CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol. This is one of the most prevalent active ingredients of marijuana. It’s among the most essential medical marijuana’s components. CBD is derived from the hemp plant. What differentiates it from the other components like THC is the fact that it doesn’t cause the “high” that people associate marijuana with.
The cannabis Sativa plant, also called hemp or marijuana, has more than 80 identified chemicals. These chemicals are called cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. THC is responsible for the “high” that people get when they consume marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. That means it doesn’t get a person high.
How CBD Works
CBD has antipsychotic effects. When a person uses a CBD vape pen (get more) to ingest this component of marijuana, it acts like the cannabinoids that are naturally produced by the body. A cannabinoid is a chemical with drug-like effects on the body. It affects the immune system and the central nervous system. Naturally, cannabinoids work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of the body via CBD receptors.
According to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the human endocannabinoid system helps in the maintenance of a certain homeostasis level. Although most people are learning about this system now, it has existed for millions of years. This system is found in vertebrates that include reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The UCLA further notes that cannabinoid receptors are found in different cells, organs, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Interaction of these receptors with cannabinoids impact different bodily processes positively. Some of these processes are associated with mood regulation, pain management, immune system, stress, metabolism, and sleep. Scientists have proven that these interactions have several health benefits.
Health Benefits of CBD
One of the reasons why a person may use CBD vape pen to consume this component of marijuana is to avoid the negative effects of smoke. Smoke from any source is harmful to the human lungs. Vaping CBD eliminates the risks associated with smoke because vaping does not involve combustion.
According to a World Health Organization’s report, CBD does not exhibit effects indicative of dependence or abuse potential. Up to now, there are no reports of public health-related problems associated with the consumption of pure CBD.
So far, people have touted CBD for different health issues. However, the strongest scientific evidence shows its effectiveness in the treatment of childhood epilepsy syndromes like Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet’s Syndrome. These epilepsy syndromes have not shown any response to anti-seizure medications. But, several studies have shown that CBD reduces the seizure numbers. In some cases, CBD stopped the seizures altogether.
It’s also not surprising to find a person investing in a CBD oil vape pen when suffering from conditions like anxiety. Many people are using CBD to address anxiety and insomnia misery. Some studies have also shown that CBD can help individuals fall and stay asleep.
It might also offer an option for the treatment of different chronic pain types. Preliminary research has shown that CBD can be applied to the human skin to lower the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. This cannabinoid works by inhibiting neuropathic and inflammatory pain. These chronic pain types are the most difficult to treat. Nevertheless, more research is required to substantiate claims about CBD and pain control.
Some proponents of CBD have even claimed that the cannabinoid can help in treating different disorders that relate to metabolism, as well as, the immune and nervous systems. Others have claimed that CBD can help with psychiatric disorders. Some people are also using CBD for Multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.
Side Effects of CBD
Just like any other product with positive impacts on the body, CBD has its side effects. Some of the major side effects of cannabidiol include fatigue, nausea, and irritability. CBD can increase the blood thinner Coumadin. It can also raise the levels of some medications in the blood via a mechanism similar to that of grapefruit juice.
The major safety concern that most people have when it comes to ingesting this cannabidiol with a disposable CBD vape pen is the fact that it is marketed as a supplement. CBD is generally not sold as a medication. Unfortunately, the purity and safety of dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. That’s means it’s almost impossible to know what exactly you purchase as CBD. Even if the manufacturer purports to sell CBD, you can’t tell for sure that what’s in the package is exactly what is listed on the label.
What’s more, some of the products being marketed as CBD contain unknown elements. Additionally, the most effective CBD’s therapeutic doses for specific medical conditions are not known.
Other side effects of CBD that some users have reported include:
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
Currently, there is no sufficient reliable information about CBD use during pregnancy. It’s also not known whether taking CBD while breastfeeding is safe. So, to ensure your safety and that of the baby, avoid using CBD when pregnant and breastfeeding.
CBD Regulation
Although CBD has a flux legal status, it’s readily obtainable in most places across the United States. Most states have laws that legalize CBD with different levels of restriction. Although CBD is categorized together with marijuana, the federal government does not habitually enforce laws against its use.
In 2015, the regulatory requirements by the FDA were eased for researchers that want to conduct trials on CBD. Today, people are even buying CBD online without a license for medical cannabis. And, the position of the government on CBD remains confusing and it largely depends on whether it is derived from marijuana or hemp.
But, the FDA has already approved a CBD based medication known as Epidiolex. This is a medication for rare types of epilepsy like Dravet’s Syndrome. The situation is almost the same in other parts of the world including the UK. This medication can only be prescribed for rare epilepsy types and multiple sclerosis.
The Bottom Line
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body to maintain multiple levels of homeostasis concerning the overall wellness and health of a person. Preliminary animal and human studies have shown that this cannabinoid has the potential to help in the management and treatment of different medical conditions. Hence, more people are investing in products like the CBD oil vape pen starter kit to start using the cannabinoid for different purposes.