Cannabidiol or CBD consumption has increased manifold in recent years. The cannabis compound, which is 100 percent natural and risk-free, has found takers from all walks of life. From patients to sportspersons to youngsters struggling with mental health issues, CBD seems a one-size-fits-all medicine. However, despite its instant popularity, there is still a long way for CBD makers to go before making a mark in the world. CBD’s true power will unleash only if more in-depth research allows us to understand its full impacts on our lives. Many sports and entertainment celebrities have advocated making CBD fully legal globally, as it has shown life-changing results for them. Despite all the good things, it’s still important to understand what side effects CBD carries with itself.
How can you deal with its negative impacts when you want to avail of its benefits too? But before that, let’s understand what CBD is and how it works?
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD contains extracts of cannabidiol compounds derived from cannabis or, more specifically, hemp plants. A cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds. Among them, cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main compounds. While THC is considered a highly psychoactive compound, CBD — despite both of them having the same chemical formula (21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms) — does not cause intoxication or high. The arrangement of atoms in both these compounds makes all the difference. Once extracted from a hemp plant, CBD is then mixed with a carrier oil. Hemp seed oil or coconut oil is the most common oil carrier used with CBD.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD controls the brain chemical that affects our emotions. For those suffering from anxiety, mental illness, or chronic pain, CBD reduces psychoactive symptoms and affects their mood without causing high. Its controlled usage under the guidance of a medical practitioner, or anyone who has been using it for quite some time, can help you get instant results. The most incredible thing about using CBD is that it’s 100 percent organic and carries no side effects.
How To Use CBD Oil?
There are different ways to benefit from CBD. It can either be consumed or used in tablets, edible, lube, or oil form. However, the most commonly used form of CBD is an oil form. It’s readily available in markets across the US and online stores. CBD oil or CBD powder can be mixed with gels or creams. It’s then applied to the skin. All kinds of CBD oil products can be rubbed on the area where one experiences pain. Once applied regularly, it will start showing results in a week. Looking at CBD’s potential as a pain reliever and alternative to antidepressants, the US government may soon provide a clear framework on its commercial use.
What Are The Side Effects Of CBD?
Though CBD’s true potential is yet to be explored, its early success has given hopes for those looking at natural ways to heal themselves from problems like anxiety, chronic pain, tension, and not-so-good sex life. But like all other types of medications out there, CBD also comes with some constraints. The most common side effect of CBD oil is its adverse reaction in some people. This can cause constant fatigue, a sudden change in appetite, diarrhea, irritation on the skin, and a sudden weight change. This is why it’s always advised that if you are taking some medication, consult your doctor or stop its consumption before fully moving on to CBD.
Cannabidiol can interfere with certain medications and cause complications. Sometimes, CBD can also affect the liver by breaking down toxins. However, all these complications can be avoided if one takes extra care while using CBD. The reason is simple. There is not enough data available on it.
However, experts cite a lack of clinical data behind slow progress in the acceptance of CBD as the mainstream pain reliever. Those who have benefitted from it want large-scale clinical trials to be conducted to assess its full effectiveness. For example, many claims have been made regarding muscle recovery and enhanced sports performance among athletes due to CBD, but there’s not enough research. Industry watchers believe approval for more clinical trials to assess CBD’s effectiveness in sports in the US could come soon — either this election year or the financial year.
What Does The CBD Oil Cure?
Personal accounts of thousands of people who have used cannabidiol show it can be a panacea for most diseases, especially those affecting our mental health. However, scientifically speaking, CBD is now the US FDA-approved medicine for extremely cruel childhood epilepsy. Those suffering from seizures have got immense benefits from it. Anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, arthritis — CBD has exhibited the potential to emerge as a strong alternative against traditional medications.
CBD Proponents Claim That CBD Can Help Alleviate Cancer Symptoms at An Early Stage.
Those undergoing chemotherapy can avoid pain, nausea, vomiting, etc., provided CBD is administered in a controlled manner. However, skeptics are demanding more research in the area to understand its impact on cancer fully. Likewise, CBD has proven to be effective against multiple sclerosis. It can lower blood pressure and prevent damage to the heart. It’s a ‘wonder drug’ against anxiety and depression. Some initial results show CBD can even help postpone the onset of type 1 diabetes.
The Bottom Line
The future for CBD, considering immense positivity around it, seems promising. It’s at the nascent stage right now, and notwithstanding all the claims, it’s clear that more data is needed to understand it fully. There is a strong need for early users and those who have benefitted from it to come forward and vouch for it if they have experienced good results. They can help put pressure on lawmakers and government agencies to frame and implement CBD testing and usage laws. It’s more effective doses could be determined only if it passes through clinical tests at all levels.
Liberal and extremely open countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia are already leading the race. They are more open than others in accepting CBD. Its proponents say it’s not a matter of how but when CBD gets green signals from governments and it becomes an inseparable part of our lives.
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