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.