Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit substances in the world, and many people are curious about what it can do for you. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the first cannabinoids produced by Cannabis plants. It is also the most prominent non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in the plant, accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract.
Cannabis has been linked to a wide variety of health benefits but does it have any negative side effects? The scientific literature on this topic is extremely limited; so much so that there is no comprehensive clinical review on the subject available at this time.
What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the major compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike other cannabinoids discovered in the late 60s, CBD does not produce the “high” feeling often associated with cannabis use. Additionally, CBD is currently one of the most studied compounds in the plant, if not the most studied compound in the plant, as it shows a variety of health benefits.
CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant, after THC. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the plant that produces many health benefits without any psychoactive effect. Unlike THC, CBD is not controlled by the US Drug Enforcement Agency and is legally used to treat a variety of health conditions.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD has been shown to positively affect a variety of bodily functions. It can act as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant, potentially preventing degenerative diseases of aging such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It can also reduce epileptic seizure frequency.
CBD has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-psychotic potential, meaning it has the potential to positively impact a variety of health issues. As a neuroprotectant, CBD acts to prevent oxidative damage occurring within the brain, potentially preventing degenerative diseases of aging such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
As an anti-inflammatory, it has the potential to reduce chronic inflammation within the body, potentially preventing inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. As an antipsychotic, it has the potential to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychoses.
Health Benefits of CBD on the Body
CBD has been shown to have a wide range of effects on the body, many of which have been linked to health benefits.
- Anti-oxidant – By preventing oxidative damage occurring within the brain, CBD may have the potential to prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Anti-Seizure – CBD has been shown to reduce seizure frequency in those with epilepsy, thus potentially preventing the condition.
- Anti-Psychotic – CBD may have the potential to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychoses, potentially leading to a reduction in mental health issues.
- Anti-Psychotic – CBD has been shown to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, making it an especially promising treatment for those with this condition.
- Anti-Bacterial – By inhibiting certain bacteria that are potentially harmful to the body, CBD has the potential to reduce the risk of infection.
- Anti-Fungal – By inhibiting certain fungi that are potentially harmful to the body, CBD has the potential to reduce the risk of infection.
- Anti-Oxidant – By preventing oxidative damage occurring within the brain, CBD may have the potential to prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Anti-Cancer – CBD has been shown to have anti-cancer potential, potentially preventing the development of certain cancers.
Side effects of CBD use
Despite CBD being one of the most prominent cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant and having a wide range of health benefits, it is still not 100% medically legal in the United States. This means that manufacturing and selling products containing CBD are not currently permitted by law. This means that while products containing CBD are readily available, the quality and purity of the products may vary significantly.
In addition, there is a lack of regulation surrounding CBD products, meaning they are not monitored for quality and safety. As a result of these factors, there are a number of side effects associated with the use of CBD. Some of the more common side effects include changes in mood, fatigue, dizziness, changes in appetite, insomnia, headaches, and a reduction in sex drive.
People may also experience a reduction in the amount of pain they are experiencing or their pain may lessen altogether. Side effects may be reduced or eliminated when CBD is used regularly and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
CBD is becoming more and more popular as a treatment option for a variety of health conditions. However, due to its legal status, as well as its current lack of regulation and quality control, it is difficult to know if the CBD you are using is of good quality and whether it will have any side effects.
We encourage people to do their research, speak to a healthcare professional, and, if appropriate, try CBD for themselves. CBD may offer many health benefits for those who are willing to be patient and wait for high-quality products to become available.
