Look to CBD Products for Health Benefits and Proceed with Caution
WELLNESS TRENDS
Look to CBD Products for Health Benefits and Proceed with Caution
CBD and THC, both found in cannabis, produce different results
By Mark Zuleger-Thyss, Garden of Healing
CBD-infused products are everywhere. Changes to federal laws have led to a rise in their popularity. And the industry surrounding it continues to expand. The boom began in 2008 when Congress legalized hemp in all 50 states and removed CBD from the controlled substances list. If you have read anything about wellness trends recently, chances are you have heard of it. Anyone in the United States can buy CBD products at health food stores, in some pet stores, and on the internet. Why is it suddenly all the rage?
Looking at CBD as a means to get high? Forget it - you will not end up in a euphoric state with heightened sensory perception. For that, you need THC, the compound that causes the intoxicating effects that cannabis is known for.
CBD and THC are closely related, both being important medicinally active Phyto cannabinoids. These are the two components of cannabis that have been most studied by scientists. While more research is needed, CBD may be proven effective for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.
You do not need to get certification from a physician (M.D. or D.O.) to buy and use legally available hemp-based products containing CBD. But keep in mind these products are not yet regulated for purity and potency.
Products made with CBD are bountiful. CBD can enter the body in various ways, such as ingesting, smoking, and through the skin. This has resulted in an explosion of new products during the last decade. CBD oil is one of the more prominent ones, and it comes in different strengths, so proceed with caution.
CBD is available in creams, oils, patches, and gummy bears. CBD tinctures are a popular form to choose from. You can drop concentrated CBD extract under your tongue and absorb it in the mouth. Capsules can be taken with water as an average pill.
In 2019 the FDA cracked down on companies selling products illegally. Some claimed that their CBD formulations could treat certain health conditions. Even legal CBD products have potential health risks such as liver injury, drug interactions, diarrhea, and mood changes. Talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement, especially if it contains CBD. Still unknown is the most effective therapeutic dose of CBD for any particular medical condition.
Inhaled CBD gets into the blood the fastest, reaching high concentrations within 30 minutes. Edibles need a longer time to absorb and are less likely to produce a high concentration peak. Topical creams and lotions may not absorb well and get into the blood in high enough amounts to interact with other medicines. What further complicates the issue is that none of these products are regulated or checked for purity, concentration, or safety.
CBD is also known as cannabidiol. It is one of the most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived from the hemp plant, a cousin of the marijuana plant. Between 100 and 140 phytochemicals are found in the cannabis plant, and CBD appears to be the most beneficial for fighting human disease states. There has been some success in using CBD to combat severe illnesses and chronic health issues.
Your body naturally produces cannabinoids involved with many bodily functions. Appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and sleep. The thinking behind CBD is that it may interact with these existing cannabinoids and increase their effectiveness.
There is much scientific evidence for CBD's effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). These conditions typically don't respond to antiseizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases, it was able to stop them.
Discoveries of the medicinal properties of cannabis and cannabinoids are giving momentum to fully understand the plant's chemistry and biology. There are potential applications in treating several other serious illnesses, such as glaucoma, neuralgia, Multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's.
If you are struggling with stress or other health issues, consider giving CBD a try - it might be a new ally for your body. Talk to your doctor first. Don't assume that because something is natural or organic, it is safe. Herbs and supplements need to be prescribed safely and effectively. A functional medicine doctor can help determine the best use of CBD for your situation.
© 2021 Mark Zuleger-Thyss, Garden of Healing. All rights reserved.