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The rise of CBD has got people talking. Among the chatter are facts, opinions, and rumors that have us asking: what do we know and not know about CBD?
Short for cannabidiol, CBD has recently gained mainstream attention thanks to advances in legalities and research.
What We Know About CBD
While there is still unknown or misleading information about CBD, there is thankfully plenty of information that we do have. Here are some aspects of CBD that we’ve gathered to be true.
1. The Difference Between CBD and THC
THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana that causes a user to feel “high.” It affects the body differently in terms of how it physically makes you feel, but also what they can help with in terms of health benefit. The main difference is their interaction with receptors in the brain.
CBD provides similar benefits without affecting cognitive function, meaning your brain is still alert and functions optimally.
2. The Difference Between CBD Hemp Oil and CBD Cannabis Oil
Though their physical characteristics are similar, the difference between CBD hemp oil versus cannabis oil is in the levels of THC.
Hemp oil contains a small, limited amount of THC that is often untraceable. In contrast, cannabis oil is particularly potent. Cannabis oil will produce the sensations and euphoric feelings associated with being high; hemp will provide the benefits of the plant alone.
3.Variations of CBD
These are the types of CBD classifications that are currently available on the market.
Full-Spectrum: Cannabis-derived, from the entire plant, contains CBD, THC, THCA, and CBG, which are other phytocannabinoids present in the plant.
Broad-Spectrum: Contains all the derivatives of the plant and phytocannabinoids but no detectable amount of THC as it’s extracted.
Isolate: Purified CBD that does not contain additional phytocannabinoids.
Nano CBD: Molecules of CBD are engineered to shrink to minuscule sizes and converted to a water-soluble form, which is theoretically easier to absorb than oil-based.
While information about marketing and packaging is still controversial, products that are labeled either “full-spectrum” or “broad spectrum” are generally expected to adhere to certain classifications. Full-spectrum is to indicate that the CBD present is joined by other compounds contained in the plant that can potentially be beneficial.
Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum, though the minimal traces of THC that might have been contained are fully removed. Another type is CBD isolate, which is intended to be the purest form omitting all other compounds.
4. Its Effect as a “Drug”
The effects of CBD can vary depending on how it is combined with other compounds. However, it is not intended to produce feelings related to feeling under the influence of marijuana. The sensations that may occur are more closely associated with feeling slightly relaxed, alert, or mentally at ease.
Depending on the product, it may or may not come up in a drug test. However, tests do not aim to detect the substance, but rather THC that may accompany it. Even small amounts of THC may affect the status of a drug assessment. If CBD is not ingested but instead used topically, it will not appear.
5. What It Can Work For
Research about each condition that CBD has been reported to assist with is limited. But it is believed to be useful for treating a variety of physical and psychological ailments such as the following:
- Inflammation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Glaucoma
- Chronic Pain
- Sleep Issues
- Muscle pain
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Nausea
- Epilepsy
- Eating disorders
So far, the only FDA-approved treatment available using CBD is for two types of epilepsy. CBD is available in many forms that are evolving by the day. It’s made its way into skin care, makeup, coffee, foods in general, and other creative infusions that you might need to buy to believe. However, research regarding long-term effects is limited.
What We Still Need Information On
The biggest challenge with CBD is the way it is presented and understood by the masses. While we have a ton of data on what it is and what it can do, marketing and packaging are still confusing aspects of its experience.
Mislabeling and Content Reliability
Technicalities by the FDA do not require CBD to be regulated as a medication. Instead, it’s regarded as a supplement that allows freedom in the way that it’s manufactured and labeled. This is a problem for those looking to obtain benefits for particular needs, as well as those who may experience adverse effects from products that are not labeled true to their contents.
Studies reflect that over and under the labeling of CBD products is extremely common, which poses a threat to consumers. Sourcing CBD products that are reliably labeled, as well as having the assurance that conclusive research provides, are still kinks that need to be worked out.
Interactions with Other Medications
Understanding the interactions between CBD and other medications is already a challenge and not common knowledge. This becomes even more complicated when the products themselves are not indicative of what a person will be ingesting or what it means.
Potential Side Effects
As of June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has started approving some prescription medications containing CBD. Side effects of these products have been reported as:
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in mood
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How CBD Might Affect Men
According to more studies conducted by the FDA, male lab animals showed the development of male reproductive toxicity, including a decrease in testicular size, inability to produce sperm, and decreased testosterone levels.
A Note from GR8NESS
If you’re opting to give CBD a try, speak with your doctor about whether or not it could be right for you. Then, make sure to do your research and purchase from a reputable source.
There is still work to be done in terms of research and regulation in the CBD industry. However, there is a promising light surrounding how it may enrich the daily lives of people around the globe.
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