Things You Need to Know About CBD as a Medicine
Recent years have shown a trend of a growing acceptance for cannabis, with people around the world becoming aware of its benefits and numerous governments legalizing its medicinal and recreational use. One prime reason for this is CBD, which is practically a must-have in places where it is already legal.
People everywhere are getting introduced to the benefits of CBD, and CBD oil has been one of the most sought after products in the market, mainly because of its diverse medicinal benefits.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of the main compounds that can be found in the cannabis plant. It is the primary ingredient in medical marijuana but it has come into its own distinguishable form through CBD oil, which is what CBD is normally associated with nowadays.
CBD oil, unlike marijuana, does not have psychoactive effects because of the lack of THC, which is the compound in cannabis responsible for getting you high. CBD oil is generally extracted from the hemp plant, which is a variant of the cannabis plant that is distinct from the marijuana plant. Unlike the marijuana plant, the hemp plant has little to no levels of THC.
What is CBD used for?
Because of its health benefits, CBD has gained popularity among people who want to enjoy the medicinal benefits of cannabis without experiencing the stoned feeling that cannabis is more popularly known for.
The use of CBD oil has shown great potential as medicine for a variety of ailments. Despite the relative scarcity of research to back the claims up as of now, there are continuous studies that show promise as to how CBD can be a great alternative for traditional medicines.
So far, CBD has proven to be effective in helping manage anxiety, combatting seizures, protecting the nervous system, aiding in cancer treatment, enhancing skin care, and providing overall pain relief. This basically means that CBD can provide aid to anyone who may need a boost in these aspects of their health.
How does CBD work?
There is yet to be a definitive and comprehensive roadmap as to how exactly CBD produces these numerous effects in our bodies, but it mainly has to do with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Identified by researchers in the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system is a complex system that plays a part in the regulation of several functions and processes, and the overall maintenance of balance in the body. Although science still does not have a full understanding of the endocannabinoid system, what is known so far is that it is involved in regulating sleep, appetite, memory, and mood, among other functions.
CBD is generally used through ingestion, topical application, and inhalation. Once it enters the body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system through preventing endocannabinoids from breaking down. These endocannabinoids help in making sure that internal functions are running well, and CBD use maximizes these benefits.
How long does CBD stay in the body?
How long CBD stays in the body is largely dependent on numerous factors such as a person’s metabolism, how often CBD is used, its dosage, and how it is administered. The general rule, however, is that CBD stays in the body for around one to two weeks.
There is however generally no need to worry about having CBD in your system, since it usually does not show up during drug tests. Most drug tests are designed to specifically target substances such as THC or other substances related to recreational drug use. Unlike these substances, CBD is not something that is used recreationally, but is rather utilized for its health benefits.
Are there any side effects?
Another great thing that makes CBD a promising alternative over other medicines is that CBD is often well-tolerated. If side effects do occur, these generally come in the form of relatively minor inconveniences such as dry mouth, diarrhea, a reduced appetite, and drowsiness.
If you’re looking to use CBD as medicine, it’s best to consult a doctor beforehand to ensure that your body will not react adversely to the compound in order to enjoy it.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
