Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabis oil. It has been linked to a variety of health advantages, including the reduction of inflammation and pain. nHowever, it is not legal in all states, and there are certain drawbacks associated with it.
Cannabis has a variety of chemicals, with various effects. Some—but not all—are beneficial as a therapy. Similarly, some forms– but not all – are legal in certain states. There are many different types of cannabis plants, each with its own distinct characteristics and effects.
Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3 percent THC are legal throughout the United States, although certain state laws still prohibit them. Meanwhile, marijuana-derived CBD products are prohibited both federally and in many states. Keep an eye on local regulations; especially if you’re visiting a new area. Nonprescription CBD goods haven’t been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which might cause incorrect labeling.
What is CBD oil?
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids (compounds) found in the cannabis plant. Researchers have been studying CBD’s potential medicinal uses. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol are two of the chemicals in marijuana. THC and CBD have different effects.
THC has been the most recognized chemical in cannabis for a long time. It is the most active component, and it produces a psychological impact. When someone smokes THC or cooks with it, it creates a mind-altering “high” by breaking down when heated and entering the body.
A wide range of people use hemp oil to help them deal with anxiety, including those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders. Although hemp oil contains trace amounts of THC, it is not considered to be psychoactive because it does not produce a high effect when ingested. CBD oil , on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. It has no impact on a person’s mood when used. However, it has been found to have various medical advantages.
Where does CBD come from?
CBD is a chemical found in the cannabis plant. Depending on how much THC they contain, cannabis plants are referred to as hemp or marijuana. The FDA states that hemp plants with less than 0.3 percent Trusted Source THC are legal. Marijuana growers have selectively bred their plants over time to include high amounts of THC and other compounds that suited them. Hemp farmers, on the other hand, don’t make any modifications to the plant. CBD oil is derived from lawful hemp plants and contains CBD.
How CBD works
Cannabinoids have various effects in the body by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, which are a component of the endocannabinoid system.
The body produces two receptors:
CB1 receptors can be found throughout the body, especially in the brain. They control movement, pain, emotion, mood, thought, appetite, memories, and other functions. The CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. Inflammation and pain are affected by them. THC binds to CB1 receptors but CBD activates them to cause the body’s own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) to be produced.
Benefits
CBD may benefit a person’s health in various ways.
According to a 2018 studyTrusted Source, reasons for taking CBD oil include:
- 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
There is some evidence to support some of these uses.
Natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties
Conventional medications can help with stiffness and agony, but some people find CBD to be a more natural choice. The non-psychoactive components of marijuana, such as CBD, may now be used to treat chronic pain. CBD prevented the formation of compounds that cause inflammation in mice in 2018 studies. CBD applied topically as an ointment reduced inflammatory skin diseases and scars significantly in a 2019 study.
Quitting smoking and drug withdrawal
A 2013 Trusted Source study revealed that CBD users smoked fewer cigarettes than usual and had reduced nicotine cravings. This suggests that CBD may aid in tobacco cessation. A 2018 Trusted Source research found that CBD helped individuals quit smoking by providing a soothing effect.
According to a 2015 review published by Trusted Source, CBD helps people battling opioid addiction. CBD was discovered to help decrease several signs of drug use disorders, including anxiety, mood-related problems, discomfort, and sleeplessness.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is being researched for its potential to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Epilepsy
The FDA Trusted Source authorized the use of Epidiolex, a highly concentrated form of CBD, in 2018 after years of research into CBD oil’s safety and efficacy for treating epilepsy.
They approved it for treating the following in people aged 3 years and over:
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Dravet syndrome
Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and other rare epilepsies are characterized by difficult-to-control seizures.
CBN is an anti-inflammatory that may help people with epilepsy, according to published research. Synthetic medications have not yet been developed that work on the endocannabinoid system as effectively as CBD does.
Alzheimer’s disease
CBD has been studied extensively for its effects on Alzheimer’s disease. A rodent research Trusted Source revealed in 2014 that CBD may help people keep their ability to recognize old friends. This skill is lost in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. CBD, according to one 2019 review, may help delay the onset and progress of Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts believe that a therapy combining THC and CHD might be more effective than one based only on THC.
Other neurological symptoms and disorders
CBD is showing promise in the treatment of problems related to epilepsy, such as neurodegeneration, neuronal injury, and psychiatric disorders. CBD may create comparable effects to certain antipsychotic medications, according to a 2012 study Trusted Source. However, further study is needed.
Fighting cancer
A 2012 Trusted Source review revealed evidence that CBD may help prevent the spread of certain types of cancer. The chemical appears to stop tumor growth and encourage its destruction. nThe researchers stressed that CBD has a low potential for harm. They urged for more study into how CBD might assist standard cancer therapies.
Other research has been looking at how CBD might help:
- prevent the growth of cancer cells
- reduce anxiety
- improve the action of chemotherapy
- lessen the side effects of conventional chemotherapy
Anxiety disorders
Cannabis has long been advised against by physicians since THC might induce or exacerbate anxiety and panic. CBD, on the other hand, has been found to aid in the reduction of anxiety. CBD was found to significantly reduce anxiety-related symptoms in mice during a 2015 study. nAuthors of a 2015 paper previously said that CBD could be used to help people with the following diseases manage their anxiety:
- PTSD
- general anxiety disorder (GAD)
- panic disorder
- social anxiety disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
The researchers pointed out that existing therapies might have harmful effects, and some people stop using them as a result. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that CBD has any negative side effects.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas, causing inflammation. CBD was observed to reduce inflammation and protect against or delay type 1 diabetes induction in a 2016 study. CBD appeared to have neuroprotective effects on rats with diabetes, including improved memory and reduced nerve inflammation, according to a 2018 research.
Acne
Another CBD-rich oil treatment is acne therapy. Acne is caused, in part, by inflammation and overactive sebaceous glands throughout the body. A 2014 study Trusted Source discovered that CBD inhibits the formation of sebum, which contributes to acne.
According to research, applying CBD topically can help reduce inflammation in psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases. CBD is increasingly appearing in skin lotions and ointments. Some experts, on the other hand, are concerned about the lack of evidence supporting its usefulness and oversight.
Legality
The legal status of CBD in the United States is complex. Hemp and hemp-derived products are lawful under the Farm Bill as long as their THC concentration is less than 0.3%.Trusted Source nHowever, there still exists some uncertainty about the details. People should double-check their state’s laws and any planned travel destination to ensure they are compliant with them. It’s worth noting that no nonprescription medications have been authorized by FDA Trusted Source, so consumers can’t be sure what’s in their product.
Risks and side effects
CBD has a variety of risks, just like other medications. It may react with various medicines. CBD products that do not have FDA approval are not tested and reviewed the same way as prescription drugs do before being sold to consumers.
It is not possible Trusted Source to know if a product:
- is safe and effective for everyone to use
- has the properties or contents stated on the packaging
Anyone who uses CBD – whether as a prescription drug or in other forms – should first contact a doctor.
Possible adverse effects Trusted Source 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
The long-term benefits of CBD are yet to be determined. However, further study is required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. For the moment, the FDA advises that users should not rely on CBD in place of conventional medical treatment.
During pregnancy
According to The American Pregnancy Association, using marijuana during pregnancy may have a negative impact on the fetal development of neurons. Regular use among adolescents has been linked to memory problems, conduct disorders, and intelligence issues. CBD is not advised for usage during pregnancy or while breastfeeding by the FDA.
How to use CBD
CBD oil may be used in a variety of ways. These are not the same as using or smoking whole cannabis. If a doctor prescribes CBD for epilepsy, it is critical to follow their directions carefully.
Ways of using CBD products include:
- 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 following are the most common dosage recommendations:
- body weight
- the concentration of the product
- the reason for using CBD
Summary
CBD is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for a variety of ailments, but only one product has FDA approval at the moment. In some jurisdictions, unapproved medicines are legal. As rules in the United States become more stringent, more precise dosages and prescriptions will appear.
For the time being, individuals should seek advice from a healthcare professional about which product to use and how much to take. They should also do their homework to ensure that they are abiding by local and state laws. The FDA Trusted Source contains information on a wide range of CBD-related topics.
