the label of the CBD product and check for any warnings or side effects. You can also check the CBD product’s manufacturer’s website to ensure the product has been opted for lab testing.
Well reputed manufacturers always post lab test results online which is commonly known as a Certificate of Analysis (COA). By reading a COA, you can learn about the quality, range of contents, and type of CBD used in that specific product.
Who Should Not Consume CBD (Cannabidiol) and Why?
WARNING! Keep in mind that there are certain conditions under which you should never consume CBD (Cannabidiol) under any circumstances:
Breastfeeding or Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant or a breast-feeding woman, then it is unsafe to consume CBD no matter if it is oral consumption or skin application. CBD products can mix up with other compounds in the body causing harmful effects on the fetus or infant. Therefore, its better to avoid its consumption under such conditions to be on the safe side.
Children
Based on some medical usage, it may be possible for children to consume or use prescription CBD products (Epidiolex) orally. This dose may seem controlled as 25/kg per MG. However, its only safe to use for children who are under certain conditions or at least 1 year old. Other than the mentioned CBD product, there is no clear evidence that Cannabidiol is safe for kids.
Glaucoma Patients
There is a certain group of eye disorder patients who can suffer upon consuming CBD (Cannabidiol). According to early research, taking CBD as a Glaucoma patient can increase eye pressure, causing serious damage.
Liver Disease Patients
Individuals suffering from liver diseases should definitely avoid CBD consumption or must consume CBD in a lower dosage. This is because of the fact that CBD directly affects your liver and under disease conditions, it could only make things worse.
What is the Safe Dose of Cannabidiol (CBD)?
According to the newest research done in 2020, the maximum tolerable dose of CBD should be 350 MG per day. But that’s only for the orally consumable CBD. As for the one that is externally applied, the safe dose depends on whether the Cannabidiol product is topical or transdermal.
Start Selling CBD Online - Build Your
Website and Store
For safe use, it is better to test a small amount of CBD product before orally consuming or physically applying it to your skin. See how your body reacts to it and if the effects are applicable. For skin applicable products, apply a small amount on a certain area of your body. You can do the same thing with a CBD patch. If you see any allergic reaction happening on the skin, remove it as soon as possible.
For a better approach, it is recommended to consult a medical healthcare professional for prescribed use of CBD (Cannabidiol).
FAQs
Is CBD the same thing as Cannabis?
CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC are the main substances found in the Cannabis plant. Both of these substances are considered Cannabinoids or considered a part of Cannabis. However, CBD does not include the psychoactive effects that you might experience from THC.
Is CBD Considered a Drug?
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration removed CBD from the list of controlled substances or drugs, which is why CBD is no longer considered a drug on its own. However, CBD can be found in the drug formation as Epidiolex, which is also an FDA-approved drug to control seizure disorders.
Is CBD Bad for Your Health?
CBD is considered a relatively new product on its own in the market, and it is not very well regulated as a solo substance. However, there is always a risk that CBD may contain THC if mentioned on the label, which causes psychoactive effects. In addition, unknown additives may also be a part of these products such as flavors or food coloring.
What is CBD Mainly Used for?
CBD oil is popularly used for curing symptoms of anxiety, neurological disorders, certain types of pains, and some heart health issues as well. However, the side effects could be dire and more research is required to consider this as an official drug.
Is CBD Considered a Hala Product?
If the CBD product is free of THC or contains a very negligible amount, then it is considered a Hala product due to its herbal nature.
What is the Main Difference Between Hemp and CBD (Cannabidiol)?
Hemp and CBD are both two different varieties of Cannabis Sativa Plant. Hemp is the formation which contains more higher amount of CBD and a lower percentage of THC. Therefore, manufacturers often make the CBD products using the Hemp crops.
Is CBD the same thing as CBN?
CBN is another type of Cannabidiol but it is not found in the Cannabis plant unlike the CBD. CBN is derived from the CBD’s exposure to sunlight heat or light. However, CBN does not cause high just like CBD and has pretty much the same effects as CBD on your body or brain. Medical science research is still ongoing on CBN.
Conclusion
Many CBD (Cannabidiol) manufacturers are still under the FDA and government scrutiny for their overwhelming claims like “CBD cures Covid-19 or even some forms of cancer”. However, these statements are considered false since they are not backed up by any medical research or survey on certain consumers. At the same time, CBD in pure form is considered the remedy for managing anxiety, sleep disorders, and pain in certain areas of the body.
Moreover, the right dosage of CBD may vary on the person’s health, gender, or body weight. The exact safe dosage for a normal adult needs to be researched more for its appropriate use. Since CBD is currently available in the market as an unregulated supplement, it can be a bit difficult to know what you are getting without conducting the right research and studies on that specific product. It’s recommended to always consult your doctor for a prescription and avoid using CBD if you have certain health issues, as mentioned in this article.
