CBD oil is everywhere in the market. This cannabis compound is considered to be quite a miracle since it is therapeutic in nature. For all the popularity that’s coming its way, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that CBD has, in fact, become the shining star of the health and wellness industry. However, is it really deserving to be called a magical compound, or it’s simply a scam that we aren’t able to put our fingers on?
While there are countless anecdotes of the splendorous healing effects of CBD, it cannot be denied that the research and studies in this area are still in fancy. Testimonies claim that CBD Oil is successful in helping people with anxiety, depression, inflammation, insomnia, epilepsy, seizures, cancer, chronic pains, etc. However, there have always been questions about the quality, extraction method, dosage, and potency of the CBD-infused products.
So, what is the truth behind CBD? Is it really a wonder drug or just a widespread fad? We have tried to understand the same in this article.
What is CBD oil?
If you live in America, then the answer will not surprise you. CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is nothing short of a magical compound found in the cannabis plant. However, unlike THC, CBD is incapable of giving you the ‘high’ or getting you stoned. Marijuana contains higher content of tetrahydrocannabinol, popularly known as THC and CBD contains less than 0.3% of it, which is quite less to produce high in your mind. Thus, CBD is considered safe to consume and for this very reason, has been legalized in the US, after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Bill legalized industrial hemp at federal level and it was also declared that a substance that contains more than 0.3% THC will be considered marijuana and thus, will be illegal to manufacture, sell or consume in the country. However, some states have regulated their own laws related to distribution and consumption of CBD. Thus, it is recommended to check your local laws before purchasing or ordering any CBD-infused product here.
CBD oil is one of the various products that are sold by CBD companies. A carrier oil containing an extract of CBD is usually referred to as CBD oil, however, the extraction process of the same is quite complicated. CBD oil is taken orally and usually kept under the tongue for 2-3 minutes before swallowing it.
So, how does CBD claim to heal the body?
Well, when someone consumes CBD, this compound starts interacting with the endocannabinoid system of the body, which exists in humans, animals, mammals, birds, fish, and some invertebrates.
The endocannabinoid system or ECS, is composed of cannabinoid receptors that are found throughout the body and is responsible for regulating a variety of bodily functions, such as mood, sleep, temperature, immunity, pain, anger, etc.
In case a problem arises in the body, this system releases natural cannabinoids or endocannabinoids in the body, which helps in restoring balance in the body. However, in case of complicated problems, the system is unable to solve problems on its own, which leads to chronic health conditions.
Thankfully, natural cannabinoids are found in CBD, which binds to CB1 receptors of the brain and CB2 receptors of the whole body to achieve balance in the body and thus, alleviates problems of anxiety, depression, inflammation, spasms, swelling, etc.
Is CBD therapeutic in nature?
Countless anecdotes, a few mounting studies (mostly done on animals), and pre-clinical lab tests show that CBD has the potential to heal major health conditions in human beings and animals. From being able to help in anxiety, curing insomnia, treating cancer, epilepsy, and other serious conditions, and cutting down stress and depression, CBD seems like a perfect replacement for traditional medicines and therapies.
There have been a few studies done that prove CBD is anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving in nature and that it has the potential to be an antioxidant as well.
However, more research is needed to prove the nature of CBD and whether it really is therapeutic in nature. According to PubMed, only 22 completed clinical trials of CBD have been carried out until now. The studies are also said to be of low quality and required more attention. However, as per the records of October 2019, around 164 human trials are currently registered under clinicaltrias.gov to research on CBD’s ability to help in dealing with problems like anxiety, depression, inflammation, insomnia, pain, PTSD, stress, etc.
Even so, there have been a few studies (primarily done on animals) to prove that CBD might in fact have the potential to deliver stunning results in future. For instance, this 2016 study, done at the University of Kentucky, claims that transdermal CBD may reduce inflammation in rats suffering from arthritis.
Is CBD a fad or a miracle, then?
Well, we might need a bit more time to answer that question with utmost confidence and faith. For now, the industry is flowing with CBD abundance because people are definitely giving a thumbs up to CBD-infused products.
Many physicians, doctors, surgeons, pain specialists, health care providers, and medical experts are also of the opinion to make CBD an alternate medical treatment for various health conditions. In fact, celebrities, like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, and Morgan Freeman use CBD-infused products to treat their anxiety, pain, depression, and other problems as well.
In any case, it is important to keep the following things in mind –
- Only buy from a reputed brand of CBD like CBDistillery and read the review here.
- Make sure that the THC-level is below 0.3% and you can find the concentration written on the package
- Always buy from a company that has acquired the certificate of analysis (COA)
- Also, make sure that the product you are purchasing is third-party lab tested
- Accept products that are packaged well
- Make sure that the quality of your products is really good
As mentioned before, there is still time to completely put a finger the authenticity of CBD. However, one must know that the trials are in progress and within a few years, we will have our answers.
What to do until then?
Until then, you can keep experimenting with various CBD-infused products but make sure that you buy them in high quality and potency. Go through the reviews and talk to people who are using CBD products to find relief from their problems, personally.
Conclusion
There are many unanswered and confusing questions related to science, safety, effectiveness, and potency of CBD products, and sadly, there is still no way to come to a conclusion. The dosage of each CBD formulation hasn’t been regulated by Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, one cannot put a finger on whether CBD comes with any side-effects. Well, since it is naturally-occurring and non-psychoactive in nature, chances are that there won’t be any, but then again, you cannot be sure that there won’t be. A lot of questions with no or very limited answers, and yet people across the world are unable to stop themselves from taking advantage of the relieves provided by this magical product will all call CBD, and claiming that it comes with only benefits and no drawbacks. Well, you can listen to them or wait for further research, or simply, just try it for yourself.