According to a Gallop poll , 49% of Americans aged 65 and over are not familiar with CBD products. Only 8% use CBD products. This is a significant number of people who aren’t aware of the potential benefits and disadvantages associated with this popular therapeutic product.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is the second most common active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). Although CBD is an important component of medical marijuana (marijuana), it is extracted directly from the hemp plant. CBD is one of many components of marijuana. However, it does not produce a “high”. That would be tetrahydrocannabinol.
The human body has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which receives and interprets signals from cannabinoids. The ECS regulates functions such as sleep, pain receptors, and immune-system function. The body makes its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids. CBD appears to make the body use more endocannabinoids for pain relief, inflammation, and other purposes.
What are the conditions that CBD can help?
CBD has no health benefits other than Lennox–Gastaut (LGS) or Dravet Syndrome (two forms epilepsy). CBD is also believed to have a number of health benefits, including the ability to relieve pain.
- Acne
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anxiety
- Arthritis pain
- Depression
- Inflammatory pain
- Multiple sclerosis: Muscle spasm
- Cancer-related nausea and vomiting
- Nerve-related pain
- Sleep disorders
These benefits are being supported by numerous studies.
What are the best ways to buy CBD products?
Before you try a new type of health product, it is important to consult your primary care doctor first .
You can buy CBD products online and in stores. You can take CBD orally in the form of a capsule, candy, or oil. You can also apply it topically with a cream. Before you buy, ensure that you have thoroughly researched the company and product.
Virginia Commonwealth University’s toxicologists examined nine liquids used in electronic vapes. One contained dextromethorphan. This is an over-the-counter cough medication and can be addictive. Four of the liquids were found to contain a synthetic cannabis oil, often called Spice. These can cause anxiety, psychosis and even death according to a last year study in Forensic Sciences International.
CBD is not a medicine, but a supplement. The FDA doesn’t regulate the purity of supplements. This is the main reason CBD is not popular. You cannot be certain that the product contains the listed active ingredients. Other elements may also be present in the product.
Keep in mind, however, that CBD derived solely from hemp was legalized federally in December 2018. However, the FDA continues to research it and some states still have restrictions.
CBD has side effects
According to what we know, side effects of CBD seem to be mild in adults. According to Harvard Health Publishing, side effects include nausea, fatigue, and irritability. CBD can interact negatively with grapefruit juice and coumadin/warfarin.
It is important to consult your doctor before you start using CBD products.
Researchers will continue to learn more about CBD’s positive and negative effects. We may also discover more about our bodies, and natural ways to maintain their health that aren’t dependent on prescriptions.
