CBD: Cannabidol Claptrap or Super Supplement?

CBD: Cannabidol Claptrap or Super Supplement?

What is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is the second most prominent natural chemical compound, below tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), of over eighty-five cannabinoids found within the hemp/cannabis plant, representing forty percent of its extracts. As a non-psychoactive compound, CBD does not act on the same pathways as THC, and is therefore not responsible for the intoxicating ‘high’ associated with illegal marijuana use. Nevertheless, until now, CBD has lived long in the shadows of THC, but continued research has suddenly highlighted its potential health benefits.

Health Benefits Of CBD: The Facts.

In the past, there has been much misinformation surrounding the CBD compound, which is relatively understandable when you consider that CBD shares many similarities with THC at a molecular level. When extracted in oil form, CBD may often be found mixed in varying hemp oil combinations that contain, virtually, no traces of THC, meaning it is impossible for any CBD oil product to cause your body harm. In fact medical evidence strongly suggests that CBD actually turns around the negative effects of THC, for example; while THC is thought to cause many individuals to feel anxious or paranoid, CBD is believed to relieve those effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiols also work to neutralise the chemicals within the body that cause inflammation, making CBD a vastly growing popular choice of alternative treatment for those who suffer with fibromyalgia or other types of swelling, chronic pain & stiffness. Those often overcome with stress or anxiety may also find relief in a CBD product, thanks to cannabidiol’s antipsychotic properties, which ‘slow things down’ to provide more stable mental environment.

How do I use CBD?

Like any form of medication (natural or pharmaceutical) it is always best to seek the advice of a medical practitioner before considering the use of a cannabidiol. CBD brands vary so different concentrations are available, with the highest concentrations tending to provide the more effective results but at a significant cost in price. The needs of the patient should be considered too – how serious is the pain? – what type of disease does the patient suffer with?

The most popular choice of CBD Oil treatment appears to be when taken orally every three to five hours. A drop of CBD oil under the tongue is thought to be the quickest way of getting it into the blood stream and subsequently to the brain, which identifies pain and may be subject to neurodegenerative diseases.

Is CBD legal?

Evidence of CBD’s medical benefits continues to grow and while most countries have strict laws surrounding THC, the legal status of CBD is a little unclear. For example at the time of writing, CBD was technically illegal in the United States of America because it was classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law. However, cannabidiol oil derived from industrial hemp plants is thought to be widely available for purchase in all 50 American states (confused? You will be!).  Here in the UK things are a little clearer and, and CBD cannabis oil is only derived from UK & EU approved industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.). With this in mind, CBD is comfortably within the EU legal limit of 0.2% THC and will not get an individual ‘high’.

CBD: A Final Thought.

Quite simply, hemp is cannabis and cannabinoids come from hemp flowers. Call it what you like – ‘a cannabis cocktail’ – ‘medicinal cannabis’ or ‘CBD hemp oil’, the facts remain that there are approximately 50 approved EU strains of CBD which are highly regarded for their naturally calming and soothing properties.