Using cannabidiol as a remedy to treat a variety of symptoms is becoming more common than ever before. Read this article to learn all about cannabidiol (CBD) as well as the risks and side-affects.
What is cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol is one of a group of 113 compounds, called cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant. More specifically, CBD is a phytocannabinoid and can be up to 40% of a cannabis plant’s extract. Another important cannabinoid, known for its psycho-tropic qualities, is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabis plants that have psychoactive ingredients, bred out of them, are commonly known as hemp plants. This usually means that the plant or extract contains less than 0.3% THC. For this reason, we recommend CBD products that are made from 100% organic industrial hemp.
How does CBD work?
All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects when they bind to certain receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The two most well-known of these are the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors found throughout the body and in the brain manipulate coordination, movement, emotions, mood, thinking, appetite, memories, and other functions. THC attaches to these receptors. CB2 receptors are most common in the immune system and are closely associated with inflammation and pain.
Although researchers once believed that CBD attached to these CB receptors, it now appears that CBD directs the body to use more of its own, naturally produced cannabinoids.
CBD Benefits
It is possible that cannabidiol may have a variety of positive effects on a person’s health. There are numerous positive indications from CBD patients being treated for a variety of conditions. Also keep in mind, powerful psychoactive synthetic cannabinoids like dronabinol & nabilone can be prescribed under a doctor’s care, revealing the true potential of these compounds.
Anti-inflammatory
Medical studies are still in their infancy, but even so, there are many patients reporting benefits from the use of CBD as a treatment. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help with everything from acne to chronic pain from arthritis.
Antioxidant
Antioxidant properties exhibited by these cannabinoids may be useful when treating a huge variety of problems such as age-related and autoimmune diseases. Research suggests that following strokes or trauma CBD might help limit neurological damage and treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and HIV dementia.
Pain Management
Localized application may aid with pain management according to two separate studies published here and here. Reduced spasticity and general chronic pain relief were both observed in data compiled from multiple trials.
Relaxation and Sleep
CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
Sexual Dysfunction
CBD lubes offer users the possibility of increased blood flow, sensitivity, and stamina without the need for a doctor visit or costly prescription medications. User reviews of CBD lubes provide plenty of anecdotal evidence of successful treatment. In addition, many recreational users have reported enhanced pleasure and heightened sensation during sexual activity.
Is Cannabidiol safe?
Like any drug, CBD can produce side-effects that include nausea, fatigue, and irritability. CBD can increase the amount of the blood thinner coumadin, and like Grapefruit juice, CBD can raise levels of other medications in the blood stream.
Additional Safety Concerns
A significant safety concern with CBD is that it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement, not as a medication. Currently, the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements, so it is important to buy CBD from a trusted source that offers batch test results for their products.
CBD Conclusions
CBD is a natural holistic alternative therapy that can be used to treat a variety of ailments.
If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking (synergy).