Based on a recent Gallop poll, when it comes to Americans over the age of 65, 49% state they are not familiar with CBD products, and just 8% use CBD products. This is a large number of individuals who are unaware of the potential benefits as well as the disadvantages that are associated with this popular therapeutic product.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is the second-highest level of active ingredient contained in marijuana (cannabis). Although CBD is an essential medical marijuana component it is directly derived from hemp plants, which are cousins of marijuana plants. Although CBD is one of the hundreds of components of marijuana, it doesn’t cause a high the way tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does.
The endocannabinoid system of the human body translates and receives signals from the cannabinoids. This system helps with regulating various functions including pain receptors, the immune system, and sleep. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced by the human body. According to CBDOilIreland.ie it appears that CBD causes more endocannabinoids to be used by the body to help with conditions such as inflammation and pain relief.
What conditions does CBD help with?
CBD’s only proven benefits are for Drave syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) (two types of epilepsy). Other potential health benefits from CBD include relieving:
- Sleep disorders
- Nerve-related pain
- Vomiting and nausea associated with cancer
- Muscle-spasticity from multiple sclerosis
- Inflammatory pain
- Depression
- Arthritis pain
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Acne
However, currently, there are a number of different studies that are being conducted to prove those benefits.
How are CBD products purchased?
Before you try out any new health product, it is essential to first consult with your doctor.
You can buy CBD products online and in stores. You can use CBD topically, in the form of a cream, or you can take it orally by using capsules. Before buying, just make sure to vet the company and product first.
Forensic toxicologists from the Virginia Commonwealth University studied nine liquids that are used by electronic vapes and that are marketed as being 100% natural CBD extracts. However, they found four that contained a synthetic cannabinoid referred to as Spice that can according to a study published in Foresenci Science International last year can cause tachycardia, psychosis, anxiety, and death, and one with dextromethorphan contained in over-the-counter cough medications that when abused can be addictive.
CBD is a supplement instead of a medication, which is the main concern. The purity level of supplements is not regulated by the FDA. So you cannot know for sure if the product you are purchasing has active ingredients at the listed dose. The product might contain other elements also.
Another thing to be aware of is that although CBD that comes from hemp was federally legalized in December 2018, it is still being researched and being restricted by some states.
CBD side effects
Among adults, and from what is currently known, side effects appear to be mild. Harvard Health Publishing reports that CBD side effects can include irritability, fatigue, and nausea. Also, CBD can negatively interact with grapefruit juice and warfarin/coumadin.
Before you start to take any CBD product, it is critical to consult with your doctor first.
As researchers learn more about the pros and cons of CBD, we will also hopefully learn more about alternative, more natural ways to keep our bodies healthy beyond using large amounts of prescriptions.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.