CBD? What is the buzz? Is it legal? How to use it? Well if you also have these queries then this article is for you.
CBD or Cannabidiol, a compound found in Cannabis sativa is gaining a lot of attention as a potential medicine for anxiety-related disorders. No THC(Tetrahydrocannabinol) or low THC content is what makes it more appealing as THC is responsible for the intoxicating effect. Hence no feeling of being high after consumption.
Research around CBD
In recent years a lot of research shows data on how effective CBD is for stress and anxiety
- A 2015 review says that CBD interacts with certain receptors like serotonin 5-HT1Areceptor, cannabinoid type 1 receptor(CB1R) and others in the brain that regulate anxiety and fear-induced behaviors. This review provided many preclinical and clinical evidence to support CBD effectiveness.
- A 2020 study conducted on 397 adults in New Zealand showed some level of satisfaction for anxiety in 70% of participants while 9.9% of participants had adverse effects.
- Other studies showed CBD as an effective complementary therapy for social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.However, CBD dose variation which varied from 6 mg to 400mg per dose showed that clinical trials were needed to standardize dosing and clinical usage guidelines for CBD therapy.
CBD: How to Use It?
CBD infused products are available on market in many different forms from gummies to oils to chocolates. They can be used in daily life in 3 ways
- Orally
- Edible
- Vaping
Orally
CBD oral sprays and oils are gaining popularity among consumers. As they are easy to carry, keep and use. Oil can be simply dropped under the tongue quickly absorbing it into the bloodstream or mixed with a beverage like tea or rubbed on the skin. CBD oil capsules and be simply slipped with water.
CBD oils are a great alternative for people who can’t take gummies or have trouble swallowing capsules. The weedy or strong taste of CBD oil can be a problem for some people for which flavoured CBD oils can be used according to one’s choice.
CBD infused drinks like coffee is also available.
CDB Edible
Gummies, chocolates, cookies are some edible form of CBD. They can easily mask the strong or weedy taste of CBD oils. As CBD does not go directly into the bloodstream first some of its parts gets broken down in the digestive tract and liver. Hence edibles might take up hours to show their effect and also absorb only 20 -30 % of CBD consumed.
Read More: What Are CBD Toothpicks and How can you Use Them?
Vaping and Smoking
One of the fastest ways to experience the CBD effect is as CBD directly goes into the bloodstream and almost in 10 minutes 40-50 % CBD is absorbed. Smoking a high CBD flower in a joint or using a vaporizer with CBD oil or using a vape pen are a few ways of vaping.
However, it may have negative effects like smoking can expose one to carcinogens or any effects which are still not known.
Is CBD legal?
In the United States, it is illegal to grow marijuana plants hence CBD cannot be extracted from them butat the federal level, CBD with THC less than 0.3% extracted from the hemp plant is legal. Although the CBD must be produced under specific conditions like the grower must be licensed and follow state and federal regulations. According to the state, laws can be checked on CBD for usage and consumption.
A study showed that almost 70% of CBD products sold online showed incorrect information about their CBD content and some even had more THC content. Hence product authenticity is a very important point to consider before using CBD.
Final Thoughts
CBD can be used in many ways depending on what suit’s someone so it becomes crucial to try different methods and observe what works for someone. CBD side effects include weight loss, diarrhea, drowsiness, loss of appetite. CBD though has some good effects but still has only one CBD oil, Epidiolex approved by the Food drug association(FDA) hence it is very important that before using CBD one must consult a health professional so that CBD can work for us not against us.
