Cannabidiol (CBD) is found naturally in the cannabis plant and is one of the many cannabinoids of weed. It has no psychoactive properties, unlike THC, and is know for its medicinal properties.
CBD seems to be a buzzword lately with a multitude of products coming out in the US and Canada, as well as Australia and other countries around the globe. You will see CBD in everything from oils, skincare, food, drinks, bath salts, and more.
As further research on CBD is carried out, the more researchers are learning about its benefits. CBD is popular with medicinal medications as it contains no psychoactive properties, meaning users can get the medicinal benefits without the high and other possible negative effects. Some research has actually suggested that CBD could help with negative side effects of THC and help to minimalize the psychoactive effects of THC.
However, CBD can also induce some negative effects in some users, including dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, and lack of appetite. However, these symptoms are usually minimal.
What can CBD (cannabidiol) help with?
There are a multitude of medical issues that CBD and help with, including:
stress
chronic pain
anxiety
vomiting and nausea
addiction
inflammation
seizures
depression
sleep problems
neuropsychiatric disorders
multiple sclerosis
acne
How does CBD work in the body?
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies. This system effects how we feel pain, our memory, thinking, concentration, blood pressure, energy, moods, hunger and how we feel stress.
Endocannabinoids, which are also known as endogenous cannabinoids, found in the body. They are similar to cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG) are two of these endocannabinoids, which researchers believe to interact with your body when a particular individual needs it, so levels will vary from one person to another. These endocannabinoids help to keep the body’s system running as it should.
The endocannabinoid system is also made up of endocannabinoid receptors which interact with each other to send signals to the endocannabinoid system. The two most known about receptors are the CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors interact with the central nervous system and can control things like the spinal nerve part of your body.
CB2 receptors can be found in the peripheral nervous system, in which the endocannabinoids can send signals to the immune cells to help with things such as inflammation.
Enzymes are another part of the endocannabinoid system and will break down the endocannabinoids after they are no longer needed. Fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase are the most common two enzymes in the endocannabinoid system.
Scientists do not believe that CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same way as THC does. When THC gets into your system it will interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, just like how endocannabinoids do. This is what gives you the various effects (both positive and negative) associated with consuming cannabis, as the receptors are directly associated with how we think and feel.
Researchers think that CBD can stop the endocannabinoids from being broken down in the body, which may mean CBD has more of an effect on the body, as opposed to the mind. Research on this is still in its infancy however, and more study needs to be done to fully understand how CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
what is cbd oil?
CBD oil is an extract of the cannabis plant, in an oil form. It has no psychoactive effects and may help treat numerous problems such as sleep problems, stress, anxiety, pain, inflammation, seizures and more.
CBD extract is infused with a carrier oil like hemp oil or coconut oil and products containing it are becoming more available on today’s market for over-the-counter products. CBD can also come in the form of edibles, such as CBD gummies, capsules, and sprays.
You may also find CBD oil in skincare products, bath products, such as bath bombs and Epsom salts, and you can even add CBD oil into drink and when cooking, or just straight onto your tongue.
Dosing of CBD is much to the individual and your own tolerance level. We always advise to start small when first trying CBD and work up to your desired dose or affects you are looking for.
CBD oils will contain various levels of concentration and can include a completely CBD only oil or one that is ‘full spectrum,’ meaning it also contains traces of other compounds such as THC, terpenes and flavonoids.
Are there any side effects of CBD oil?
As CBD is not psychoactive and is used in medical settings, it is generally safe and side effects are usually minimal, although there are a few things you may notice.
You may feel tired or fatigued or have a change in your weight. It could also give you diarrhoea. You also may not be able to take other kinds of drugs or prescription medications when taking CBD oil. Always talk thoroughly with a medical professional before taking CBD to treat a specific disorder.
Is CBD legal in Australia?
Since 2015 CBD oil has been legal in Australia, but it must contain at least 98% cannabidiol and 2% or less of any other cannabinoids found within cannabis.
In recent months CBD was changed from Schedule 4 (prescription only) to Schedule 3, meaning it is technically available over the counter in a low dose form. However, there are currently no TGA approved products on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) so it still may take some time for Aussies to start using CBD oil.
The only current way you can get CBD is from a prescription from your doctor. But hopefully, with other countries like the US and Canada leading the way, it is only a matter of time that we will see CBD products available to everyday Australians.
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