Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active compound sourced from a Cannabis plant. In normal conditions, it is non-psychoactive. It has a large number of health benefits that provide you with a therapeutic effect without getting ‘high’ as experienced with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).[1]
When it comes to being effective, marijuana-derived CBD products are considered much better in comparison with fiber hemp. States that have not yet legalized medical marijuana, or where CBD is unavailable, can make use of similar products that contain industrial hemp-based CBD. When using CBD oil, it is recommended to confirm your respective State laws before proceeding.[2]
Which conditions are treated by Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is very effective for treating mental health disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and different types of addictions.[3]
The physical conditions that can be treated by CBD, as shown by an experiment on rats, include arthritis. It also works as an anti-inflammatory substance for human cells.
CBD can also be helpful for treating childhood epilepsy among various other seizure disorders. A lot of people use CBD for its anti-cancer properties. It can also help people in dealing with the undesirable side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
How should Cannabidiol (CBD) be taken?
Usually, Cannabidiol (CBD) is available in different types and forms. This makes it easier for people to customize the use based on their personal preferences and medical needs. The most common forms of Cannabidiol (CBD) include:
Cannabidiol Oils and tinctures
Oils and tinctures are liquids in the form of oil that are infused with Cannabidiol (CBD). These can be placed under the tongue of a person using a dropper. The oral mucosa in the human mouth contains tiny capillaries that help in a rapid absorption of these chemical compounds.[4] For people who cannot swallow tablets or pills, oils and tinctures are the best possible option.
Cannabidiol Creams and lotions
When it comes to muscle aches and joint pains, Cannabidiol can be used through topical infused with CBD. These are especially helpful for treating skin problems like psoriasis and eczema.
Cannabidiol Capsules and pills
For the systematic and controlled treatment of seizure disorders, Cannabidiol Capsules and pills are very helpful. They can also be used for treating digestive issues. Epidiolex is a high-potency Cannabidiol drug used in the treatment of seizure disorders, approved by the Food and Drug Administration.[5]
The only downside to using Cannabidiol Capsules and pills is that it takes a long time to start becoming effective.
Edible Cannabidiol
One of the most popular ways to consume Edible Cannabidiol is through Gummies. These Gummies are inexpensive and easy to carry. They taste well and are comparatively discrete.
Vaping Cannabidiol
Vaping CBD is consumed by inhaling vaporized Cannabidiol-infused oil. They can be compared to e-cigs. Vaping Cannabidiol is one of the quickest ways to get effects. It works so fast because the chemical compounds inhaled by users are directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs.[6]
The downside to using Vaping Cannabidiol
The only downside to using Vaping Cannabidiol is that it has a chance to damage the tissues of the lung.
In what quantity should Cannabidiol be consumed?
It is often advised to start the Cannabidiol consumption in a small dose. You may choose to increase the dosage later on. Every Cannabidiol product is manufactured differently so the contents of Cannabidiol may vary from product to product. This makes it important to be extremely careful while changing the current Cannabidiol product or opting for a new dose of Cannabidiol.[7]
Important tips to consider when starting a new Cannabidiol product or changing the current Cannabidiol dosage
- People with seizures should always consult their doctor before deciding which Cannabidiol product to consume. They should also get clear dosage instructions from the doctor to avoid any problems.[8]
- The Cannabidiol oils come in a packet that contains a concentration of 1 milligram for every drop. So when you are considering dosage you can refer to this amount. However, always keep in mind to check the labels of the Cannabidiol product to ensure you are consuming the right dosage.
- Usually, the Gummies contain a standard dose of 5 milligrams in one gummy. But still, it is important to ensure as it may differ from one manufacturer to another.
- When it comes to the dosage of vaping Cannabidiol, it can get difficult as the concentration of Cannabidiol is dependant on the quantity being inhaled along with the concentration of Cannabidiol in the particular liquid.[9]
How can we know if Cannabidiol is legal in the country?
Cannabidiol products that are derived from Hemp that have less than 0.3 percent of Tetrahydrocannabinol are considered legal on the federal level. But one can not always be sure as they can be illegal in certain states. It is always best to make sure of the laws of the individual state.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are considered to be illegal on the level of federation. However, unlike the Hemp, Tetrahydrocannabinol Cannabidiol products, these may also be considered legal in some specific states. Again, it helps the best to check the laws of the state carefully before proceeding with purchase and consumption.
If you are traveling, it is not enough to adhere to the laws of your state, you must also get to know the laws of the place you are traveling to so you can avoid getting into legal trouble. When it comes to CBD products that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration or are non prescribed may be illegal.[10]
Another point to keep in mind when it comes to these kinds of products, the labels of the Cannabidiol products that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration may have labels that have a misleading or straight-up wrong information. In these cases, it is upon the user to exercise caution and use it after thorough research.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570572/
[2] Grotenhermen F. The toxicology of cannabis and cannabis prohibition. Chem Bio divers. 2007;4:1744–1769. [PubMed]
[3] Hall WD. Cannabis use and the mental health of young people. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2006;40:105–113. [PubMed]
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2731700/
[5] Pertwee RG. Pharmacological actions of cannabinoids. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2005:1–51. [PubMed]
[6] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03215940
[7] Devane WA, Hanus L, Breuer A, Pertwee RG, Stevenson LA, Griffin G, et al. Isolation and structure of a brain constituent that binds to the cannabinoid receptor. Science. 1992;258:1946–1949. [PubMed]
[8] https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/tetrahydrocannabinol-thc-containing-vaping-products-vaping-illnesses
[9] https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/tetrahydrocannabinol-thc-containing-vaping-products-vaping-illnesses
[10] Haney M. The marijuana withdrawal syndrome: diagnosis and treatment. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2005;7:360–366. [PubMed]