Cannabidiol abbreviated as CBD, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Nowadays, It is getting a lot of attention for its potential health benefits, but what exactly is it, and is it safe? In this article, we are going to go through all the important information we need to know about CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of over 100 compounds, called cannabinoids, found in cannabis, scientifically called Cannabis Sativa. CBD is consumed in many forms such as Oils, Capsules, Edibles, and more. Many people develop confusion between CBD and THC. CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and they do share some similarities but also have significant differences.
| Characteristics | CBD (cannabidiol) | THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) |
| origin | Hemp plants(majorly) Cannabis plants(minorly) | Cannabis Plants |
| legality | Legal in almost all the Places | Illegal in some places |
| Intoxication | Non-intoxicating | Psychoactive |
| uses | Insomnia, pain relief, anxiety | Recreational purposes |
| Effect | Doesn’t make you high | Makes you feel High |
| Side Effects | Negligible Side effects | Can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, dry mouth, red eyes, nausea, sleep disorders |
How Does CBD Work?
CBD interacts with a special system in our body called the endocannabinoid system. This system helps in regulating functions like mood, sleep, pain sensation, and many more. When we take CBD, it interacts with receptors in this system, mainly the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Unlike THC, which binds directly with these receptors and produces a psychoactive effect rather CBD works Indirectly.
CBD doesn’t directly bind to these receptors but instead influences them to signal differently. It can also enhance the effects of other natural chemicals produced in the body by blocking certain enzymes that break down these chemicals, leading to increased levels of them in the body.
This process of CBD can have various effects, like reducing pain, calming anxiety, or improving sleep, without making you feel high.
What Are the Benefits?
CBD Provides Numerous Benefits….and here are some of them
- Pain Relief: CBD can help in reducing different types of pain, like arthritis or muscle soreness.
- Relaxation: It can make you feel calm and relaxed, helping you with stress and anxiety.
- Better Sleep: CBD helps improve your sleep quality, making it easier for you to fall asleep.
- Reduced Inflammation: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to get rid of conditions like acne or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Better Mood: It helps in lifting your mood and thus suppress depression’s feeling.
- Nausea Relief: CBD can ease nausea and vomiting, especially in people going through cancer treatment.
- Heart Health: Some studies suggest that CBD may benefit heart health by reducing blood pressure and preventing heart diseases.
- Neuroprotection: CBDs also protect the brain from damage and could be helpful in conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
- No Intoxication: The most important and lurking feature of CBD is Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t make you feel high, so you can enjoy its benefits without feeling altered.
Eight Wonders of CBD You Rarely Know
People usually Know these benefits of CBD, but what they are mostly unaware of about these lesser-known aspects of CBD;
- Helpful treatment in Covid-19
- Approved use in Children
- Drug test risks
- Extraction Benefits
- Alcohol Addiction Recovery
- Beneficial for PETS
- Treatment of Endocannabinoid Deficiency
- Improving Skin health
Now let’s look at them one by one and understand them clearly
- Helpful treatment in Covid-19
Some early studies suggest that CBD helps to stop the COVID-19 virus from entering lung cells. This could mean CBD might be used to help treat COVID-19 in the future, without having any Side effects on People’s health.
- Approved Used In Children
CBD is approved to treat severe epilepsy in children. It’s important to get the right dose and type of CBD from a doctor to make sure it’s safe and effective. Although till now it has been proved quite beneficial for the Children.
- Drug Tests Risks
Even if a CBD product says it has no THC, it might still have tiny amounts. This can cause a positive result on a drug test, which is important for people who get tested regularly so that they can understand that CBD is safe for them
- Extraction Benefits
The best CBD products are often made using a method called cold-pressed extraction. This method keeps more of the good stuff in the plant without using harsh chemicals, so in a way, the Extraction of CBD does not lead to any harm to the plant through which it is Extracted.
- Alcohol Addiction Recovery
CBD may help people recover from addiction by reducing cravings and anxiety associated with withdrawal. Studies show that CBD helps to reduce brain damage caused by heavy drinking. This could make it easier for people recovering from alcohol addiction
- CBD is beneficial for pets too
Just like humans, pets can benefit from CBD. It can help dogs to get rid of arthritis, feel less pain, and move more. Some studies also suggest it can help dogs with seizures. Hence, it works on your pets too.
- Treatment of Endocannabinoid deficiency
Some health issues like migraines and irritable bowel syndrome are linked to a lack of natural cannabinoids in your body. CBD can help by interacting with the same receptors as these natural cannabinoids and provides you relief from bowel syndrome and migraines.
- CBD helps in improving Skin health
CBD is used in many skincare products because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with conditions like acne and eczema by reducing inflammation and helps soothe your Skin.
How to use CBD
- As discussed earlier, CBD comes in various forms, including oils, capsules, edibles, and many more. All of these have their distinct benefits and absorption rates. But, it’s on you what are your preferences and needs when going for a CBD Product.
- If you are new, then it is preferred to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it as needed. This will help your body to adjust to the medicine and according to that, you can decide your dosage.
- Including CBD in your daily routine can have a bad effect on your health.
- Though CBD is highly safe still it is recommended to consult with a doctor when you are on medications.
- CBD’s effects vary from person to person, and it can take some time to show its effects, thus, maintaining patience in these situations is highly recommended.
Is CBD Safe?
Overall, while CBD is widely regarded as safe and beneficial still it is always preferable to seek professional advice to ensure it’s right for you. This safety and the benefits it offers have led to a big increase in its popularity, with more and more products like oils, gummies, and creams available for people looking for natural relief.
Source-Statista Annual CBD Usage Rate in the USA from 2014 to 2022