CBD: An In-depth Look
In all likelihood, you have probably heard the word ‘CBD’ thrown around in your day-to-day life. You may have seen shops opening up around your city, or have a coworker or loved one talking about it. You may have seen posters or brochures for CBD at your doctor’s office, especially if your doctor is a provider of alternative medicines. You may feel like CBD is suddenly everywhere, as if overnight. From restaurants infusing it in their food or drinks, to beauty products using it in their lotions and of course, doctors recommending it, there is no doubt that CBD has found its way into everything. So to avoid any confusion, let’s take a look together to learn exactly what it is and how it has the potential to change the future of medical care.
What is CBD?
The scientific name of CBD is cannabidiol. This is a chemical compound that is naturally found in marijuana and hemp. It is sought after mainly for it’s calming, relaxing properties. Unlike THC, there are no psychoactive elements to CBD. As there are no psychoactive effects of CBD, there is also no euphoric feeling. In short, CBD can’t get you high. There is no feeling of distortion or fog. Though there are some rare side effects, cannabidiol does not impair cognitive function in any way. Currently, CBD is not regulated by the FDA so it is important to use your due diligence in researching it before you make a purchase.
FAQs about CBD
These are some of the most common questions we get about CBD:
- Is CBD legal?: If you currently live in a state where medical marijuana is legalized, CBD is also legal. In other states, it is unclear. Generally speaking, it is considered to be acceptable and easy to obtain, with medicinal benefit. It is growing more popular by the day.
- Will I fail a Drug Test if I take CBD?: Possibly. Even though you will not experience any psychoactive effects, some CBD products are derived from CBD-rich cannabis and may contain trace amounts of THC. Some drug tests may pick up on that THC, and result in a failed test.
- How is CBD used?: There are a number of ways to use CBD! While some vape or smoke CBD, many others use an oil tincture in which you place a few drops under your tongue to absorb. It can even be used topically in a cream or ointment form.
- Can Pets use CBD?: Yes! Companies are actually producing CBD infused dog treats to help with various medical conditions in animals, such as anxiety or seizures. It is highly advised that you speak with a veterinarian before self medicating your pet.
- Are there drug interactions with CBD?: Yes. High doses of CBD can cause some of the enzymes to not work at full capacity, making it harder to metabolize certain medications. It is recommended to speak with your doctor if you are on any life preserving medications to ensure you are safe to take CBD.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
Cannabidiol as a natural remedy has grown in popularity, despite being criminalized in years past. Scientific study has propelled it forward in terms of legalization and usage for easing multiple chronic and ongoing medical ailments. Let’s take a look at the various conditions that CBD may be useful in assisting with.
Cancer Symptoms
Testing has shown that CBD may actually reduce the discomforts and symptoms associated with cancer and chemotherapy. The most common side effect from chemotherapy is typically intense nausea and vomiting. CBD has been shown to alleviate these side effects. Currently, study is being done to see if CBD can slow the spread of certain cancers. Positive results have shown in certain lab tests, but such tests are still in their infancy.
Heart Health
CBD has been recently linked with heart healthy benefits, such as lowering high blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack if left untreated. Stress tests have shown that men treated with CBD see smaller spikes in blood pressure, as well as lower overall blood pressure. The stress relieving properties of cannabidiol are thought to be responsible for these great effects. It has powerful antioxidant properties as well, and reduces inflammation! More details on how CBD is helping to improve overall heart function can be found at this link.
Neurological Disorders
CBD has been tested on sufferers of Parkinson’s Disease, as well as those with epilepsy. Several studies have shown an improvement of the quality of life and sleep for these sufferers. CBD is also showing signs of preventing the neurodegeneration that comes with Alzheimer’s disease! For patients with seizures, scientists have found over a 30% decline in the amount of seizures they are experiencing. Some more details on how cannabidiol is helping young children with seizures can be found by clicking here.
Anxiety and Depression
Depression and anxiety are some of the most disabling disorders to deal with. It is thought that over 250 Million men and women suffer from depression world wide. These crippling disorders lead to around 800,000 suicides per year. Currently, the most common remedy for depression or anxiety are prescription medications that can cause uncomfortable side effects, addictions and withdrawals. With so much suffering associated with these disorders, a natural remedy would be very welcomed.
While research is still young in this arena, CBD is showing very strong promise. The calming and relaxing properties of cannabidiol have been used to relieve anxiety, and in one study, was used to reduce anxiety prior to public speaking with wide success. Researchers are currently testing it on depression patients, and seeing benefits. The hope is, that with enough study and understanding, CBD will become a natural replacement to addictive options such as benzos for men and women suffering from depression.
CBD and Substance Abuse Treatment
While it may seem strange to use the product of a substance in drug and alcohol treatment, it is important to remember that CBD has no addictive properties and no associated high. It is also important to keep in mind that many drug and alcohol medical detox protocols require the use of prescription chemicals to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, some of which could even be addictive themselves. Once again, the need for natural solutions to offset the dangers of manufactured chemicals is apparent. CBD is being tested against most major addictions as a solution for treatment and while these studies are still new, the results are very promising.
Relief from Withdrawal
What makes CBD a strong candidate for substance abuse treatment is that it has shown to be very successful in offsetting withdrawal symptoms. During recovery, the risk of relapse is significantly heightened by the painful effects of withdrawal, such as the anxiety, insomnia and depression. Tests have shown that because CBD helps to regulate stress responses and compulsive behaviors, it can be a strong proponent in addiction treatment. On top of that, CBD is proven to reduce the risk of seizures, making it a very strong candidate in alcohol and Valium detox treatment.
According to News-Medical.Net, some studies have even found that heroin addicts who were shown imagery and videos of heroin use reported significantly less cravings or desire to use when treated with high doses of CBD. The stressors and anxiety that came with seeing the drug cues decreased the more CBD the test subjects were given – and the effects were felt as soon as within an hour of receiving their dose.
The Verdict
It is important to keep in mind that while CBD is certainly showing great strides in substance abuse treatment, it should never be a substitute for true medical care. If you are seeking medical detox, drug or alcohol addiction treatment or recovery and want to try natural remedies as an option for your care, speak to a professional rehabilitation center near you and see if they offer CBD options. It is becoming more common nationwide, and as advancements are made, more medical providers are turning to CBD to alleviate cravings, mental anguish and withdrawal.
The same can be said for pain management or medical conditions outside of drug or alcohol abuse. As with anything, self medicating is rarely recommended and usually unsafe. Though CBD has not been found to have any associated risks, we are still learning about it. That all taken into account, more and more doctors are seeing the results of natural CBD on their patients. Chiropractors are starting to carry it in their offices to help with back pain and epilepsy sufferers are finding relief they never thought they would, away from chemical substances. Truly, CBD is proving that it has worth every day.
If you are looking for more information on cannabidiol, do some independent research using the links provided in this article and talk to your medical providers. CBD products may be the right choice for you, be it for medical relief or assistance in substance abuse recovery. With any luck, all-natural remedies will change the future of medicine and treatment, and help the millions that are suffering from addiction and other chronic illnesses to live a life free of harmful substances.
Reach Out
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol, we are here to help. Royal Life Centers admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns. We can be reached at (877)-RECOVERY or 877-732-6837. Because We Care.
