Over the years, cannabidiol or CBD has been a popular product, mainly because of its therapeutic effects. And, because of its popularity, CBD can now be found in hand lotions, shampoos, skin creams, and sometimes dog treats. This product has also been used to create the best CBD sleep aid, Beezy Beez Honey. Despite its popularity, there are still several things we don’t know about this product.
This article will discuss what we know and don’t know about cannabidiol.
What we know
Here’s everything that we know about cannabidiol.
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The difference of cannabidiol from marijuana, hemp, and cannabis
Cannabidiol or CBD is the second prevalent active ingredient present in marijuana. Despite being an essential part of medical marijuana, CBD is still directly derived from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana. Unlike other components that exist in marijuana, cannabidiol doesn’t cause a high on its own.
Also, according to a world health organization report, cannabidiol doesn’t exhibit any effects indicative of dependence potential or abuse. The report also indicates that there is no evidence of health-related problems due to pure cannabidiol.
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Is the use of cannabidiol legal?
Yes, the use of CBD is legal in some states in the US. However, the legality of this item has been in flux, as it also comes with several degrees of restrictions. But, those restrictions haven’t barred scientists from conducting CBD trials. Thanks to CBD, this scientific progression was made possible, easing regulatory requirements enabling researchers to conduct tests.
Also, in 2018, hemp was made legal in the United States thanks to the Farm Bill. The legalization of hemp virtually made it impossible for cannabidiol to remain illegal. The Farm Bill delisted all hemp-derived products like CBD from the Controlled Substances Act. This act criminalizes the possession of any form of any drugs.
And, by decriminalizing hemp, CBD is also made legal. It, however, isn’t legal if it comes from marijuana despite having the same molecule. Thanks to the legalization of cannabidiol, it has now become possible for people to obtain these products without a medical marijuana license.
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Benefits of cannabidiol
Scientific research has shown that CBD offers users a wide variety of benefits. Still, the greatest scientific evidence is its effectiveness in helping treat some childhood epilepsy diseases like Dravet syndrome. Other studies also indicate that cannabidiol can help decrease seizures or aid in stopping them altogether.
Research also indicates that CBD also helps with:
- Insomnia: CBD can help people fall asleep and also stay asleep.
- Anxiety: Clinical trials and studies explore evidence that CBD can help reduce anxiety.
- Addiction: According to several research studies, the use of CBD products can help lower heroin and tobacco cravings but only under specific conditions. Research studies on animals indicate that CBD products can help lessen cravings for stimulants, cannabis, alcohol, and opiates.
- Chronic pain: Human studies have further indicated that CBD products can help control pain. Also, according to a study published in the European Journal of Pain, CBD can help lower inflammation and pain caused due to arthritis. However, this is only possible if the product is applied directly to the skin. Other studies also identified that CBD could help inhibit neuropathic and inflammatory pain often challenging to treat.
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How are CBD products taken?
CBD products come in different forms, including capsules, oils, extracts, vapes, patches, and topical preparations. These forms mean finding a delivery method that works best for your condition. For instance, if you are looking for a product to relieve joint pain and reduce inflammation, a CBD-infused cream, lotion, or oil may be your best option.
What we don’t know
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Is CBD safe?
While CBD products offer several benefits, it also comes with side effects like irritability, nausea, and fatigue. According to several studies, CBD can cause significant damage to your body through:
- Liver injury: In 2018, FDA reviewed a marketing application for a purified form of cannabidiol- Epidiolex, and they identified several safety risks like a liver injury. However, liver injury can be managed when CBD is taken under medical supervision.
- Drug interactions: Studies have shown that CBD products like Epidiolex impact other medicines patients take. It can either decrease or increase the effects of any medicine you can use.
However, very little is known about the effects of CBD. But, despite the little known information, research will still keep helping us learn more about cannabidiol.
