The cannabis plant is widely beneficial and underutilized. However, the wellness industry is experiencing an explosion of CBD products due to their benefits.
There are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant & misconceptions about CBD products arise when people cannot differentiate them from THC. THC is a component of cannabis that makes you “high”.
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is usually extracted from the flowers of the cannabis plant. Many chocolates, gummies, drinks, soap, and pastries contain CBD. However, CBD oil is made by mixing CBD with a carrier oil or hemp seed oil to increase its bioavailability.
CBD exerts its effects on the endocannabinoid system in the body. Endocannabinoids are compounds produced by the body that are similar to cannabinoids. Two cannabinoid receptors, CBD1 and CBD2, have been identified in the human body.
The CBD1 receptors are abundant in the brain and affect pain, mood, emotions, and appetite. Alternatively, CBD2 receptors are abundant in the immune system. Therefore, they play a role in inflammation and pain.
People have different opinions on the function of CBD in the human body. So let us find out the exact benefit of CBD on health and wellbeing.
Research shows that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. One of the cardinal signs of inflammation is pain. However, CBD is a natural alternative to manage pain without the risk of addiction.
When humans consume CBD, it binds with CBD receptors in the endocannabinoid system to inhibit the inflammatory response, reducing pain sensation. For example, people with fibromyalgia will experience pain relief when taking CBD. In addition, a study carried out on rodents reveals that CBD relieves inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
However, some studies suggest that some types of pain are better managed with a combination of THC and CBD. For example, a combination of 1:1 in Sativex effectively treats pain from multiple sclerosis. Sativex is a cannabinoid prescription indicated for neuropathic pain, spasticity, and multiple sclerosis.
Mental health illness encompasses various categories of disorders. However, the use of CBD has proved instrumental in managing some of the symptoms.
Anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia are common mental health concerns that can have debilitating effects on the quality of life if not properly managed. In addition, conventional drugs used in treatment may have side effects, such as drug dependence.
The use of CBD oil shows positive potential in managing anxiety disorders. However, it is critical to get the dosing right. Studies show that 300mg of CBD was effective in reducing anxiety.
CBD oil is also helpful in managing symptoms associated with PTSD and insomnia in children and adults.
The FDA approved Epidiolex for the treatment of seizure disorders. Epidiolex is a prescription CBD product that effectively manages severe epilepsy in children. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis complex are associated with severe episodes of seizures.
Studies show that CBD plays a significant role in protecting the heart and circulatory system. Therefore, CBD oil is a natural remedy to reduce blood pressure.
High blood pressure predisposes the individual to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders. Research shows that 600mg of CBD can help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
The common side effects of cancer treatment are vomiting and nausea. Therefore, a major focus in caring for cancer patients is effective pain management.
However, CBD may be useful in reducing pain in these individuals. Also, symptoms of nausea may be reduced with CBD oil. However, more research is needed in this field.
It is critical that the healthcare team approve of its use. Some CBD products may not be safe or effective for cancer patients.
You can use CBD oil sublingually. In this method, you put drops of the oil under your tongue. This route promises faster absorption of CBD.
Another option is to add CBD oil to food or beverages. For example, after making a cup of tea, you can add a drop or two of CBD oil to it.
In addition, some companies package CBD oil in a capsule. In this case, you swallow it like you do other oral medications.
Furthermore, you can apply CBD oil to your skin. The skin absorbs CBD oil to provide relief from inflammation and pain.
The risk involved in taking CBD oil is that most of these products are not approved by the FDA. Therefore, you cannot ensure the components are safe for you. Hence, you need to talk with your doctor before using it.
However, CBD oil is generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. Nevertheless, unexpected effects may be seen after consumption. They include:
Note: The FDA advises pregnant women to avoid using CBD as it may interfere with normal fetal development.
Many countries have legalized cannabis. Therefore, getting CBD oil is very easy. However, this is not the case in Australia. Nevertheless, the Australian government has eased the restrictions on the distribution and use of CBD.
Suppose you live in Australia and need the special effects of CBD. You have to follow the protocol of the government’s Special Access Scheme to get drugs that the Therapeutic Goods Administration does not approve.
Currently, CBD oil is not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. However, you can get your CBD from a licensed pharmacy with a government-approved prescription from a doctor.
CBD is legal in Australia but still highly regulated. Therefore, it is more expensive than in other countries. In addition, the use of cannabis in medicine is still developing. So, with time and substantial evidence from research, the government will ease all restrictions.
Many studies have shown the significance of CBD oil in promoting health and wellness. Although more research is needed in other areas, CBD is genuinely a miracle molecule. As a result, many people embrace its use because it is a natural remedy to several health issues.
CBD is useful in managing pain, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and improving heart health. However, it is crucial to consult your doctor before adding CBD oil to your regimen.
I hope the Australian government will reconsider its stance on CBD oil to make it readily available to the populace. This will go a long way to improve quality of life.
