What is CBD?
The buzz around CBD is growing, and a once-underground industry is now beginning to bloom. The sudden interest in the compound is being driven by the several potential therapeutic benefits.
A lot has been said about CBD benefits over the years. This makes it difficult to gauge what’s true and what’s not. As such, it is all the more important to take some time to learn about the plant-based substance.
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of two primary active ingredients found in plant-based treatments throughout Australia. CBD is non-psychoactive and won’t cause any sort of intoxicating effect on its users.
After spending years as a banned substance in almost every country across the globe, the naturally occurring chemical compound is increasingly being used as an alternative treatment option. People all over are using CBD as a way to provide relief for various symptoms.
As more countries legalise the substance, research on the benefits of CBD continues to grow.
For now, despite its sudden and steady boost in popularity, the research is still severely limited. Experts have emphasised the need for long-term controlled studies and clinical trials.
This means that none of the available information on cannabidiol should be seen as absolute. After all, we are very much in the beginning phases of learning about this increasingly popular treatment option.
While all the existing data should be taken with a pinch of salt, there has been enough to encourage a continued effort into researching CBD’s benefits and risks.
10 benefits of CBD
CBD is an attractive treatment option for patients for many reasons. As research continues to expand and legalisation processes create access, more and more people are turning towards the plant-based treatment option. To understand why, we look at 10 benefits that have swayed some to trial CBD as a medicinal treatment:
It won’t get you high
Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high. This makes it a far more appealing substitute as a lot of people don’t want to feel intoxicated after taking medication. With cannabidiol, you need not worry about any sort of inebriation.
It has a relatively good safety profile
Cannabidiol is considered a safe treatment option for most adults. There are only mild side effects and risks associated with it, and most people will have no issue using the treatment. So far, there have been no reports of CBD causing severe consequences.
It’s easy to use
There are plenty of ways to easily self-administer CBD as a treatment. The substance can be consumed sublingually via an oil or tincture, orally via a capsule or pill, eaten by means of a plant-based edible, or applied to the skin in the form of a topical product.
May provide relief of pain
The research on CBD is still in its early phases, but there have been signs to suggest it may be a useful as a treatment for the relief of pain. There is some evidence indicating that the plant-based product can help with chronic pain associated with arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
May provide relief from anxiety and insomnia
This is also one of the most researched areas so far, and the early information suggests that using CBD for sleep and anxiety may be effective. A large case series exploring this reported that cannabidiol can reduce symptoms associated with chronic anxiety and insomnia.
Will soon be available over the counter
A recent change in the law means that low-dose CBD products will soon be available for purchase as an over-the-counter medication. As of now, no products meet the needed requirements, but expect that to change sometime soon.
Not a concern for drug tests
Roadside and workplace drug tests in Australia are not concerned with cannabidiol as a substance. While full-spectrum cannabidiol products may contain trace amounts of THC, it is unlikely to trigger a positive drug test. CBD-isolate and broad-spectrum products will not be of any concern.
May improve bone health
Some evidence suggests that the naturally-occurring compound can assist with bone healing and health, but the information needs validation in a clinical trial. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, it may improve the strength, healing, and growth of our bones.
Low risk of addiction or dependence
Experts agree that due to the non-intoxicating nature, there is a very low chance of users forming a dependence or developing an addiction to the substance. If there are any unwanted feelings that arise, users will be able to discontinue use with no issue.
May assist with heart health
Some research suggests that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties may be able to decrease risk factors that can cause heart disease such as high blood pressure. One small study found that CBD improved resting blood pressure and blood pressure spikes related to stress.
Researchers are actively exploring the possible medical benefits by asking themselves “what can CBD treat?”. In the years to come, we will have a much clearer understanding.
The risks and side effects of CBD
Now, you’re probably getting a little excited over what seems to be a hugely beneficial product, but caution must be maintained.
CBD may be considered as a generally safe treatment option, but it can still cause a few mild side effects. You need not worry about whether you can overdose on CBD, however, there are a few concerns to be aware of.
Like with all forms of treatment, there is no one universal effect and different people may have varying experiences.
A few of the most commonly reported side effects and risks associated with cannabidiol are:
- A change in mood such as increased irritability or annoyance.
- A dry and rugged feeling in and around the mouth.
- A shift in appetite and the potential for gastrointestinal issues.
- A feeling of sedation and drowsiness (particularly for large doses of cannabidiol).
- The potential for liver damage as the substance metabolises in the liver.
- Negative drug-to-drug interactions with other medications.
There are also a few scenarios where doctors are more hesitant to prescribe the plant-based treatment, either because we lack the necessary research or they believe the risks are too high.
For instance, a doctor will not prescribe CBD to a pregnant or breastfeeding mother as we do not yet know if the compound transfers to the child. We also have too little information regarding its effects on kids and unborn children.
There have also been suggestions that it may not be suitable for patients currently using blood thinners as the cannabidiol may act as a type of blood thinner itself.
Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner to determine if cannabidiol may be a suitable treatment option for you.
The types of CBD products available
In 2016, the laws surrounding plant-based treatments in Australia changed. Since then, patients across the country have been able to access both CBD and THC products provided they have a valid prescription from a qualified medical practitioner.
CBD products are split into full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Australia offers many different types of plant-based treatment products including:
- Oils & tinctures: Products that can be administered sublingually (pouring droplets underneath the tongue before swallowing).
- Vape pens: A CBD vape can be used to inhale the dried and cured flower. This is a fast-acting method of administration. However, it is not recommended.
- Topical products: Cannabidiol may be included in various lotions, creams, and balms. The product can then be applied to your skin as a method of providing relief for dry and painful skin.
- Edibles: There are several types of CBD products made in edible form such as gummies, brownies, and cookies.
How long CBD stays in your system and how long the effects last is dependent on the product type and concentration of cannabidiol.
Most medicinal plant-based products in Australia are unregistered, and doctors will need approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to prescribe cannabidiol as a treatment. CBD products are classified as Schedule 4 prescription-only medicines in Australia. However, there will always be a preference for medicines that have been tested, regulated and registered. A patient must have tried a registered medicine before considering CBD as a treatment.
Summary
As the interest in CBD continues to grow at a rapid rate, getting to know about the benefits and risks is important.
While research on cannabidiol has so far been limited, there have been plenty of encouraging signs, and experts continue to actively study the potential benefits of CBD. There are many reasons why people are attracted to plant-based treatments. These include the favourable safety profile and mild nature of the side effects, as well as the lack of intoxication.
Cannabidiol can also come in a wide-range of formats such as an oil or tincture, edible, topical product, or dried flower. In general, these products are easy to self-administer for patients. A doctor consultation is necessary to assess whether CBD is a viable treatment option for you. They will consider your health and needs before prescribing. Only patients who have a valid prescription from a qualified medical practitioner can legally access CBD.
As research expands, so too will our understanding of the safety, efficacy, and risks of using cannabidiol as a treatment.