Introduction
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, also known as cannabis or hemp. Cannabidiol (CBD) affects some chemicals present in the brain, and hence they are used for anxiety, pain, seizure, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and many other conditions. There is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Research is going out to determine CBD’s safety and other benefits. In the United States, the cannabidiol drug Epidiolex was approved in the year 2018, and all drugs made from Cannabidiol (CBD) are not legal. It can be used under prescription and guidance from a trained medical professional.
What Are CBD Products?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a specific cannabinoid that can be found in hemp or cannabis plants. Cannabinoids contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive element that causes a “high” in users. Cannabidiol (CBD) lacks this psychoactive nature but causes some chemical reactions in the body and leaves users feeling relief and balance. Cannabidiol (CBD) can be obtained from different sources. Some Cannabidiol (CBD) products are sourced from hemp, and some are from marijuana. Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products are popular as compared to marijuana. Cannabidiol (CBD) products are available in different forms in the market under different product names.
It includes:
- Oil or tinctures - Easy and precise delivery system.
- Gummies - Easy to eat and transport.
- Capsule - Discrete, long-lasting effects.
- Gel or cream - Targeted treatment for pain.
- Transdermal patch - Slowly releases Cannabidiol (CBD) into the bloodstream.
- Sublingual spray - Absorbed quickly.
- Vapor - Fastest results, may contain risky additives.
- Water - Hydrating, easy to ingest, low Cannabidiol (CBD) levels, and may not last as long.
How Do CBD Products Work?
The pharmacological effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) products are mediated through G protein-coupled receptors. Cannabinoid type I (CB1) and cannabinoid type II (CB2) are mainly expressed in the hippocampus and other parts of the central nervous system. CB1 receptors get activated and inhibit synaptic transmission through action on voltage-gated calcium and potassium channels, which are known to modulate epileptiform and seizure activity. CB2 receptors are primarily expressed in the immune system and have limited expression in the central nervous system. The effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) are cannabinoid type II (CB2) receptor-independent.
Cannabinoid type I (CB1) receptors are expressed on many glutamatergic synapses implicated in seizure threshold modulation. They act on cannabinoid receptors, part of the complex endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals that communicate between nerve cells) in the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
By acting on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), Cannabidiol (CBD) produces different effects on the body. Cannabidiol’s (CBD) neuroprotective properties are because of its action on calcium homeostasis (increases calcium in cells). They act on cannabinoid receptors which are part of the complex endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates the release of neurotransmitters(chemicals that communicate between nerve cells) in the brain, as well as in other parts of the nervous system. By acting on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), Cannabidiol (CBD) produces different effects on the body.
What Are the Uses of CBD Products?
- Pain Relief - Cannabidiol (CBD) may affect brain receptors and help to manage pain. Studies have shown that Cannabidiol (CBD) offers pain relief after chemotherapy treatments, symptoms caused by muscle pain, arthritis, chronic pain, muscle sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
- Anxiety Relief - Cannabidiol (CBD) alters the response of brain receptors to serotonin and helps to manage anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) relieves anxiety by reducing stress, decreasing the effects of anxiety-like increased heartbeat, inducing sleep, and improving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Neuroprotective - Cannabidiol (CBD) action on brain receptors helps people with neurodegenerative disorders. They are used for improving neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
- Anti-seizure - Studies show that Cannabidiol (CBD) can prevent certain types of seizures and helps to increase the efficiency of antiepileptic medications. Cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with natural neurotransmitters and receptors like endocannabinoids and influences body functions such as immune response, appetite pain, and sleep.
- Anti-acne - Cannabidiol (CBD) affects receptors in the immune system and helps to reduce overall inflammation. Cannabidiol (CBD) oils are used for acne treatment. These oils alter the activity of sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that hydrates the skin.
- Cancer Treatment - Studies show that Cannabidiol (CBD) helps in preventing the growth of cancer cells. They reduce some tumor cells’ ability to replicate and reduce inflammation.
Are CBD Products Safe?
All Cannabidiol (CBD) products are not legally approved and safe. Epidiolex is the only Cannabidiol product approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Even though these products are well tolerated in the body, they possess potential side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) can interact with other medications used for hypertension and antibiotics and alter their levels.
What Are the Side Effects of CBD Products?
- Dry Mouth (cottonmouth) - Cannabidiol (CBD) products can cause the mouth and eyes to feel very dry. Though this side effect is more likely to occur with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it can happen with CBD as well.
- Drowsiness - Common side effects caused by using Cannabidiol (CBD) include drowsiness and sedation.
- Gastrointestinal Problems - Decrease in appetite, diarrhea, and liver problems are common while using Cannabidiol (CBD) products.
- Interact With Other Medications -Studies show that Cannabidiol (CBD) products interact with drugs like angiotensin blockers, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, HIV antivirals, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), and oral hypoglycemic agents.
Are CBD Products Legal?
The Food And Drug Administration (FDA) reports say that there is limited data regarding the safety of Cannabidiol (CBD) products. Anyone interested in consuming Cannabidiol (CBD) in any form should first consult with their healthcare provider and be aware of potential risks associated with these products, including liver injury, drug interactions, and male reproductive toxicity. Cannabidiol (CBD) that comes from hemp (a type of cannabis Sativa plant) that produces no more than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry weight is considered legal at the federal level as of 2022. State laws vary, so it is best to confirm any rules and regulations that apply to your area with your local and state legislation. Cannabidiol (CBD) products sourced from marijuana are legal in countries where marijuana is legalized.
Conclusion
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, also known as cannabis or hemp. They act on cannabinoid receptors which regulate the release of neurotransmitters(chemicals that communicate between nerve cells) in the brain, as well as in other parts of the nervous system. By acting on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), Cannabidiol (CBD) produces different effects on the body. It includes balancing the body’s overall physical functions (homeostasis), reducing pain sensation, and reducing the body’s reaction to injury or inflammation. Cannabidiol (CBD) products can be used by mouth (oral or edible) or applied to the skin (topical). Even though Cannabidiol (CBD) products are widely available and recommended for so many problems, they must be used carefully and purchased from reliable sources under the guidance of a trained medical professional.
