CBD, technically known as cannabidiol, has soared in popularity in recent years, with a wide appeal to customers seeking natural alternatives to standard prescription or over-the-counter drugs for problems such as chronic pain. CBD, often connected with its psychoactive cousin, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is recognized for its relaxing effects without causing a “high.”
While new research is encouraging, CBD remains an issue with numerous misunderstandings, many of which healthcare practitioners must better grasp to aid their patients. Please continue reading to understand CBD, how it works, what conditions it may assist with, and how to locate reliable, safe products.
CBD: The Science of It
Before delving into how CBD works in the body, it is critical to understand the mechanism with which it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. (ECS). The ECS is your neuroregulatory system, which governs and controls many of your most important biological activities, including learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature regulation, pain management, inflammatory and immunological responses, and feeding.
Because cutting-edge research has proven that the ECS is dysregulated in virtually all clinical situations, modulating endocannabinoid system activity may have therapeutic potential in almost all diseases affecting humans.
THC works directly on cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, but CBD has a distinct effect. CBD has been shown to be effective as a medication therapy option for anxiety, neuropathy, and various other ailments. However, CBD’s medicinal use is not fully known at the moment.
Important distinctions In the case of CBD and THC
Cannabinoids are chemical substances produced by the cannabis plant, the most prevalent of which are cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD and THC both operate with receptors in the brain to produce neurotransmitters that affect memory, mood, hunger, anxiety, pain, and sleep.
Although CBD and THC interact with the ECS, some significant distinctions exist. THC is the primary psychoactive element in cannabis, and when consumed, it causes a substantial release of dopamine, resulting in the “high” generally associated with marijuana.
CBD, on the other hand, does not provide the same euphoric high. While their chemical structure is identical, scientists believe that the difference in the impact of CBD and THC is related to their molecular arrangement, which allows each to attach to receptors differently. Instead of producing the “high” associated with THC, CBD may enhance the effects of other cannabinoids or bind to receptors that researchers have yet to identify.
You may find that CBD is non-psychoactive, but this is not entirely true because it does produce a neuro-calming effect on the brain. However, unlike the cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in cannabis, CBD is non-intoxicating and non-psychotropic (i.e., it will not get you high).
CBD’s increase in popularity
People are looking for more natural alternatives to prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals as they seek new ways to enhance their overall health and well-being.
Despite the legalization and medicinal use of cannabis, many consumer myths persist. Furthermore, as numerous firms seek CBD in medical research, there is a rising interest in learning more about how it functions in the body.
CBD is anti-inflammatory and may relieve people suffering from pain, anxiety, insomnia, seizure disorders, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, IBS/IBD, muscle spasms, and brain injuries.
The only CBD medication currently authorized by the FDA is Epidiolex, which treats seizures caused by two uncommon and severe types of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
CBD is now being researched for its possible application in psychiatric, neurological, inflammatory, and carcinogenic illnesses.
According to emerging studies, CBD, independent of THC, seems to have the potential as part of an integrated strategy for cancer care. According to a recent meta-analysis, animal cancer models have revealed CBD’s capacity to suppress the advancement of several forms of cancer, including breast, lung, and prostate cancer.
While the future of CBD usage for various medical ailments seems hopeful, consumers should seek advice from their healthcare professional before using it.
While CBD can benefit a wide range of medical conditions, it may not be effective for everyone or every condition. There are numerous ways to ingest or administer CBD, and the best format varies on the situation and person. Sublingual and ingestible to inhalation, topical, transdermal, and suppository formulations are all included.
What to Look for When Purchasing Any CBD Products
CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are not prohibited under federal law, according to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. As a consequence of this new rule, CBD products have flooded the market, and along with excellent items, dubious CBD products have also entered the market.
In a July 2022 study, Johns Hopkins researchers analyzed more than 100 topical CBD products accessible online and in retail locations and discovered numerous instances of erroneous and deceptive CBD content labeling. The survey also found that several CBD products claimed medicinal claims that the FDA did not authorize.
Given this, it’s critical to understand what to look for when purchasing and recommending CBD to your patients. Ensure your CBD is from a reputable company like smokea.com, made from organically grown hemp (cannabis and hemp are bio accumulator plants) that can provide a certificate of analysis (COA) to prove what is on the label is accurate.
Also, search for full spectrum (including all of the plant’s synergistic cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids) or broad spectrum (containing all components except THC) goods rather than isolate ineffective products. Here are some more suggestions:
- Look for product labels that list the quantity of CBD and THC in each serving rather than simply the overall cannabis content of the container.
- Companies that make explicit health claims regarding CBD products should be avoided since the FDA does not allow this.
- Be bold and ask questions directly to CBD companies; if you can’t reach them, consider another brand.
While CBD products are typically safe, they are not without risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises examining potential side effects and dangers such as liver damage, interaction with other prescription medications patients are taking, tiredness or sleepiness, diarrhea, or changes in appetite and mood before prescribing CBD.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
