The first thing people want to know when they hear about using CBD oil to release pain, anxiety or stress is “Does CBD oil get you high?” The answer is no, though it may be easy to get confused with all the different varieties on the market today. CBD is just one of the chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in cannabis.
These cannabinoids are taken from the same plant as marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, but when THC is ingested, it often is known to produce a euphoric “high” or psychoactive effect because it triggers the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors. CBD, which stands for cannabinoid, does not affect the same receptors as THC, so you don’t get “high.”
What Exactly is CBD?
Before you determine whether or not a CBD product would be a good choice for you, let’s look at exactly what CBD is and how it may be used. There are over a hundred different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The entire plant is used in making CBD oil, which is then mixed with a carrier oil for use.
In 2020, How Does U.S. Federal Law Treat CBD?
Marijuana and other forms of the plant have been used for over 2,000 years around the world. In December 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA recognized the use of CBD oil to be “Generally Recognized as Safe” or GRAS, and that was for two types of epilepsy. CBD has not been declared GRAS in general, and state laws vary tremendously.
U.S. federal law states it is illegal to sell in food, dietary supplement or animal feed today with more than 0.3 percent THC. Other cannabinoids may contain zero percent as produced, such as Hemp oil, so be aware of the content when buying CBD.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
Though there are many studies that show the benefits of CBD oil, many more are needed. In recent years, CBD has been found to be beneficial in the areas of relieving pain and reducing stress and anxiety.
The main medical areas where success has been found:
- Antipsychotic effects: Studies suggest that CBD may help people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms.
- Substance abuse treatment: CBD has been shown to modify circuits in the brain related to drug addiction.
- Anti-tumor effects: with animals, CBD has demonstrated anti-tumor effects and to prevent the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer.
- Prevention of Diabetes. CBD reduced inflammation in diabetic mice and reduced the incidence of diabetes by 56 percent.
- Heart and circulatory health with the ability to lower blood pressure.
- Reduces anxiety and depression.
- May help serious acne.
- Regulates other functions including sleep, the immune system, appetite and most often, pain.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Just as all of the benefits of CBD and its use are not completely known, all of the side effects are not completely known either. CBD oil, supplements and edibles are so new to the public that much more research needs to be performed before all is discovered and made available for individuals.
It is widely known that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take any cannabinoids, but otherwise, CBD is generally tolerated and considered to be safe by most people (source: https://www.weednews.co/what-is-cbd/). Caution should be taken to remain aware of slight adverse reactions, such as diarrhea, changes in appetite, weight, and fatigue.
CBD may interact with other medications, so always check with your physician to be safe before starting any supplement that may interact and cause individual reactions. Note: avoid eating grapefruit and supplements or medications that may contain grapefruit. This global “grapefruit warning” is typically on CBD products because this fruit interferes with the group of enzymes that are related to drug metabolism, cytochromes P450 or CYPs.
The “Bottom Line” is CBD is generally considered safe for the majority of people and has been found to potentially relieve the symptoms of many common health issues such as anxiety, depression, acne and heart disease.
