What is CBD? Can it get you “high”?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active cannabinoid compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce an intoxicating effect, or get you “high.” This compound is an especially important component of therapeutic products that are made using cannabis.
CBD is famous for the large variety of benefits it offers. A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry in 2019 found that CBD has protective effects against damage, impairment or degeneration of nerve cells as a result of Parkinson’s disease. Another study conducted in 2004 found that CBD has anti-tumour effects. In addition to all of this, CBD has also been found to be effective in treating inflammation, intervertebral disc degeneration and anxious, depressive and psychotic disorders with an extremely low risk-to-benefit ratio. The benefits of CBD aren’t limited to just these things; it is used for arthritis-related pain management and improving sleep quality.
CBD is an extremely versatile cannabinoid compound, which can be found in many forms including oils, tinctures, topicals, and the most obvious, cannabis buds.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid compound found in abundance in the flowers of the cannabis plant. It is famous for the intoxicating effects, or the “high” it produces after the consumption of marijuana. But not all kinds of cannabis plants have a high concentration of THC. Some plants, like Cannabis Ruderalis and Hemp, contain extremely low levels of THC.
While THC is often the main component of products meant for recreational use, research has shown that it has several therapeutic effects as well. A study conducted by Cao and colleagues in 2014 showed that at extremely low doses, THC can halt or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to this, a medicine made using a synthetic version of THC — Nabilone — is used to treat nausea and vomiting that are caused by cancer chemotherapy. In the same context, a study conducted in 2021 found that after only one hour of consuming cannabis products that were high in THC and relatively low in CBD, more than 96% of 886 participants experienced relief from nausea. Recent research has also been investigating the therapeutic effects of THC in combatting anorexia nervosa.
Can you overdose on CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound. The word ‘overdose’ implies taking a certain drug (medical or recreational) in a dose that is beyond what is healthy or acceptable. CBD is an exceptionally safe compound, with people being able to take up to 1500mg safely. To put things into perspective, CBD products like edibles, tinctures, oils, and topicals have no more than 5-20 mg in one serving and usually no more than 1500-2000 mg in an entire bottle or pack.
A study in 2011 found that we can take up to 1500 mg of CBD safely. Even with such a dose, there are no permanent or severe effects, and depending on the person, certain side effects like diarrhoea, fatigue, drowsiness, and changes in appetite.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that is grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use. This type of cannabis is low in tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is the cannabinoid compound that is primarily responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects after consumption. Hemp is not only used to make clothing products, but also oils and other tinctures that make use of its therapeutic effects.
Hemp is especially beneficial for your hair, nails, and skin. What makes it even better is that it is extremely safe with minor or no side effects at recommended and low doses.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Marijuana was earlier viewed as an illicit substance for many years, but it is now being reconsidered on a cultural and legal basis. According to recent data, several people favour legalizing Marijuana for medical or recreational use. Marijuana is now legal and preferred for medical use in many countries and states, including India.
However, some scientists and legislators want to see additional studies to back up certain marijuana benefits. In addition to more excellent research, there are worries that Marijuana’s potential hazards may occasionally outweigh its advantages.
CBD is the extract from the Hemp plant, also known as cannabidiol. It is the least contentious because it contains little to no psychoactive qualities. More than 100 active ingredients are found in Marijuana alone. Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is the substance that gives Marijuana its characteristic “high.” Patients report little change in consciousness when using CBD-dominant strains because they contain little to no THC.
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of a hemp plant. It has little to no CBD or THC; instead, hemp seed oil contains vitamins, minerals and multiple essential fatty acids. This oil can be used in many way. You can use this as a cooking oil, a massage oil, in lotions and even as a daily oral supplement.
Hemp seed oil can help you build your immunity, reduce pain and even improve your skin, nails, and hair. Generally, hemp seed oil is vegan and free of allergens.
Is CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil the same thing?
When cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from a cannabis or a hemp plant and then infused with a carrier oil, CBD oil is created. It is used for a variety of reasons, including the treatment of pain and inflammation. Hemp Seed oil, on the other hand, is made using the seeds of a hemp plant, and is known to promote the health of your skin, nails, and hair.
What is the recommended dosage for CBD?
Depending on the issue you are facing, recommended dosage can range from 5mg to 40mg a day. But it is always better to proceed with caution and start with a low dosage to avoid experience any unwanted side effects like fatigue, drowsiness and diarrhea. If you do not experience therapeutic effects at a relatively low dose, you can increase it slowly — for example, you may increase it by 5mg a week — until you feel like your symptoms are being alleviated.
Although CBD is extremely safe, with a near impossible chance for achieving a toxic dose, it is recommended that you seek advice from a certified healthcare professional before consuming CBD products.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a group of active compounds within the cannabis plant. They are similar to each other in several ways, however, some are psychoactive while others are not. THC, CBD, CBC, and CBN are some common cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant.
To know more about the cannabinoids you may be consuming in a cannabis or hemp product, you can check the product’s cannabinoid profile. It is similar to the nutritional labels you may find on packaged food products. It provides valuable information to consumers about the various cannabinoid compounds present within a given product and helps them make more informed choices based on their preference or the effect they desire to achieve from cannabis or a derivative of cannabis.
What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a mechanism in your body that regulates sleep, mood, appetite, memory and fertility amongst several other things. Your body produces endocannabinoids naturally and these endocannabinoids bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body to regulate your functioning.
When cannabinoid compounds like CBD and THC are consumed, they have a major effect on the working of your ECS. THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, allowing you to experience the “high.” In contrast, CBD does not bind to these receptors.
What is the difference between a full spectrum and isolate in CBD oil?
CBD oil made by extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from the cannabis or hemp plants and infusing it with a carrier oil. It is used to take advantage of several benefits of CBD. Since CBD is not not psychoactive, CBD oil will not get you intoxicated.
CBD oils are of three types: Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum CBD oils contain CBD alongside THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes found within the cannabis plant. Broad spectrum CBD oils are similar to full spectrum oils, except THC is removed entirely. Finally, a CBD isolate is an oil with only CBD present in it and no other cannabinoid compounds or terpenes. In other words, an isolate can also be called a CBD concentrate.
Are CBD oil or Hemp Seed oil safe?
When cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from a cannabis or a hemp plant and then infused with a carrier oil, CBD oil is created. It is used for a variety of reasons, including the treatment of pain and inflammation. Hemp Seed oil, on the other hand, is made using the seeds of a hemp plant, and is known to promote the health of your skin, nails, and hair.
Both, CBD oil and hemp seed oil are exceptionally safe. They are neither addictive, nor toxic, unless consumed in very large amounts (more than 20,000 mg of CBD is toxic). But, depending upon a variety of factors, they can elicit side-effects like diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness.
What are the side-effects of using CBD-infused products?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active cannabinoid compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce intoxicating effect, or get you “high.” This compound is an especially important component of therapeutic products that are made using cannabis.
CBD is very safe to use, with the toxic dose being 20,000 mg. But, depending on multiple factors, you may experience side-effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue and diarrhea.
Is it safe for children to use CBD products?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is often used to help with a variety of problems and conditions. It is an active cannabinoid compound that is found in cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, CBD does not get you “high.” With a diverse selection of CBD products that are now available to the public at large, it is important to know whether this compound is safe for children as well.
While there hasn’t been much research on the effect of CBD in children, certain studies have shown that it helps with certain symptoms of autism and anxiety. However, it is still recommended that you consult a certified healthcare professional before giving your child a CBD product.
Is CBD addictive?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active cannabinoid compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce intoxicating effect, or get you “high.” This compound is an especially important component of therapeutic products that are made using cannabis. Several studies have shown promising results in using CBD as a treatment for insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and even addiction.
By itself, CBD is not addictive. Due to its large variety of therapeutic uses and the lack of psychoactive effects CBD does not elicit any effects similar to drugs or substances that are addictive.
Can CBD and THC help me sleep better?
CBD and THC are the two most active compounds in cannabis. If you struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good quality sleep, products with these compounds may prove to be of great help to you.
These compounds allow you to fall asleep relatively fast. Depending on the dosage, CBD promotes sleepiness, while THC increases the amount of time you spend in deep sleep — which allows you to feel more refreshed after waking up. Indica strains are typically better at producing relaxing and sleep aiding effects.
You can find CBD and THC sleep aids in the form of edibles, tinctures, and oils. If you prefer not to experience any psychoactive effects, it is better to use products with a relatively low amount of THC.
Is consuming CBD or Hemp products illegal in India?
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985 makes it illegal to cultivate, sell or use cannabis for recreational purposes. But, this law does not apply to the use of leaves and seeds to extract and create CBD or Hemp products.
Moreover, the psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, is entirely missing from CBD or Hemp products, which means that these products do not cause the user to get intoxicated. Taking all of this into consideration, it is safe to say that the use or consumption of CBD and Hemp products is perfectly legal in India.