CBD is sold as a food supplement and can be found in drops, sprays and capsules. Many products are also available in gummies and balms.
It has a potential to ease pain, anxiety and stress. It can also help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
It can also reduce muscle stiffness and spasms in people with MS. However, the NHS has not yet approved it for these conditions.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and pain relief properties. It is also being studied for its potential to prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. CBD can be found in products ranging from beauty products to sexual health supplements. It can also be used to treat acne by blocking clogged pores and reducing oil production.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a number of functions including mood, pain sensation, and appetite. It binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies and impacts their function.
Although preclinical studies demonstrate promising outcomes, RCTs are needed to provide conclusive evidence of CBD’s effectiveness. Moreover, the heterogeneity of patient populations and the diversity of medical cannabis preparations limit generalizability.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are natural compounds in cannabis that interact with the endocannabinoid system and produce psychoactive and therapeutic effects. They bind to specific receptors on nerve cells and alter their activity to help the body maintain homeostasis, or its internal dynamic equilibrium. They have many benefits, including reducing depression and anxiety. They also help with sleep problems and increase appetite. They can even speed up the healing of broken bones.
The FDA has approved two medicinal drugs containing lab-created THC, dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (CESAMET), for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite associated with cancer chemotherapy. The cannabinoid CBD has anti-seizure and anti-anxiety properties, and it can reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. It has also been shown to have anti-tumour effects and induce apoptosis in tumour cells.
Hemp
Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that contains less than 0.2% THC. It can be grown for its seeds, fibres and flowers, or to produce CBD-rich food supplements. It is legal to buy and use in the UK, and has been shown to benefit a range of conditions.
It is high in fibre, which can help prevent constipation. It is also a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fats, which are important for heart health. Hemp seeds also contain protein, vitamins and minerals.
Blessed Hemp is a company that cares about hemp, and this shows in their products. They use a careful production process that ensures quality ingredients and minimal contamination. The oil they make is excellent for promoting sleep, alleviating anxiety and depression and managing the symptoms of long Covid.
Legality
CBD is sold in a range of products on the high street and online. It can be smoked in vape pens, taken as oil drops under the tongue or used as an oral spray or capsules. The choice is huge and can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers.
It is important to check the ingredients and make sure that the CBD product is safe to use. It should not contain any THC or other psychoactive cannabinoids, which have been linked to the euphoria associated with cannabis.
Some of these products may not have been tested properly, says the Centre for Medical Cannabis. The group blind-tested 30 CBD products bought on the high street and found that half did not contain the levels of CBD promised on the label.
Side effects
CBD can help relieve pain and anxiety without the psychoactive ‘high’ of THC. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Some of the side effects of CBD oil can include dizziness and dry mouth. These are usually mild and disappear as the body becomes accustomed to the new substance.
Unlike many pharmaceutical drugs, CBD does not have addictive properties. However, some people may feel withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the CBD supplement.
The UK Food Standards Agency states that it is legal to consume CBD products if they meet certain requirements. This includes being sourced from industrial hemp and having low-to-no THC. It is also important to check with your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially ones that interact with P450 enzymes. CBD Oils UK