Have you heard about this miraculous plant called hemp?, a.k.a. Marijuana or Sativa? This plant contains more than 80 chemicals, including “cannabidiol.” Research is in progress to unveil the harmful threats cannabidiol poses. Recently, it was allowed in the US to sell only cosmetic products containing cannabidiol. However, the percentage must not be greater than 0.3% THC. THC is called tetrahydrocannabinol.
In marijuana, CBD holds the second most dominant ingredient position. Another important factor is its inclusion in medical marijuana. Intake of CBD cannot be treated the same as other drugs, as it will never give you a “high.” According to WHO’s report, there is no single case or evidence found where CBD intake has endangered public health.
Legality and Availability:
In pursuance of the legality associated with the sale/purchase of CBD products, it is entirely legal in 50 states of the US. Whereas the federal government still considers CBD as the same class of marijuana. CBD products are readily available online. For instance, the platforms like NeuLeaf Naturals, Gaia Herbs, Charlotte’s Web, Dr. Ganja, etc., are offering several high-quality CBD products online.
Exploring Side Effects of CBD:
It is advisable to take CBD strictly after a doctor’s advice. CBD intake orally is considered safe. While there are certain restrictions to intake dosage limits, it can have specific side effects mentioned below:
- Lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Epidiolex is a pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil and has some harmful effects on the liver.
In the case of pregnancy, however, it is recommended to avoid CBD usage altogether. CBD might contain harmful ingredients that may be fatal for infants or fetuses. Dosage for children varies according to their age and weight. Children older than one year can take up to 25 mg/kg CBD per day. It is advised for patients with a history of liver disease to avoid or minimize CBD intake. Research indicates that if patients with “Parkinson disease” take high doses of CBD, their symptoms might escalate.
It must be noted that CBD is not FDA approved (yet). It is sold as a supplement and not as a medication. There are few side effects associated with CBD, which cannot be denied. These side effects include but are not limited to irritability, nausea, and fatigue. CBD is not a cure for “cancer,” but still, it is reported to treat the symptoms of cancer and the after-effects of chemotherapy.
Ailments that Relief from CBD:
CBD might sound unconvincing or shady, but it does have good effects on specific medical conditions. For instance, CBD intake reduces epileptic seizures, may relieve chronic pain, reduce anxiety, ease chemotherapy side effects, etc.
Furthermore, CBD usage is also helpful in PTSD treatment, depression relief, and substance abuse rehabilitation. Research backs up considerable patients who enjoyed the benefits of CBD. Nevertheless, research is still underway, and prescription is always recommended.
More About CBD’s Suspected Benefits and Side Effects
While researching CBD, Epidiolex is the only product that is FDA approved. Apart from the side effects mentioned earlier, CBD can also cause loss of appetite and cause diarrhea. There are a lot of unanswered questions in CBD’s domain still. For example, its effects on male fertility, development of the brain, sustained usage effects. Similarly, the fundamental question is the appropriate method of consumption like vaping, smoking, topical or oral.
In the human body, CB1 and CB2 receptors interact with CBD intake. CB1 receptors elevate moods, emotions, thinking, increase or decrease appetite, while CB2 deals with immune systems, the sensation of pain and inflammations, etc.
CBD is also helpful in cases like arthritis, lung disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, sleep disorders, migraine, and multiple sclerosis. If you are in the withdrawal phase of certain drug addictions, maybe quitting smoking or alcohol, CBD might be beneficial for you.
In the US, the legal status of CBD is still quite confusing. Some states, such as Ohio, have laws for CBD usage that include obtaining a medical marijuana card, while others consider it illegal. It is better to know the laws in your particular state before engaging in CBD-related affairs.
Conclusion
In short, we can say that it is totally up to you to use CBD or not. Although there exist real-life examples of its benefits for multiple diseases, certain risks are also associated with its usage. Therefore, it is equally important to explore the need and make an informed decision about CBD usage. For instance, swallowing capsules or spraying CBD under the tongue, etc. Another crucial point of concern is administering a safe dosage of CBD to prevent over-dose contamination problems.