CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 cannabinoids produced by cannabis (or hemp) plants. It interacts with your endocannabinoid system – which acts like an on/off switch for various bodily functions – without activating CB1, the receptor responsible for producing that familiar high associated with cannabis and similar drugs acting on this system.
However, CBD works by activating the endocannabinoid system to relieve anxiety, relieve pain and enhance mood – among many other benefits. Studies have confirmed this medicine’s ability to aid conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety as well as improve sleep. Furthermore, CBD may show promise in treating fibromyalgia seizures and other chronic illnesses.
Product and Dosage Are Important
How CBD affects you depends on the product and dosage that you select, as well as any health conditions or prescription medication taken. Therefore, it is vital that when considering new supplements it is read labels carefully – including nutritional fact panels and ingredient lists to understand exactly how much CBD each serving contains. In addition, consult with your healthcare provider prior to starting any new supplements such as medications or new supplements to make sure it won’t interfere with existing treatment programs or worsen existing ones.
Before taking CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to discuss its safety with your healthcare provider as there have been no definitive studies conducted regarding its effects.
Legal Mostly
CBD products are legal in most states, though it’s important to do your homework and understand your local laws prior to making any purchases. Some states only permit medical use while in others only certain retailers carry it. When considering purchasing CBD, ensure it comes from a reputable source with transparent manufacturing practices; look for documentation such as certificates of analysis showing the amount of CBD present per batch.
Mild Side Effects
CBD does have some mild side effects, though they’re usually not related to its chemical makeup. Common negative reactions of CBD include dry mouth and drowsiness; sometimes caused by carrier oils used such as coconut or hemp seed oil in products.
To avoid THC effects, choose a distillate CBD product. These have been refined to remove chemicals that could potentially produce psychoactive highs, and will also be more quickly absorbed than full-spectrum CBD due to being separated into its components. Distillates might contain additional substances called terpenes which have their own beneficial properties such as improving mood or giving plants their unique scent. A recent review suggests combining multiple compounds can create what’s known as an entourage effect, where different chemicals interact to enhance each other’s effects resulting in greater overall results and make treatments more effective than using single compounds alone.