The main reason why cannabis was legalized in many places is because of its medical benefits. The purpose of cannabis is no longer limited for recreational use, but most importantly, it has proven to be effective against numerous medical conditions.
An important component of cannabis that is responsible for most medical effects is the Cannabidiol or CBD. There have been a number of medical researches done subjecting its effects and benefits. CBD side effects are also subjects of recent researches that aim to find out if this famous cannabinoid has a negative effect on the body system.
If you are an experienced cannabis consumer or someone who is knowledgeable with cannabis, you should know that this plant is composed of hundreds of chemical components called cannabinoids. Among the hundreds of cannabinoids, there are two prominent cannabinoids, the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and the Cannabidiol or CBD. Both these cannabinoids can give us the effects we love about cannabis.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a prominent cannabinoid that is known for its medical effects. When in the body, it interacts with different cannabinoid receptors to become effective. CBD can be derived from a cannabis plant or hemp plant.
As two prevalent cannabinoids, it is important to know the difference between THC and CBD. THC is responsible for the high of cannabis, while CBD is more on the medical benefits. It does not mess up the brain’s chemistry, so it won’t give you the high that you expect from the weed. According to recent studies, CBD counteracts or reverses the negative effects of THC in the body system.
What are the CBD Side effects?
CBD is very popular because of its medicinal value, which is making breakthroughs in the cannabis medical community. But just like many drugs, it has some side effects, especially if taken in higher dosages. Here are the known side effects of CBD on the body:
- Dry eyes and mouth. This is common to marijuana. A study was conducted where researchers surveyed 1500 people, and 12 percent of the subject experienced dryness of the eyes and mouth after using CBD.
- Liver damage. Scientific studies showed that too much CBD intake could cause liver injury. CBD is used for anti-seizure.
- Problems with the immune system. Cannabis experts found out that CBD can cause problems with the immune system. It reduces its capacity to respond to the body system.
- Not safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are early stages of a study showing the risk of using the risk of CBD on pregnant women and breast-feeding because it contains ingredients that can be harmful to the fetus.
- Tremors. Too much CBD can cause tremors that are not helpful, especially to those who are suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
There very little evidence of other side effects of CBD to the body system, and the studies are in the early stages. Other known side effects of CBD are fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, and reduced appetite.
Is CBD safe?
CBD is now to have a number of medical benefits, but the use of CBD, especially for medical use, also has its risks. As of now, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug called Epidiolex. It is used in the treatment of epilepsy. CBD is a subject of many clinical studies that aim to prove its effectivity against a number of medical conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, a mental disorder like schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and depression, among others.
If you are taking some other form of medication and have decided to use CBD concentrates, note that it may interact with the medication and may cause unpleasant effects to the body. If you are planning to use CBD concentrates and products, it is best to consult your doctor first for prescription and for the right dosage.
What are the ways of consuming CBD?
CBD can be consumed in many ways. CBD concentrates are very popular nowadays. CBD concentrates come in many forms like CBD tinctures, oil, and edibles. They contain the purest extract of CBD with the strongest effect in the body system.
- Sublingual. You can drop CBD oil or tinctures just underneath your tongue. This is also the fastest way to feel the effects of CBD as it goes directly to the bloodstream through the saliva.
- Ingestion. Eating edibles. CBD extract can be added to food and infused to drinks to consume it. This is actually one of the easiest ways to consume CBD, especially in the medical community. CBD edibles are cookies, cakes, chocolates, and gummies with CBD extract mixed in the recipe.
- Vaporizing. This method requires you to inhale the vapor of a CBD concentrate. It grows directly to your lungs, and then it gets through the bloodstream.
- Topically. Though this method is least popular, CBD concentrate is applied to the skin as a balm, but apparently, this method is not fast-acting.
CBD health benefits
Like any other drug, CBD has its advantages and disadvantages. CBD has long been known to be a great help in the medical field because it can help in the treatment of medical conditions. It has
been proven effective against Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome. Taken in the right dosage, CBD can help reduce seizures. CBD is also used to help patients who are suffering from anxiety, insomnia, pain, and inflammatory problems.
Conclusion
As the cannabis industry is changing so very fast, it is also giving cannabis consumers access to products pertaining to the use of cannabis. CBD is known to be a prominent cannabinoid found in cannabis; thus, consumers get themselves familiar with the effects and the benefits that they can get from this cannabinoid. What is usually missed out are looking at CBD side effects.
CBD side effects may be minimal at a glance, but they should not be taken for granted. Yes, the benefits are great, but the risk of CBD side effects should not be taken for granted. The best way to use safely use CBD is to see a doctor first for prescription and taking of the right dosage. Better safe than sorry.
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