Marijuana has commonly been known as a drug that has a lot of conflicting research. Some countries such as Canada and states within the USA have legalized the drug for its medicinal uses. Even so, many other countries argue that it can have negative effects on the mind, especially for those under the age of 25. There has been research to support that marijuana can increase the likelihood for a psychotic illness, which are mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia. Furthermore, some may find that the drug can make them relaxed, whereas for others it can cause severe anxiety or even mild hallucinations. Because of the dangers it could potentially cause, it is advised to stay away from it. But CBD (Cannabidiol) a compound in marijuana, has been found to provide many of the benefits with less of the drawbacks.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the compounds formed in the hemp and Marijuana plant. The compound that makes marijuana famous is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) this is the cannabinoid that makes the user feel ‘high’. Even so CBD comes from the hemp plant which only contains small fractions of THC, in the UK hemp plants can’t contain more than 0.2% of THC. This means you won’t feel intoxicated or high when taking the product, and you can still receive the benefits of CBD. For instance, it can be used to treat anxiety, nerve pains and seizure disorders.
How does it work?
While it isn’t psychoactive in the same sense that THC is, it can still cause a change in your brain chemistry. When we say THC is psychoactive it’s because it can cause someone to experience, dizziness, tiredness, loss of coordination and memory loss. CBD does not have the same effect; it is a psychoactive substance, but in a different way from THC. CBD can change your mood by making you feel more relaxed and uplifted, but you wouldn’t feel overwhelmed or euphoric in the same way that THC can affect people.
We have a huge system of receptors and chemical messengers called the endocannabinoid system. The two main receptors are:
CB1 is found throughout our whole body, but mainly in the brain. It is linked to pain, coordination, thought, hunger, and memory formation. CB2 receptors are found in our immune system, it affects our pain and any inflammation.
CBD is different in chemical structure from THC. If you, we consumed Marijuana rich with THC, it makes you feel high by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD on the other hand doesn’t bind as effectively to them as THC does. Perhaps this could explain why you wouldn’t feel intoxicated when consuming CBD. Although research on CBD and the endocannabinoid system hasn’t been completed, there is speculation on if it affects a different receptor.
How can it help?
CBD can be used to help with a variety of different problems. We will go over some of the key issues it tackles and how it can help you.
Pain Relief
CBD can provide anti-inflammatory benefits, and it can provide pain relief. In doing so, it can be used to help address multiple issues related to temporary/chronic pain. Studies have found it can help those who suffer with pain from arthritis, cancer, migraine, and nerve damage.
Anxiety Disorders
A study testing the use of CBD on those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and had them prepare for a four-minute public discussion with no time to get ready. It turns out CBD helped make the participants feel less nervous, they had decreased cognitive impairment and less discomfort. Another study found CBD can become a potential treatment for a range of disorders such as: GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Not only can CBD provide relief for people suffering with anxiety, but it can potentially be seen as treatment.
Drug addiction
A study looking at people with opioid addictions found that CBD reduced their cravings and lowered their anxiety. It can provide relief for smokers as well. Another study looking at people who consumed up to 10 cigarettes a day found CBD can help them lower their cigarette use. They found CBD helped reduce their consumption by 40% compared to the placebo group in the first week. However, after 21 days, the placebo and CBD group had the same decrease in cravings and anxiety. This implies CBD can be used to lower stress for those trying to quit smoking cigarettes, or it could be a complete replacement for it.
What can I expect?
CBD has three different types of products that you can try:
- Full spectrum. This will contain all the compounds found within the hemp plant and 0.2% THC.
- Broad-spectrum. This has most of the compounds in the hemp plant, but it will lack any kind of THC in it.
- Isolate. There is only CBD in this product, none of the other compounds are found in this.
Some studies have suggested that broad-spectrum/full-spectrum CBD can be more effective than isolate. Some argue this is because the other compounds found in hemp/marijuana work together to enhance the effects of CBD.
Before you Try it
It’s important to note that CBD doesn’t work for everyone. Which is why dosing can be very important when trying it out for the first time. Additionally, a study testing CBD on depression and anxiety found it helped 78.1-79.2% of participants feel better but, 15.3%- 19.5% found their symptoms become poorer after using CBD. If you’re already on medication, check with your doctor to see if it can affect it.
Dosages
Many studies applied small doses of CBD to the participants even so, some people may require more to feel the benefits, it varies for each person. The reason why you’re taking CBD will affect how much you take as well. Try to do some research, so you’re certain how much you should take, or try using a dosage calculator to get the exact amount. If you preferred to be hands-on and try it straight away, take a small amount and then gradually increase the amount if you don’t feel it.
Side affects
CBD doesn’t work with everyone. You may experience some of the following side effects when consuming it.
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Lack of appetite
- diarrhoea
