What is CBD in simple terms?
Cannabinol, or CBD, is one of the primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. You have probably heard of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis. CBD does not cause the "high" effects that THC causes, but still has medical properties making it safe and effective.
Is CBD legal?
Thanks to the 2018 farm bill, CBD products were made legal nationally for consumers. Unlike marijuana-derived products, which contain higher levels of THC, CBD is derived from industrial hemp. Industrial hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC and high amounts of CBD. Under the 2018 farm bill, all CBD products must have less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Please reference your state laws to check the legality of hemp-derived CBD products.
CBD in the Medical Field
There has been an increasing body of recent research that suggests that CBD may benefit the human body in an assortment of different ways. It can help with simple things such as chronic pain, sleep, inflammation, or more severe ailments such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. There is some evidence to suggest that it may be more effective when CBD and THC, in trace amounts, are used together.
Epidiolex is currently the only FDA-approved medication containing CBD oil. Epidiolex is used to treat seizures, precisely two rare forms of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome and Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.
Scientific evidence has illustrated that CBD may help with pain and anxiety and provide a variety of other health benefits. There are many forms of CBD. Each form of CBD product can be used to achieve a variety of different effects. For example, if a person is experiencing inflammation, applying topical CBD products may reduce the amount of pain and swelling.
Before taking CBD, we suggest that you talk to your doctor. A health care provider can best optimize your treatment experience to benefit you, and let you know of any potential adverse side effects of CBD that you might encounter based on your medical history.
Where CBD Comes From?
CBD products are derived from hemp plants. A hemp plant is often confused with the marijuana plant, as they are both in the cannabis family. However, hemp plants are known for their high CBD concentration, making them perfect for making cannabidiol. Cannabidiol (CBD) is then infused into different digestible mediums such as gummies, or sometimes just refined into a CBD oil to drop under the tongue.
Cannabidiol (CBD) products can contain up to 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which can enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD. A person would not feel the high effects at this low level of THC, but it could still show on a drug test.
Some Benefits of CBD
Scientific studies demonstrate that CBD products may help depression and anxiety. This is done naturally by altering the serotonin levels in the brain. The increase in serotonin can be helpful to people in the regulation regards of the body and their brain chemistry.
The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that is in charge of the regulation of body temperature and other sleep processes. CBD's interactions with the hypothalamus can aid the process of falling asleep for patients who suffer from insomnia or other sleep-related disorders.
What are the Risks of CBD?
Some companies in the U.S. have started releasing "delta 9" gummies. Delta 9 is an abbreviation for delta-9-THC and will get you high. These so-called hemp-derived products are considered CBD products even with high levels of THC. Before buying gummies, be aware of the amounts of THC in a product. If the product has doses of 5mg or more of THC, the effect could cause cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, nausea, or sometimes panic attacks.