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Cannabidiol is a popular natural remedy that many believe may help with common ailments. Known as CBD, it is among the more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. For many people, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is why marijuana is so popular. THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis associated with the sensation of getting high. CBD has become popular among many people looking for relief from pain and other ailments without the mind-altering properties and other side effects of cannabis or other pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD products incorporate the oil made from CBD extracted from the cannabis plant. Extracted CBD is usually diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. Products containing CBD can be found in various items such as dietary supplements, lotions, drinks, and edibles. While discount CBD oil can be found readily with varying potency, it is essential to understand the effects and potential benefits. You should always consult your doctor before consuming any CBD products.
Additionally, it’s imperative to be aware of the regulations regarding cannabis in the area you reside in. For example, in Chicago, cannabis derivatives (including CBD) containing more than 0.3% THC are legal to purchase with a Chicago medical marijuana card. The same, however, can’t be said for other states such as Texas. Where to obtain cannabis legally, residents must receive a prescription from a certified physician.
Possible Pain Relief
Cannabis has been used as pain relief therapy for centuries. More recently, some evidence suggests that certain components of cannabis, such as CBD, can induce pain-relieving effects. The human endocannabinoid system regulates things like sleep, appetite, pain, and immune response. Many believe that CBD may help ease pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity. It is thought that CBD can be beneficial for helping with chronic pain and inflammation related to conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Potential Mental Health Benefits
Anxiety disorders and other mental health issues can be debilitating for many people. Many mental disorders can impact overall health and well-being. While these conditions are usually treated with prescription medications, many of these drugs can come with unwanted side effects. As a result, many people suffering from mental health issues have turned to CBD products for a more natural treatment. While there have been no definitive studies proving the mental health benefits of CBD, many people claim that it can reduce anxiety and serve as a mild antidepressant. There are currently many ongoing studies researching the potential use of CBD as a treatment for several mental health disorders.
Possible Improved Sleep
Sleep is imperative for brain function. While you are asleep, your brain remains somewhat active, allowing cells to remove harmful substances and repair your body from the day’s activities. When someone is sleep-deprived, they usually experience memory issues and difficulty with concentrating and focusing. Additionally, lack of sleep can lead to higher chances of making mistakes. CBD users claim that products may support the natural sleep cycle by impacting the endocannabinoid system.
As discussed, the endocannabinoid system is important for sleep. This system impacts the sleep-wake cycle by making you feel alert during the day and tired at night. CBD products may help with the receptors in this system to let your body know when it is time to sleep and when you should be awake.
Potential Side Effects
As with most other natural supplements, some potential side effects can come with CBD use. While most people usually tolerate CBD products just fine, some experience diarrhea, appetite changes, and fatigue. Other rarely reported side effects could include drowsiness, sedation, and abnormal liver function test results. You should also ensure that CBD will not interfere with other medications as it can interact with some pain, antidepressant, and seizure drugs.
There are numerous CBD products on the market today. If you are interested in the potential benefits of a CBD product, you should investigate the impacts and communicate with your health care professional.
