Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t

The legalization of cannabis in so many parts of North America has created a renewed interest in cannabidiol or CBD which is the non-psychoactive derivative of the marijuana plant. Even people who have never experimented with cannabis are exploring the benefits of CBD and it is no wonder that it is getting such massive media coverage.

What to know about CBD: Is it different from regular cannabis?

CBD is the second most popular ingredient of the marijuana plant (after THC of course) and it is an integral part of medical marijuana and can be obtained directly from the hemp plants. However, the most important distinguishing factor of CBD is that, unlike its cousin THC, CBD never produces any psychoactive effect. In other words, CBD doesn’t cause a high and can be safely used by people who want to avoid the buzz without missing out on the benefits of the herb.

What to know about CBD: Is it legal?

CBD can be legally bought in several states of the US and Canada. Most marijuana dispensaries in North America have a decent collection of CBD-rich strains as well as an extensive collection of CBD edibles. You can even buy it online without needing any prescription. The multifarious benefits of CBD make it difficult to ban and as we speak, many countries across the world are considering the legalization of CBD.

What to know about CBD: It is really beneficial for our health?

CBD has been a trending topic among health-conscious people for quite some time now and its endless health benefits have been one of the most popular topics on the internet. Scientific evidence suggests that cannabidiol can be highly effective for the treatment of several ailments including severe epilepsy in children, Dravet syndrome, and LGS or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome to which there is no conventional medicine.

According to numerous studies in this field, the regular intake of CBD can help to alleviate the frequency of seizures and with time even stop them altogether. You will find several videos and articles about the first-hand experiences of people who have benefitted from the use of CBD.

The first FDA approved marijuana derived medication called Epidiolex comes with CBD and has proven very effective for the treatment of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and several other conditions that cause seizures.

CBD is also being widely used to treat anxiety, and it has proven exceptionally helpful for insomnia. Apart from that, it is also a highly effective medication for the treatment of several kinds of chronic pain. A study published in the European Journal of Pain has shown how the topical application of CBD can lower arthritic pain. Another study has shown how the use of CBD can reduce neuropathic pain and inflammation. In other words, CBD can help to treat the two most problematic kinds of chronic pain without any side effects. Although more research are required to corroborate these claims, by now it can be said without the slightest doubt that numerous patients with chronic pain are benefitting from the use of CBD.

What to know about CBD: Does it have any side effects?

Although the side effects of CBD aren’t really pronounced, in some individuals, CBD can cause side effects like irritability, mild nausea, and fatigue. Too much intake of CBD can raise the Coumadin (blood thinner) level in blood which is why some people should avoid this medication. Another reason that deters people from deriving the benefits of CBD is the fact that even after its legalization CBD is still sold as a health supplement rather than a medicine. This is why it is always suggested that you talk to your doctor before commencing a cannabidiol treatment for pain management. However, a small dosage of CBD edibles is not known to have produced any harmful effects in most users. Therefore, starting out with very small doses of CBD edibles will not produce any discernible side effects in all probabilities.

Things to consider before CBD edible dosing

Before getting into the details of edible dosing it’s important to discuss certain facts about CBD.

• Every person has different responses to CBD

Just like with any other substance, every person’s body reacts differently to CBD as in its effects could be too much or too little depending on the individual’s constitution, tolerance level, age, height, and several other factors.

• The effects also depend on the quality of the edible

Edibles that are made out of broad-spectrum CBD come with several other active terpenes that produce a combined effect often called the entourage effect. This ensures a holistic effect so users need to be mindful about the quality of the edibles they are dosing on. It is always best to source your CBD edibles from a reputed online store or weed dispensary.

• Do it slow

When it comes to edible dosing, the mantra is to go slow and be patient. Remember that a whole lot of CBD isn’t going to make your symptoms disappear instantly. People who are dosing on CBD for the first time, need to begin with half the amount of the regular dosage suggestion and then slowly increase the amount with time. CBD edibles take time to produce the desired effect so make sure to be patient and continue with the dosing before evaluating the product or increasing your dosage.

What to know about CBD: Wrapping it up

Although there is no reason to believe the wild claim of certain manufacturers that CBD can cure any ailment including cancer, it can be safely concluded that patients suffering from all kinds of chronic pain can definitely benefit from the intake of CBD. Moreover, it can also help with conditions involving seizures as many first-hand accounts suggest. So if you are deciding to try out CBD for the first time make sure to source your strains and edibles from a reputed cannabis dispensary. CBD isn’t going to interfere with any other medications that you might be taking so you safely go ahead and find out if it works for you.