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In states where the use of medical marijuana has been legalized, you will notice that cannabidiol (CBD) products are everywhere. Coffee shops have CBD lattes and spas are offering CBD facials. There are lotions with CBD or hemp oil as ingredients and CBD gums for people suffering from arthritis. However, it is important to figure out how to use CBD and how to make sure that you are buying the legitimate stuff.
What is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is a chemical compound that can be derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, an annual herbaceous flowering plant that can be found in warm lowland regions. The term marijuana is often used interchangeably with cannabis but cannabis is a group of 3 plants with psychoactive properties – cannabis sativa, cannabis Indica, and cannabis ruderalis.
CBD from the cannabis sativa plant has a naturally occurring substance that is widely used in products and edibles to provide a feeling of relaxation and calm. CBD is not psychoactive unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is the main component of marijuana.
Since CBD is the non-psychoactive portion of the plant, it does not have the side effects of euphoria. According to Dr Junella Chin, DO, an osteopathic physician and medical cannabis expert, there are people who act differently to CBD for unknown reasons. They are usually the same people who experience side effects from Advil or Tylenol. Since the FDA does not regulate CBD, it is important to determine whether the product you are buying has been quality tested because it may be more potent or less potent than advertised.
FDA has approved a CBD medication for the treatment of certain forms of epilepsy last year but many people have declared that CBD has helped them with several medical conditions like back pain, osteoarthritis, and cancer. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence but it is difficult to state the real benefits due to lack of research.
Does CBD work for pain management?
According to Dr Houman Danesh, MD, director of integrative pain management for Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, there are different kinds of pain – musculoskeletal and nerve. There are some evidence that suggest that CBD combined with a little THC works best for pain. However, CBD alone may also work for some types of pain. In New York, CBD alone is available over the counter but if you add THC, a prescription will be required.
It is also worth trying CBD to manage symptoms of anxiety. It mellows out the nervous system and tells the body to calm down and feel more relaxed. CBD being a wonder drug that cures all is only a misconception. It is always important to have plenty of exercise, good nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle because there is no medication that fixes all health conditions.
People who do not want to ingest CBD have the option of topical CBD ointment, lotions, oils, and roll-ons. Most people prefer CBD roll-on to alleviate muscle pains and aches. To get rid of aches quickly, it is suggested to buy a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD roll-on stick.
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