Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural component gaining interest in recent years. It is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis. Here are some frequently asked CBD questions addressed by two mental health practitioners who specialize in this field:
What is CBD?
Is it the same as Cannabis, Hemp, or Marijuana? Cannabidiol is the term for CBD. It’s one of about 200 different cannabinoids found in marijuana plants.
CBD isn’t psychotropic, and it has a distinct pharmacological profile from other psychoactive cannabinoids. Both marijuana plants and hemp contain CBD.
Is CBD (and its derivatives) safe to use?
If a product has gone through sufficient safety testing, it will be deemed safe. However, due to the increased popularity of CBD products, this is no longer the case. The FDA has sent numerous warning letters to firms marketing unapproved new drugs that purportedly include cannabidiol. When reviewing any CBD product ensure that it has a certificate of analysis which is prepared by an independent laboratory.
The FDA has conducted analyses of some cannabis-derived chemicals to ensure that they meet the agency’s standards, and many were found to fall short. It’s worth noting that the FDA does not authorize these items for use as a diagnostic, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention tool for any illness. Consumers should be wary of using and purchasing any untested CBD products.
CBD appears to be appearing in a variety of items (shampoos, cosmetics, oils, bath salts, etc.). Most manufacturers are selling various CBD products in the market claiming to have various therapeutic uses.
Is it true that CBD aids when used in products?
There’s no evidence that CBD has any advantages when used with other ingredients. Furthermore, the amount of CBD present in each of these goods is unknown.
CBD Oil for Depression
Is it possible that, when taken continuously over a long time, cannabidiol (CBD) might help with anxiety and depression?
There is some evidence that CBD may be beneficial in treating a variety of medical issues. However, there is considerably less data on the use of CBD to treat depression. There is only pre-clinical evidence for most indications, with a sprinkling of limited clinical evidence.
CBD’s effectiveness in treating various ailments is consistent with its neuroprotective, antiepileptic, hypoxia-ischemia, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties of this product.
There is presently insufficient scientific evidence to suggest that CBD oil is an effective treatment for depression or anxiety. That does not imply it would not assist, but there haven’t been adequately controlled clinical trials to suggest whether CBD may be used to treat anxiety or depression.
Considerably more study is needed to determine if CBD has the potential to be used in treating depression and anxiety.
There are several active clinical trials underway to examine the potential advantages of CBD for a range of diseases, including alcohol use disorder, pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions. Most of these studies are being done in the United States, although some other countries throughout the world are involved.
A synthetic form of cannabidiol (CBD) is also under investigation in conjunction with THC (the primary psychoactive component of Cannabis). Sativex, a CBD+THC combination product, is licensed for cancer pain and spasticity in Europe and Asia.
Is CBD legal in the United States?
The FDA authorized GW Pharmaceuticals’ purified CBD extract (Schedule 5 compound) in 2018 as a treatment for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two forms of epilepsy. Epidiolex is the brand name of the medication.
Thus it is essential to note that other CBD drugs are not FDA approved for use to manage various medical conditions. When using such products, ensure that you consult your doctor, who will advise you on their effectiveness and risks.
Are there any cost restrictions for CBD?
Only for an FDA-approved drug
Look for scientific evidence to back up any claims, such as controlled trials or proof that a reliable source has assayed the product to verify chemical components. Talk with your doctor. The American Academy of Clinical Assessors (ADAA) offers a free online search engine to locate mental health professionals in the ADAA membership.
What are the Various Forms of CBD?
CBD is available in various forms, including oil, capsules, sprays, and topicals. It can be inhaled or ingested as a tea or food product.
CBD Oils are Available in Different Strengths.
CBD oils are available with a concentration of CBD ranging from 2%-10%. These concentrations may be increased or decreased if you’re using an oil that has been previously used (for example, after it has been taken by someone else). CBD is determined using milligrams (mg) on the bottle, and the label will contain instructions on the recommended daily dose.
CBD Capsules are other forms that are taken orally. These capsules are typically CBD isolates derived from hemp, a plant in the cannabis family.
CBD Topicals may include balms, lotions, salves, and lip balm. They’re typically applied to the skin on areas such as the hands or elbows for localized relief of pain or inflammation.
CBD edibles such as gummies, chocolates, and ice creams are available for those who prefer to enjoy their CBD in a sweet treat. The FDA prohibits adding CBD to alcoholic beverages because it’s an unapproved drug, although the agency has indicated that it will consider allowing for CBD-infused drinks in the future.
CBD vaping-inhaling vaporized CBD oil -is another option. “Vaping is less harmful than smoking because you don’t have the by-products of combustion.
Conclusion
CBD oil is a top-rated product due to its medical claims. Many people have used CBD oil to cure health problems that affect the body differently. One needs to know all about CBD oil before using it, just like everyone should know, and everything about any product they intend to take.
Ensure that you consult your doctor before taking any CBD oil for anxiety or CBD oil for depression. The legal status of CBD oil may vary depending on how its produced, where it’s made, and the components in it. It is important to note that more research is required to back up the medical claims of CBD.
