CBD; Drug, Supplement, or Something Else?

There is no doubt that CBD has become the buzz of the wellness world. If you live in a state which has legalized CBD, you might have noticed that it is suddenly everywhere.

Seriously, we mean everywhere;

Coffee shops offer CBD lattes, and beauty companies are in a rush to produce CBD lotions, spas offer facials made of CBD, and the list goes on and on. You may have seen CBD being used to treat a variety of ailments from arthritis, to anxiety and depression, to diabetes. 

Despite the sudden popularity of CBD, many people are still unsure about what it actually is. 

So what is it?

Is it a medication, a drug, a supplement, or something in between? In this article, we will inform you of everything to know about CBD. What is it? How is it made? How is it used?

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one of the chemical compounds present in the hemp plant, also know as cannabis sativa. This compound occurs naturally and is used in the creation of CBD oil products and edibles. When consumed, it gives a feeling of calm and relaxation, as well as being an anti-inflammatory. 

Some people are hesitant when it comes to consuming products derived from the hemp plant. This is majorly due to a psychoactive compound called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This compound has been known to have mixed results and causes the high associated with marijuana. However, CBD is not psychoactive and does not contain the THC compound.

Where Does Hemp Fit into This?

You might be wondering how the terms hemp, marijuana, and cannabis are related to CBD. Cannabis Sativa is a plant that comes in two species. These species are marijuana and hemp. Both species contain cannabidiol, but the hemp plant contains a higher percentage. The hemp plant also has very low levels of THC as compared to marijuana. This is why the majority of CBD products are derived from hemp rather than marijuana. Another product that comes from the hemp plant is hemp seed oil. This oil is extracted from hemp plant seeds and is used as an ingredient in fats and other healthy products. Hemp seed oil is also prevalent in beauty products.

Is CBD Legal?

CBD is legal in the United States. Industrial hemp was legalized in the U.S. during the marijuana tax act of 1937. The production of hemp products was then put under strict regulation, until the more recent introduction of the Farm Bill. The Farm bill made it legal to grow hemp anywhere in the US. However, this bill's application is subject to the individual laws of each state.

Is Traveling with CBD Allowed?

With the same Farm Bill signed into effect in 2018, traveling with CBD products became legal across multiple states. However, the Travel Safety Authority regulations will determine the number of tinctures that you can carry on a plane. While most states allow you to travel with CBD, it is still important to check local regulations on CBD.

Is CBD a Drug or a Supplement?

This is a surprisingly complicated question. CBD has gone largely unregulated by the FDA. The FDA would not consider most CBD products to be a drug, based on their criteria. According to the FDA, a drug cannot be a food, or be allowed in supplements or food, a drug is linked to the treatment of diseases, and the intended use. The same compound can be a drug or a supplement depending on it’s intended use. There is one case in which the FDA considers CBD a drug, and that is Epidiolex, which is used to treat some rare epilepsy forms.

Does CBD Manifest in a Drug Test?

CBD should not show up on a drug test. However, you can make sure of this by purchasing isolate CBD products tested by third party laboratories. Third-party testing is critical in ensuring that you don't take products that have THC, or other unwanted chemicals, in them. THC is the compound that will cause you to fail a drug test, not CBD.

Will CBD Make Me High?

Not at all. The hemp plant contains two significant compounds: THC and CBD. Since CBD is not psychoactive, you will not experience the 'high' or other euphoric effects. Consumption of CBD does not give you a feeling of any sedation or alteration in any way. Only THC can do that!

Are There Health Benefits Associated with CBD?

Currently, the only FDA approved CBD medication is the Epidiolex. The agency approved Epidiolex for its treatment of various types of epilepsy. However, many people will swear that CBD has helped them deal with tons of other health problems. Some of these problems include:

1. Chronic Pain

2. Depression/Anxiety

3. Osteoarthritis

Should I Try CBD in Managing Pain?

There is a ton of evidence that CBD does help with chronic pain, particularly from inflammation. This is one of the most common reasons that people take CBD and can help manage pain related symptoms from a variety of ailments from arthritis to minor aches and pains.

Can CBD Help Relieve Anxiety?

If you wish to manage or eliminate anxiety, CBD would be a great choice. CBD gives your body some calm and safety. This leads to a reduction of the fight or flight response that is common with anxiety. It’s important to remember that CBD is not a magical cure-all. To get the best results from CBD you will need to live a healthy lifestyle, stick to a nutritious diet, and engage in adequate exercises.

Which Is the Best Way of Taking CBD?

How you get CBD is very dependent on preference and intended use. If you are the kind of person that does not want to ingest things, you can get it from ointments and creams. Some of the most common ways of taking CBD include:

1. Gummies

2. Oil Tinctures

3. Lotions and Creams

The primary difference in the above methods is the delivery speed and the length of time the effects last. CBD Oil taken under the tongue will give you quick relief but wear off faster. Edibles, on the other hand, will take longer to digest and provide you with relief. However, they last longer as well. Lotions and creams are best for skin and muscular discomfort as they don’t absorb much into your bloodstream.

What to Look for When Buying CBD Products

Currently, there are hundreds of CBD brands. To get the right product for your needs, look for the following.

1. Certificate of analysis to ensure that third parties have tested the product.

2. Is the product an isolate or a full-spectrum? Some of the full-spectrum products include cannabigerol, cannabidivarin, and other cannabinoids. Full spectrum can include trace amounts of THC.

3. Does the company have responsive and knowledgeable customer service agents.

Conclusion

CBD can be difficult to define. From a regulatory standpoint, the FDA is still unclear on whether CBD is a drug or supplement, and whether it will become an approved medication. One thing does seem clear though; CBD is here to stay. It is already helping thousands of people to manage difficult conditions such as chronic pain. Whether it is classified as a drug, supplement, or medication, CBD is an amazing all natural product that many people are trying.