Image: By Deceptitom - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69774902
Despite the prevalence of CBD products in the market, myths surrounding them continue to circulate. These myths range from exaggerated claims of health benefits to outright dismissal of CBD as a scam with numerous side effects. However, the truth lies somewhere between these extreme viewpoints.
By Brittany Cotton.
This post aims to debunk the common CBD myths and provide an accurate understanding of the facts. The post's objective is to ensure you can attain genuine therapeutic results from CBD.
An Overview of CBD
In recent years, the media has overwhelmed people with claims about CBD health benefits, leaving many wondering: What exactly is CBD? Is it just a passing trend, or does it offer tangible benefits? This post has everything you need to know to address these questions.
Among the 100+ compounds in the cannabis plant, cannabinoid (CBD) has remarkable benefits. While CBD shares a connection with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two are distinctly different. Unlike THC strains that can induce or aggravate anxiety and lead to addiction or cravings, CBD doesn't cause anxiety and lacks psychoactive properties. Indeed, ongoing research is exploring its potential to assist addiction recovery.
Given the abundance of information available, distinguishing facts from myths can be challenging. That's precisely why this article thoroughly reviewed reliable sources and compiled essential knowledge for you. Read on to discover much about CBD, including its benefits, side effects, and common misconceptions.
Benefits of CBD Oil
To create CBD oil, manufacturers extract it from the cannabis plant and then dilute it with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. This oil is readily available in several products, both online and in physical stores, spanning from dietary supplements and bath soaks to beverages and food items. Now, let's delve into the verified CBD health benefits.
Relieves Anxiety and Depression
CBD's widespread use can be attributed to its outstanding ability to promote a sense of calm. In a simulated public speaking test conducted in 2017, 57 individuals participated to assess their anxiety levels. Before delivering their speeches, some individuals were administered a placebo, while others received varying CBD dosages: 150 milligrams, 300 milligrams, or 600 milligrams.
During the test, the researchers observed a significantly decreased anxiety in the group administered 300 milligrams of CBD, as opposed to the placebo group. Surprisingly, the group receiving either 150 or 600 milligrams of CBD reported higher anxiety levels than 300.
Furthermore, a study conducted on mice demonstrated that CBD exhibits effects similar to the antidepressant imipramine. However, it is crucial to conduct human trials to approve whether CBD can elicit a similar antidepressant response in human bodies.
Alleviate Pain
Since 2900 B.C., the Chinese have utilized cannabis to alleviate pain. Researchers speculate that compounds such as CBD play a role in these therapeutic effects. The endocannabinoid system regulates pain sensation by utilizing neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors.
Numerous studies indicate that CBD can potentially alleviate chronic pain by modulating endocannabinoid receptor activity, interacting with neurotransmitters, and lessening inflammation. Promising preclinical evidence from 2021 suggests its potential efficacy in treating rheumatic conditions like fibromyalgia.
Decrease PTSD Symptoms
In a 2018 study, researchers conducted a small-scale investigation involving 11 individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These individuals received CBD alongside regular psychiatric care for eight weeks at an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Out of the 11 participants, 10 reported reduced PTSD symptoms.
The researchers noted that the participants tolerated the CBD properly, highlighting the significance of combining therapy with cannabis or CBD for PTSD treatment. According to these researchers, while therapy plays a crucial role in addressing PTSD, CBD provides an additional benefit of reducing anxiety.
Lessen Diabetic Complications
Initially, experiments conducted on human cells revealed that CBD effectively mitigates the impact of increased glucose levels on other cells within the body. Such increases act as a precursor to the development of diabetes and several associated complications.
Based on these findings, researchers concluded that CBD may offer significant advantages for individuals with diabetes, including managing diabetic complications and reducing plaque accumulation in arterial walls.
Researchers conducted a study with individuals who had type 2 diabetes and were not receiving insulin treatment. During the study, they administered CBD and a placebo to the participants.
The researchers observed that CBD led to a decrease in their resistin levels, a protein responsible for insulin resistance, while concurrently increasing the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide levels. This particular hormone ensures an adequate release of insulin in response to consumed food.
The outcomes of this investigation indicate that CBD possesses the potential to serve as a natural remedy for diabetes, aiding in the regulation of insulin-related hormone levels within the body.
Treat Opioid Addiction
Multiple studies, including preclinical trials on animals and clinical trials on humans, show that CBD can aid individuals dependent on opioids. In a specific study, researchers administered CBD to individuals diagnosed with heroin use disorder. Over one week, CBD significantly reduced cue-induced cravings, resting heart rate, withdrawal anxiety, and salivary cortisol levels among heroin users. Notably, the study reported no serious adverse effects.
Additional studies indicate that CBD can be beneficial in alleviating various psychiatric and medical symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, and pain, in patients with substance use disorders. These findings suggest that CBD could serve as an effective treatment for opioid addiction. However, further research is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of its potential in this context.
What Ailments or Issues Does CBD Oil Help Improve?
Epilepsy Syndromes
CBD has shown effectiveness in treating epileptic seizures in some instances. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted the use of CBD, specifically under the brand name Epidiolex, to address seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, the two are rare epilepsy types that typically affect patients aged two and above.
Three meticulously conducted researches supported the FDA's decision to approve CBD. These trials involved patients diagnosed with either Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. During the trials, the researchers administered either Epidiolex or a placebo alongside prescribed medications to the participants. The results revealed that Epidiolex, when used in conjunction with other prescribed treatments, significantly reduced the frequency of seizures compared to the placebo.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Symptoms
ALS is a progressive disease characterized by the deterioration of brain and spinal cord nerve cells, leading to loss of muscle control. While the exact ALS cause remains unknown, it can sometimes be hereditary. Unfortunately, there is no cure for ALS, and only two FDA-approved medications are available to alleviate its symptoms.
Studies indicate that individuals with ALS may experience benefits from the combined THC and CBD effects. In the study, researchers administered varying THC and CBD doses to patients based on their needs and preferences.
Patients with mild, moderate, or severe spasticity (muscle tightness and stiffness) caused by ALS reported high satisfaction with the treatment. Notably, individuals with moderate to severe spasticity expressed higher satisfaction rates than those with mild spasticity.
Heart Health
High blood pressure increases the risk of various health conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. Research suggests that CBD can be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure because it can affect the heart muscle contractions and enhance the widening of blood vessels.
For instance, a study involving healthy participants demonstrates that administering 600 milligrams of CBD over seven days can result in substantial short-term reductions in blood pressure compared to a placebo group.
However, it is worth noting that the effects were sustained within seven days. Therefore, while these findings are promising, further research is necessary to explore the potential of CBD treatment for heart health.
Facts vs Fiction About CBD Oil
Fiction:CBD Causes Intoxication
Fact:CBD Enhances Mood Without Psychoactive Effects
You may think that CBD, a compound derived from the cannabis plant, gets you high. However, this is a fiction. CBD does not have psychoactive properties, meaning it does not alter your consciousness or make you feel "high."
The confusion about CBD's effects stems from the fact that it comes from the same plant family as marijuana. But while marijuana contains high THC levels, the compound that produces "high" CBD products is derived from hemp, which contains insignificant THC content.
Fiction:CBD is a Mere Deception
Fact:CBD Contains Beneficial Active Compounds
You may have heard that CBD is a mere con, but this is a myth. CBD has active ingredients similar to the endocannabinoids your body produces naturally. These endocannabinoids activate receptors in different body parts, leading to several beneficial effects, such as reducing inflammation, relieving chronic pain, easing neuropathic pain, lessening headaches, alleviating anxiety, reducing depression, treating PTSD, and improving sleep.
Fiction:CBD is Devoid of Side Effects
Fact:CBD can Interact with Specific Medications
Most people recognize CBD as safe with minimal side effects. However, it has the potential to interact with certain medications. For instance, it can influence the metabolism of certain drugs in your body, potentially altering their blood levels and impacting their therapeutic effectiveness.
These potential side effects emphasize the significance of seeking guidance from a physician when using CBD. Providing your medical history and disclosing the medications you are currently taking to physicians allows them to prescribe a safe CBD dosage tailored to your circumstances.
Fiction:All CBD Products Yield Identical Outcomes
Fact:Each CBD Product is Unique
The quality of CBD products can vary significantly. FDA testing has revealed discrepancies between the CBD content stated on product labels and the actual content. In some cases, tested CBD products contained no CBD at all.
The effectiveness and potency of a CBD product depend on its manufacturer. Since achieving therapeutic results relies on consuming the correct dosage, the health benefits offered by various products in the market still need to be determined.
How To Know What To Believe About CBD Oil
CBD has garnered increasing attention as a therapeutic option for diverse ailments, yet only a single product has obtained FDA approval. The legality of unapproved CBD products varies across states. Thus, as regulations in the United States become more stringent, you can anticipate the emergence of precise dosages and prescriptions.
In the meantime, it is advisable to consult a healthcare expert for guidance regarding the appropriate product selection and recommended dosage. Conducting thorough research is also crucial to ensure regional and local laws compliance. The FDA serves as a trusted source of information, offering insights on a broad spectrum of topics about CBD usage.
Potential CBD Oil Drawbacks
While most studies consider CBD safe, it can lead to specific adverse reactions such as changes in appetite and weight, diarrhea, and exhaustion in some individuals. Additionally, studies focused on childhood epilepsy have reported other side effects, including drowsiness, abnormal liver function test results, pneumonia, and sedation.
It is worth noting that these effects may arise from CBD interacting with other medications, particularly clobazam, as CBD has the potential to interact with various drugs. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a qualified healthcare expert who can guide you on the appropriate dosage and assess your risk of experiencing side effects.
Plus, it helps to be cautious when buying CBD products, as low-quality options are prevalent in the market. Opting for products that have undergone third-party testing for quality and purity is essential to ensure you choose a reliable and safe product.
The Parting Shot
The research surrounding CBD has yielded predominantly positive results, generating excitement about its potential to address common health conditions and disorders. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that clinical research is still in its early stages. Thus far, most studies have been preclinical lab studies utilizing animal models, with limited clinical trials.
Nevertheless, the findings from ongoing research align largely with anecdotal reports, providing consistent outcomes. As hurdles to research continue to diminish, the prospects for CBD appear promising. Thus, it is vital to discern between facts and fiction. All indications strongly suggest that CBD is a safe, effective, and powerful treatment option for several health issues.
Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)
