What we know and what we don't know about Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol is an extract of the Cannabis plant that has been gaining popularity in the media. It is popularly known to be endorsed nnd used by athletes since its clearing by the World Anit-Doping Agency. You may have even seen it in advertisements and social media as an added booster to post-workout smoothies. But what do we actually know about CBD?

How is cannabidiol different from marijuana?

CBD or cannabidiol is the second active ingredient of cannabis plant or marijuana. Medical marijuana has CBD as one of its essential components, but pure CBD is derived from the hemp plant directly. By itself, CBD has no psychoactive effects that causes “high” which is why it was cleared to be used by athletes. This is true even in high doses of CBD. 

The World Health Organization released a report that CBD has not shown any evidence that it may cause substance abuse to its users. Additionally, research proves that consuming CBD does not convert into Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC.

Is it legal?

While CBD is legal in some states of the USA, there are still varying degrees of restriction of use. Back in 2015, the FDA allowed researchers to conduct CBD trials. The government’s stand on CBD may confuse people since it does not necessarily enforce against it but it does not promote it either. 

Cannabidiol health benefits

The strongest evidence for the health benefits of CBD is for its effectiveness in treating Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which are childhood epilepsy syndromes that do not respond to anti seizure medications. 

The FDA recently approved Epidiolex which contains CBD for treating such symptoms. Another study was done to 214 participants with epilepsy and there was a drop of more than 30% of epileptic seizure episodes.

CBD products are also promoted to address anxiety, and insomnia that may help people with stress disorder, sleeping disorder and even PTSD.

Chronic pain is another use of CBD that is commonly applied to retired athletes who suffered from severe injuries that may have ended their career. The anti-inflammatory aspects of CBD may help reduce inflammation and pain that is caused by injuries, arthritis and more. This is why people who suffer from Opium abuse are seen using CBD to rehabilitate and treat their pain.

Is CBD safe?

While CBD claims to have plenty of wonderful effects, there are also possible side effects that may affect different bodies differently. Varying side effects include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. CBD can also thin the blood and also cause low blood pressure. Because CBD has not been proven and cleared as medication, it is mostly sold as a supplement. The FDA does not regulate the safety of supplements which is why consumers must look out on their own.

The bottom line on cannabidiol

Some CBD manufacturers give wild claims about the possible benefits of CBD. While some users claim it is true and effective, there has not been enough research to back it all up. Simply put, CBD is not a cure-all product. Because CBD is readily available online without the need for prescription, it is still best to consult your doctor for possible side effects of CBD products.