First, it’s important to state that Empower Brokerage makes no claims as to the research or information in this post and does not claim to have a stance one way or another on the CBD issue. This post is for information purposes only.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has recently gained popularity as consumers begin to explore it as a natural remedy for common ailments. It is seemingly everywhere and in everything, from lotions to chocolate, but what is CBD exactly? And how do you use CBD oil for pain?
What Is CBD?
CBD is a “cannabinoid” extracted directly from the hemp plant, not the marijuana plant. It is not an intoxicant, unlike the well-known THC cannabinoid. Despite having psychoactive properties, CBD does not induce the “high” commonly associated with marijuana.
It is, however, important to make a distinction between two main versions of CBD; Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate. The Full Spectrum CBD contains .3% or less of THC naturally from the hemp plant. This is enough to throw a positive on a drug test if you take it long-term, but not enough to get you high. The small amount of THC adds an additional punch to the pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil. The CBD Isolate has zero THC and won’t test positive on drug tests because it has zero psychoactive chemical THC in it. However, CBD Isolate is still very beneficial as an anti-inflammatory and for general health according to many.
Is CBD legal?
All 50 states have CBD specific laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction. The only CBD product federally approved, however, is Epidiolex used to treat epilepsy. As of 2019, the legality of CBD is expected to change, as there is currently bipartisan consensus in Congress to make hemp-CBD legal for food and dietary supplements.
How Does CBD Work?
Cannabinoids are chemicals that stimulate receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is believed ECS regulates physiological and cognitive functions that maintain homeostasis – bodily equilibrium despite environmental changes. While scientists continue to research CBD benefits, encouraging claims suggest usefulness for a wide variety of health issues like seizures, anxiety, insomnia, depression, chronic pain, to name a few. In simple terms, CBD is thought to give the ECS a “boost” improving homeostasis. Read the this article for a deeper explanation on how cannabinoid receptors work in the body
CBD Products
The most common question from consumers interested in CBD oil is: How do you use it? There are four main ways to consume CBD: inhalation, sublingual drops, topical application, and ingestion. The most common formulation is oil however consumers can find various CBD-infused products online such as extracts, vaporized liquids, capsules, food, drinks and beauty products to name a few. Consulting with a healthcare professional is a good place to start when trying to determine the right method and dose.
Is CBD oil safe?
CBD is largely tolerated. According to the Mayo Clinic the most commonly reported side effects include dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. There is a risk that CBD may interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. Since it is currently not regulated by the FDA, another concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products. Bottom line talk to your doctor if you are thinking about trying CBD.
When asked, one of my sources told me that his wife takes CBD Isolate for chronic back pain and that it has been extremely beneficial minimizing the pain and inflammation she normally experiences. But, because of her job, they decided not to use the Full Spectrum variety.
No matter what your particular view is on the subject, one thing is certain. It’s an interesting topic and should provide decades of future research opportunities.
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