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Ever Had Chickenpox?
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CBD: Have You Tried It Yet?
It seemed to come out of nowhere and now it’s everywhere. Shops and ads for CBD are popping up on every corner. Friends are talking about it and even selling it themselves. But what’s the scoop? Read >> -
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Almost every processed food on grocery store shelves contains some amount of added sugar. As a result, your body craves it. In fact, there’s a good chance you’re addicted to it without realizing it. Why is it important to leave sugar on the store shelf? Keep reading to find out. Read >>
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CBD: Have You Tried It Yet?
Wondering if you jump into the world of CBD? Find out for yourself.
It seemed to come out of nowhere and now it’s everywhere. Shops and ads for CBD are popping up on every corner. Friends are talking about it and even selling it themselves. But what’s the scoop?
Maybe you’ve been skeptical of medical marijuana and now don’t know what to think about CBD. Can it be trusted to do what it claims? Is it safe to use without the supervision of a doctor?
Keep reading to get in the know on CBD.
What Is It?
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is an active ingredient in cannabis. It is derived from the buds and flowers of the hemp plant, a relative of the marijuana plant. Unlike marijuana, CBD contains no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana that affects the brain and causes a high. Therefore, CBD is not addictive and doesn’t cause dependence.
CBD comes in various forms. The most common is an oil, but it can also be found as a vaporized liquid, an extract, or an oil-based capsule. It’s also marketed in foods, candies, drinks, beauty products, and vaporizers to be inhaled with a vape. So no matter how you want your CBD, there’s a product that offers it.
What’s It Used For?
The most widely studied use for CBD oil is its ability to treat seizures. A prescription form of CBD oil is proven to treat two kinds of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome. These two syndromes are difficult to treat with anti-seizure medications, but studies found treatment with CBD to be highly effective at reducing seizures or preventing them altogether.
Of course, CBD’s popularity isn’t due to its ability to treat seizures. There are quite a few other reasons people use CBD. From mental health issues such as anxiety and schizophrenia to chronic conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis to acne, inflammation, and Parkinson’s disease, CBD is used for it all. With a growing list of uses, it’s no wonder CBD is the new big thing everyone’s talking about.
Is It Legal?
Each state has its own regulations concerning CBD products. Currently, there’s confusion and uncertainty surrounding the legality and safety of this marijuana extract. Even though CBD is advertised to treat or provide symptomatic relief for many conditions, it’s not marketed or sold as a medication. It’s sold as a supplement. As supplements aren’t regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration, there is no way to know exactly what you’re getting.
Is It Safe?
When deciding whether or not CBD is safe, ask the following questions:
• Does the products you buy really contain the active ingredient in the amount it claims?
• Could the product contain other ingredients that aren’t listed?
• Does the product contain the right amount of CBD to treat your condition?
Unfortunately, finding answers to these questions can be difficult. Studies indicate you may not like the answers.
Additionally, there are side effects associated with CBD. The most common include nausea, irritability, fatigue, dry mouth, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and sleepiness. Studies suggest that CBD may also increase liver enzymes, which may lead to liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with liver disease should not take CBD oil. And as with all supplements, CBD may interact with medications. For this reason and others, it’s important to talk with your doctor before using CBD products.
At this point, there isn’t enough evidence to prove the many uses of CBD. The one exception is as a treatment for epilepsy. A few animal studies have been performed, but more human studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of CBD and its claims.
