Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is found in marijuana, a hemp-derived products, or various non-hemp plants. It is often added to your morning coffee or post-workout meal for an extra boost of energy. Although it is used for maintaining good mental and physical health, it has specific side effects and drug interactions if taken in large quantities.
If you want to know everything about cannabidiol or CBD, we have got you covered. This article is a complete guide to CBD. Let’s dive in!
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound or non-intoxicated chemical cannabinoid present in cannabis. It is enriched with several therapeutic benefits like anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, analgesic, and seizure-suppressant properties, which treat mental and physical health concerns alongside problems like hair loss. CBD continuously reduces neurological disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation and autoimmune symptoms.
Is CBD legal?
CBD is a popular ingredient used in most parts of the United States. As per recent data, nearly 50 states have legalized CBD with a certain level of restriction. In December 2015, researchers were allowed to research CBD and determine its benefits and potential side effects. Later, in 2018, hemp was made legal in the United States by the Farm Bill, which made it challenging to make CBD legal.
All hemp-derived products, such as CBD, were removed from the Controlled Substances Act from the Farm Bill. It means that the CBD drive from hemp was considered legal. However, if it comes from marijuana, also known as cannabis, it is considered illegal. Presently, people buy CBD online, which is legal in 50 states in the USA.
What does CBD do for you?
CBD is an all-natural component that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep as an integral part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Since it contains potential therapeutic benefits, it is used as a significant pain management treatment option with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Although its effect varies from person to person, when it reacts with specific opioid and serotonin receptors, it results in decreased blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
It dramatically impacts the PPAR gamma activity, affecting intracellular calcium and promoting various cellular activities. According to some studies, CBD is also useful in relieving post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, addiction, and schizophrenia. Although the studies are still in the early stages, the results are promising.
List the health benefits of CBD
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Pain Relief
CBD elevates acute and chronic pain after interacting with the endocannabinoid system, resulting in pain management and relief.
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Anxiety and Depression
According to certain studies, CBD is rich in anxiety-reducing and antidepressant effects, helping people to manage anxiety and depression symptoms.
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Sleep Disorders
Since CBD contains anxiety-reducing effects, it enhances the overall sleep quality and promotes relaxation. As a result, CBD is suggested for people experiencing insomnia and sleep disturbances.
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Neurological Disorders
Some studies suggest that CBD is a potentially excellent component to manage neurological disorder symptoms and conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Inflammation
It is a known fact that CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties, making it easier to manage inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Skin Health
Certain CBD products are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, which treat various skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
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Cardiovascular Health
Regular consumption of CBD softgel capsules potentially reduces high blood pressure symptoms, lowering the risk of cardiovascular health.
Risk factors of CBD
Using CBD products sometimes results in side effects and various risk factors. Although The FDA has released only limited data, potential side effects and risks are involved. These include:
- Liver damage
- Tolerance and dependency
- Changes in appetite or diarrhea
- Allergic to certain medications
- Sudden changes in mood, like irritability
- Nausea and fatigue
- Pregnant or lactating mothers should avoid
- Changes in the quality and purity of CBD products
- Hives, difficulty in breathing, and itching
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Dry mouth and dizziness
How to consume CBD?
CBD is available in the market in various forms, including vapes, extracts, oil, tropical preparations, and patches. If you are experiencing inflammation or joint or muscle pain, a CBD-infused lotion, hemp intensive relief rub, oil, or cream is recommended. You can even use bath bombs for a relaxing bath. Moreover, a CBD tincture or a patch can be placed under your tongue so that the CBD effect travels directly into your bloodstream.
For added taste, CDB comes in the form of gummies and chocolates that you can eat to treat digestive problems. Note the effect of CBD chocolates is comparatively lesser. While eating, do not go overboard with the quantity as it may result in potential side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are CBD and marijuana the same?
Although CBD and Marijuana are derived from the cannabis plant, they differ as both of them have different chemical formulations, effects, composition, and legal status. On one hand, where CBD is an all-natural component that provides various health benefits, marijuana is rich in THC and has specific intoxicating effects. When buying CBD or marijuana, personal preference and legal considerations are two prime things to consider.
2. Is CBD considered a drug?
In early 2018, CBD was eliminated from the list of controlled substances; thus, it is no longer a drug. As a result, it is legal in more than 50 cities in the United States and other parts of the world. However, CBD is present in other drugs which contain intoxicating effects.
3. How long do CBD’s effects last?
Several factors impact the period in which the effect of CBD lasts. These include the overall dosage, method of consumption, specific effects which you’re looking for and individual factors.
- The effects of Sublingual and Inhalation lasts from 2 to 4 hours only.
- The effects of Oral Ingestion last for 4 to 6 hours or even longer.
- The effects of Topical Application generally last for a few hours only.
Wrapping Up
Cannabidiol or CBD are hemp-derived products that provide adequate relief from pain, anxiety, depression, and other physical or mental health concerns. This article discusses everything about CBD that you need to know!