What is CBD?

What is CBD?

Dec 19, 2022Taylor Zavala

WHAT IS CBD?

Cannabidiol is known to many people under the name CBD. The beneficial active ingredient is derived from the hemp plant's flowers and leaves and has a variety of health-promoting properties. Unlike THC, however, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce a high. While the science of CBD is still in its infancy, some amazing discoveries have been made.

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol - better known by the abbreviation CBD - is currently experiencing a real boom. CBD is one of hundreds of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Hemp has been valued for thousands of years for its health-promoting properties. The areas of application are very diverse. In the meantime, science has also dealt extensively with the plant and its active ingredients.

Cannabidiol has antispasmodic properties

Researchers were able to provide amazing insights into the so-called hemp cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids, which are found in our bodies, are very similar to cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are cannabis-like substances produced by the body. They are a component of our body's natural cannabinoid system. Since hemp cannabinoids can also dock to this system, they support processes in the higher organs, which in turn has a positive effect on health. Cannabidiol has anticonvulsant properties and has been shown to help treat spasms in MS patients and children suffering from a rare form of epilepsy. However, other pharmacological potentials that cannabidiols are said to have still need to be investigated in more detail.

Effect of CBD in the body

In connection with CBD, many people ask themselves whether the active ingredient has an intoxicating effect. After all, CBD is closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC for short, also commonly known as "weed or marijuana"), which is known to induce a feeling of intoxication. THC and CBD are the most studied components of cannabis in science. However, when it comes to CBD, research is still in its infancy. However, one thing has been scientifically proven: CBD has no psychoactive properties and therefore cannot produce a high. Anyone who consumes CBD does not experience a "high feeling". This is because CBD affects the receptors in the human body differently than THC. Many people today would like to benefit from the health-promoting properties of the hemp plant without getting intoxicated and without becoming addicted. With CBD it is possible.

What is CBD used for?

The non-psychoactive CBD is now approved as a medicinal product in most countries and can be prescribed by a doctor. However, many users rely on those CBD products that are classified as dietary supplements. CBD is said to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, calming and regulatory effects. Cannabidiol is often recommended for pain, stress, sleep issues, skin ailments, and nervous disorders. In addition, CBD is said to help with depression, back pain, migraines, rheumatism, arthrosis and allergies. Numerous users report positive experiences in connection with CBD. However, the diverse modes of action of CBD will have to be examined more closely in the coming years.

Factors that can affect CBD's effects include:

  • age and type of complaints
  • Pre-existing illness
  • body weight
  • Frequency and regularity of intake
  • dosage
  • other diseases
  • additional intake of other medications
  • genetic predispositions

Side Effects & Interactions of CBD

CBD do not produce any intoxication, do not lead to addiction and are generally well tolerated. CBD is considered to have relatively few side effects. However, everyone is different, which is why CBD products can sometimes induce tiredness or light-headedness. In addition, dry mouth is reported again and again. Research has also shown that taking CBD leads to low blood pressure in some people. If CBD causes stronger side effects, the dose must either be adjusted or the product discontinued.

Drug Interactions

Caution should also be exercised in the event of possible drug interactions. CDB could possibly reduce or increase the effect of medication. Therefore, always consult your doctor before taking it. Interactions could possibly occur with anticoagulants, neuroleptics, painkillers or acid inhibitors.

Who is CBD not suitable for?

If you are taking medications such as anticoagulants, neuroleptics or painkillers, you should discuss taking CBD with your doctor beforehand, pregnant women should also refrain from taking it CBD.

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