Right now you are likely seeing CBD everywhere and in a range of different products. This is thanks to the US Farm Bill being passed in 2018. This saw hemp that is grown on an industrial scale being legalized, as well as both recreational and medical cannabis being legalized on a state level.
All across the US, everywhere from gas stations and CVS pharmacies, to pet stores and even fast food outlets now stock and sell CBD products. With the industry for the substance showing zero signs of slowing down right now, the sale of CBD products across the US is expected to gross more than $5 billion in 2021 – 706 percent more than in 2020.
The only thing that appears to be growing faster than the CBD itself is the confusion that surrounds the products on what they are and who should and should not be using them.
What Is CBD & How Does It Work?
Cannabidiol (CBD) as it is scientifically known is a compound that comes from the cannabinoid – these are found naturally in the cannabis plant. Because of the many health benefits that CBD offers, it has gained in popularity over recent years.
It is able to provide humans with these benefits thanks to its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is made up of numerous molecules that are very similar to the molecules that are found in cannabis. It is specifically the CB1 receptors within the brain that CBD has an impact on – stopping the release of certain neurotransmitters whilst also simultaneously increasing the amount of release experienced by other neurotransmitters.
Health Benefits
The way in which CBD interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid system provides many different health benefits, which is why the substance is marketed by some white label cbd brands as a cure for all medical ailments, including cancer, anxiety, schizophrenia, and pain.
However, where CBD is most effective is as a treatment for epilepsy. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the medication Epidiolex for treating some very rare types of epilepsy. So far, this is the first and only time that the body has approved any cannabis based drugs for human consumption.
Potential Risks
When CBD is in a pure state, it is well tolerated by most human beings and animals, and is very unlikely to be abused or lead to a state of dependency. However, even though the substance has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) there are some small risks associated with its use.
These include unwanted side effects, such as causing low blood pressure, a dry mouth, and even drowsiness. In some rare instances, it may also cause injury to the liver – although this is not at all common. Other worries that some people may have regarding using CBD consist around the fact that there is still a limited amount of research surrounding it, there is a lack of regulation, and very little is known about how it can react with other prescription medications.
