The CBD Market is on the Rise. Are They Effective?

By now, you've probably come across products that contain cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. It's found in a diverse range of products, including beverages, pet items, creams, and chewable gummies. Interestingly, even prominent pharmacy chains have revealed their plans to offer CBD products in specific states.

However, there's still considerable uncertainty among many individuals regarding CBD's true nature. Is it the same as marijuana? Is it legally permissible? Does it deliver tangible results? Is it considered safe?

Answers to these questions are not straightforward. Yet, it's evident that the marketing of CBD products has outpaced both scientific understanding and legal regulations.

That said, CBD is believed to offer a secure and effective option for specific conditions. In the following sections, we aim to clarify this confusion by addressing some of the most common questions related to CBD.

Is marijuana considered CBD?

Certainly. Cannabidiol, or CBD, exists within a domain of both affirmation and negation. It represents one of the two most distinguished active constituents extracted from the cannabis plant, with the other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), accountable for the euphoric effects of marijuana.

CBD doesn't trigger a euphoric state, but the notion that it lacks psychoactivity is somewhat of a misinterpretation, from his perspective. It does exert an impact on one's consciousness. This could lead to feelings of serenity, diminished discomfort, and heightened comfort. Furthermore, specific CBD products do contain minute traces of THC.

While CBD can be derived from marijuana, it can also be sourced from hemp. Hemp is a related plant with a THC content of 0.3% or less. This plant is often utilized in the production of textiles and ropes. In 2018, Congress legalized hemp nationwide, making CBD derived from hemp equally lawful. In contrast, regulations concerning CBD sourced from marijuana remain notably less lucid.

CBD derived from marijuana is legal, right?

The legal status of marijuana varies across states, spanning a range from complete legality for both recreational and medical usage in specific regions, to exclusive medical usage in others. In contrast, certain areas maintain an outright prohibition. Regarding CBD products, the FDA is grappling with the issue, working to comprehend its complexities. 

The agency is in the early stages of creating regulations pertaining to the sale of CBD. Officials have established a task force to devise guidelines that could potentially allow companies to market CBD products within legal boundaries. Currently, CBD products are categorized as supplements, which do not fall under FDA oversight. 

Companies are prohibited from making health or therapeutic claims about these products in their marketing efforts. In announcing their intention to establish regulations for CBD marketing, the FDA has also expressed its commitment to cracking down on CBD companies that employ groundless and exaggerated assertions to promote their products, especially to "vulnerable populations."

Currently, there is only one CBD product with FDA approval: a prescription medication called Epidiolex. It is prescribed to treat specific severe seizure disorders in children. The core message is that to determine the legality of CBD in your region, it is advisable to consult your state's health department website or seek guidance from professionals within your community.

How effective is CBD?

Certainly, there is substantiated evidence affirming the efficacy of CBD for specific conditions. However, it's crucial to recognize that not all the ailments it's currently being promoted for are supported by such evidence. For instance, there is no verified validation of CBD's potential to cure cancer. Nonetheless, there exists a moderate level of evidence indicating that CBD might yield positive outcomes in addressing sleep disorders, easing pain linked to fibromyalgia, mitigating muscle spasticity connected to multiple sclerosis, and managing anxiety.

Individuals frequently share their experiences of orally consumed CBD providing relief from anxiety and pain, and aiding in achieving better sleep. However, this might not hold true for various other CBD products available today, especially those intended for topical application on the skin. The adequacy of clinical benefits offered by these products remains uncertain due to inadequate testing.

Moreover, tests have unveiled that numerous products do not contain the stated amount of CBD as indicated on their labels. For instance, they could contain less CBD than advertised. Consequently, consumers should approach their purchasing decisions with caution and awareness of these factors.

CBD products: where should you buy them?

If the thought of trying a CBD product crosses your mind, it's wise to explore the choices offered by a dispensary, assuming they are operating in your state. Dispensaries are authorized establishments that legally sell marijuana. Products sourced from dispensaries are mandated to possess clear labeling, allowing you to determine the precise CBD content and whether they also include THC. A minor THC presence in a CBD product generally doesn't give rise to noteworthy concerns. However, higher concentrations might trigger euphoria and pose a potential risk if you intend to operate a vehicle.

Furthermore, it's important to acknowledge that CBD products lack uniformity and can exhibit variations. Keeping a journal can be advantageous in this regard. Record the specific CBD product you used, the dosage, and your subsequent reaction. This practice will empower you to track which approaches yield positive outcomes and which do not, particularly concerning your specific condition.

How safe is CBD?

Opting for oral consumption is the safest method for using CBD, whether in tablet, chewable, or tincture form (a concentrated liquid typically dispensed using a dropper). It's crucial to steer clear of unlawfully marketed synthetic CBD products, sometimes termed "spice" or "bath salts." These products have triggered episodes of psychosis in specific individuals and pose notable health hazards.

For adults, CBD appears to be a generally safe product. However, certain individuals may encounter side effects like nausea, fatigue, and irritability from CBD usage. Additionally, CBD has the potential to interact with specific medications, necessitating consultation with a doctor before utilization. Nevertheless, the situation is distinct for individuals under 21, especially children. The appropriateness of CBD dosing for children remains uncertain.

The body of evidence regarding CBD is currently evolving. As marijuana products, including CBD, become legalized for both recreational and medical usage in specific states, researchers are better equipped to carry out studies. Over the next 5 to 10 years, more insights are likely to emerge, shedding light on potential undisclosed issues tied to extended CBD usage.