Be it on the social media, or the streets, you must have listened to the word CBD one way or another. There has been much talk about CBD over the past few years, and it has become a hot topic.
Many products have been launched with the name CBD. People use it, from chronic pain to reducing anxiety, for different purposes. You can find CBD pills, CBD capsules, CBD vapes, CBD oils, CBD foods, CBD drinks, CBD beauty products, etc.
After listening too much about CBD, you must have wondered about it and have a lot of questions like:
- What is CBD?
- Where does it come from?
- What does CBD do?
- What are the benefits of CBD?
- Is there any harm in using CBD?
- Is CBD legal?
In this article, we are going to unfold the mystery regarding CBD and answer all of your questions starting from:
What Is CBD?
CBD is a short form of cannabidiol. It is a compound related to the family of chemicals known as cannabinoids, and these molecules are produced from a Cannabis family of plants.
Where Does It Come from?
The two most prominent members of the Cannabis family are marijuana and hemp. Both hemp and marijuana are different forms of the same species known as Cannabis sativa. Both can produce CBD along with another well-known chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. CBD found in different products mainly comes from the hemp plant.
Difference Between CBD and THC
The significant difference between CBD and THC lies in their psychoactive chemical structure and psychoactive properties.
CBD and THC have the same molecular from, i.e., C₂₁H₃₀O₂, but the arrangement of atoms is different in both, which makes them two distinct compounds.
Another difference between the two is their psychoactive behavior. That is, both do not have the same effect on our brains. Where THC gets you high, CBD does not do so.
The reason is that when THC is inside our body, it binds with and activates a specific receptor known as cannabinoid 1 (CB1). Activation of this receptor causes a feeling of extreme joy and pleasure.
On the other hand, CBD either does not bind with CB1 or makes a fragile bond that is insufficient to activate it. Hence it does not cause euphoria associated with THC.
Also See: Chiropractic An Alternative And Complementary Medicine
What Does CBD Do?
Unlike THC, CBD provides relief from mental distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress instead of stimulating sedation. It may also induce sleep.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
It is a scientifically proven fact that CBD, is not associated with any mind-altering effects. CBD does not get you high. On the other hand, it is said to have pain-relieving outcomes. Therefore, it is the best choice for people who want to get rid of chronic pain or anxiety without getting high.
The Health Benefits of CBD are not entirely known yet, but one breakthrough discovery is that CBD can effectively reduce the seizures associated with epilepsy.
Some of the supposed health benefits of CBD are given below:
Effect on Epilepsy
Two rare forms of epilepsy are Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastautsyndrome. These are genetic disorders and stimulate seizures in the patient during the first year of life. Both disorders are challenging to treat with conventional medications.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a CBD oral solution, known as Epidiolex, in 2018. This drug was approved after many trials. Epidiolex can be used in patients as young as two years old to treat seizures resulting from Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Also Read: Chiropractic An Alternative And Complementary Medicine
Relief fromChronic PainandInflammation
Particular CBD-containing products have been proved effective in relieving chronic pain. Many studies have supported the pain-reducing effect of CBD.
CBD alone can alleviate chronic pain like back pain or neural pain. However, it is more effective when combined with THC for pain resulting from multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
Sativex, an oral suspension with an equal amount of CBD and THC, is approved in many countries for treating the pain associated with MS. or arthritis.
CBD is also proven to reduce other types of chronic pain like pain resulting from terminal cancer or non-cancer pain.
Some studies also show that CBD may induce an Anti-Inflammatory response by acting on endocannabinoid receptors. In this way, it can treat both acute and chronic inflammation
Treatment of Anxiety
People suffering from chronic anxiety find CBD as an effective drug to treat their symptoms. Many research projects conducted over the years have shown a positive effect of CBD on anxiety-related mental disorders like General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder, or Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
Other Medical Benefits of CBD
Some other medical benefits of CBD are given below:
- CBD may help people with Alzheimer’s in recognizing familiar faces.
- Some studies show that CBD inhalers may help people quit smoking.
- A few research indicate that it might effectively prevent the growth of cancer cells.
- In 2016 researchers found out that CBD may help in delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes.
- There are some other less proven benefits of CBD, from treating acne to insomnia.
Is There Any Harm in Using CBD?
Using CBD also has some side effects. Some of the health risks associated with CBD are:
- It may damage the liver.
- CBD can interact with other drugs.
- If used during pregnancy, CBD may affect fetal health.
- It can induce diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness.
- Many CBD products in markets that are not FAD approved yet can have serious aftermath.
Is CBD Legal?
Now that we have talked about all the benefits and risks of CBD, one fundamental question is yet to be answered: Is CBD legal?
The answer to this question is somehow complex. In the USA, a Farm Bill was passed in 2018, which states that a CBD product containing less than 0.3% THC is legal. While in European countries, the legalization of CBD is restricted to less than 0.2%. Other countries like Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, and Canada allow the recreational use of CBD.
Fun Fact
CBD
CBD can help you feel relaxed, though it is not intoxicating. Some research suggests that CBD can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice in any way from a healthcare professional. Any claims made in the article are untested. Unwrapped encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
