CBD…is it too good to be true?
By now you have probably at least heard of CBD oil. I am also fairly certain that you have a family member or friend comment that they have tried it. Maybe you have tried it. I have. It is everywhere. Online, specialty stores, grocery check-out shelves, even gas stations carry it. You can find CBD-infused products available today from ingestible forms like gummies to luxury branded skin care products. What is it and why do many believe it has made a huge difference in their ability to function and enjoy life?
It isn’t something new. Hemp has been grown and used for thousands of years around the world for a variety of purposes: medicine, foods, oils, art canvases, clothes, paper, and much more. The CBD Terpenes found in hemp also have a long history in the United States. In fact, seven different presidents were known to have farmed terpenes: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Andrew Jackson to name a few.
Recently in the US, more states are considering legalizing cannabis and marijuana products: Both contain two natural compounds that get the most attention: CBD and THC. The cannabis plant produces compounds called cannabinoids, which cause drug-like reactions when consumed. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products and are both found in marijuana and hemp. Marijuana contains much more THC than hemp, while hemp contains high amounts of CBD.
If you look at the chemical structure, both CBD and THC have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. The difference is the way the atoms are arranged. This is why each affect your body differently. Both CBD and THC work with the receptors in your brain that release neurotransmitters. That is why researchers believe mood, pain, sleep, and memory are affected in users and studies continue to show promise.
CBD terpenes is a chemical found in marijuana, but it doesn’t contain the psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that produces a high. Instead, it is thought to work with the body by promoting feelings of well-being. It has been and continues to be studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and some mental disorders. Currently, the only CBD product approved by the Food and Drug Administration is a prescription oil called Epidiolex which is approved in the treatment of epilepsy.
Though it’s most often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue. It can also interact with other medications you’re taking, such as blood thinners so it is important to discuss the use with your health care provider.
I believe the most valid cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products. A recent study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than a quarter of the products contained less CBD than labeled. In addition, THC was found in 18 products as per the Mayo Clinic’s 2021 report. This is why buying from a reputable source is so very important if you want to explore the possible benefits.