Can CBD oil be addictive for users?

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CBD or Cannabidiol is derived from the Cannabis plant.  It is one of many compounds found in the Cannabis sativa or hemp.  The association of CBD with marijuana creates confusion and makes people wonder if CBD is also addictive or not. The effect of CBD on the body depends on its concentration and type. Yes, you read it right! There are different types of CBD oil and each of them can have a varying effect on our brain and body. But first, let’s see how it interacts with our body.

The endocannabinoid system of the body works for the cell signaling mechanism. Its CB1 and CB2 receptors are spread throughout the body that works by binding the native cannabinoids of the body and carry out functions like pain relief and reducing inflammatory reactions. CBD helps our body by interacting with this endocannabinoid system. However, CBD does not bind directly with the receptors of the system but encourages our body’s cannabinoids to bind to them.

Hemp vs marijuana

CBD extracted from hemp and marijuana are different. They contain different amount of THC, the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. THC causes high as it can affect brain activity. Moreover, THC can be addictive but legal and reputable CBD products may contain a high level of THC which can cause addiction. Being the safest, hemp oil is used for thousands of purposes. It is used in the textile industry, paper, food, building material and body care products. In many European counties and States of USA, CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp is legal and pronounced safe to use. More than 5 percent of THC in the product can cause mild intoxication and is illegal.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the main psychoactive component of the Cannabis plant.  Our body has its own endocannabinoid system and its receptors are spread throughout.  If a person uses marijuana, the THC present in the drug binds to the receptors of the system and alters the perception and sensory information of the person, making him high. THC can Trigger the production of dopamine in the body which causes euphoric high and affects the working of the hippocampus of the brain.  Marijuana addicts experience hallucinations and illusions and effect of THC May remain for about 20 minutes to 2 hours. Side effects of THC include:

·         Sedation

·         Pain relief

·         Anxiety

·         Short term memory issues

·         Elation

Here are a few potential risks associated with THC:

·         It can alter the motor skills which may cause accidents.

·         Patients of schizophrenia may experience a relapse of symptoms if they take any drug with a higher quantity of THC.

·         Excessive use of drugs containing THC may lead to a decrease in IQ level memory problems and cognitive issues.

·         THC has a negative drug interaction with some over-the-counter medicines.

Is CBD oil addictive?

 CBD containing less than 0.3 % of THC is entirely safe to use.  However, studies have shown that different CBD products contain different level of THC.  Studies have shown that CBD has a better safety level than THC. The human body can tolerate up to 1500 mg of CBD per day. Research proves that CBD does not affect the cognitive abilities and all motor or psychological function stay well regulated. It does not alter the physiological state of the body and the body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure of the are not affected by CBD. Because of its non-addictive nature, CBD is used for treating the symptoms of many health issues such as pain, inflammation, insomnia, anxiety, depression and epilepsy.

Effect of different types of CBD oils

CBD is available in several different forms such as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Let’s take a look at the difference between these CBD types and their effects.

·         Full-Spectrum CBD: Along with CBD, Full-spectrum CBD oil contains other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes and THC. The quantity of THC is very low, but if you have a sensitive system, it may increase your level of anxiety. 

·         Broad Spectrum CBD: It contains may cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes but does not contain any significant quantity of THC. It is the safest and has a broad range of health benefits.

·         CBD Isolate: It contains 99.9 percent of CBD oil. If you are looking for a CBD-only type for your health issue, CBD isolate is for you. It is highly effective and quick but it offers fewer benefits than the other two types.

Side effects of CBD overdose

CBD with less than 0.3 percent THC is not addictive.  However, the overdose of CBD can have potential Side Effects such as anxiety, inflammation or disturbed sleep patterns. Other side effects may include

•             Nausea

•             Change in appetite

•             Diarrhea

•             Fatigue

•             Drowsiness

•             Dry mouth

It is also possible that a lower level of THC with other cannabinoids can have an entourage effect. The combined effect of these compounds may enhance the therapeutic effects and subsides the side effects.

CBD can help in fighting addiction

 CBD can also help in fighting addiction to marijuana and other drugs. 400 mg dose of CBD per day can help in reducing addiction of heroin, marijuana, cocaine and alcohol. It reduces anxiety and impulsivity and eventually the addiction to intoxicating drugs. CBD is an excellent alternative of opioid drugs which may cause addiction. Opioid drugs are used to seek relief from acute pain caused by cancer treatment methods. However, patients may become addicted to this pain relief solution. CBD oil is an excellent pain killer and does not cause dependency.

Wrap up

CBD is non-addictive and completely safe to use. Research has proved its health benefits and it is now being legalized around the world. despite its benefits of popularity, you may end up buying a CBD product from the wrong vendor. Try to find a reliable company and go through the reviews before buying the product. Read the label of the product and follow the instructions carefully to reap the most out of this wonder drug.  Moreover, always seek the advice of your health care practitioner for a recommended CBD product and dose according to your health condition.

Medicinal Marijuana: Methods and Uses on the Human body

Medicinal Marijuana

At present, the use of marijuana for medical purposes has gained increased attention because so many people have realized the benefits it offers to the human body. In fact, research has also proven that medicinal marijuana is capable of providing instant relief from disorders like nausea, seizure, anxiety, depression, among others.

What is medicinal marijuana? 

Medicinal marijuana is a term used in describing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The cannabis plant contains over 100 active cannabinoids; however, only two works for medical purposes; they are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol).

CBD is non-psychoactive; this implies that you won’t get high just by consuming CBD. Besides, it is also non- addictive. THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive; it is responsible for the traditional high experienced by most cannabis users.

Although both cannabinoids offer similar health benefits, CBD is preferred by medical cannabis users due to its non-psychoactive effect. However, to be used for medicinal purposes, the CBD product must be extracted from marijuana cultivated under a hygienic condition without the use of toxic chemicals that are harmful to the human body.

How does medicinal marijuana work?

CBD works by interacting with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system (a system responsible for regulating vital body functions such as sleep, mood, and boosting the immune system). This interaction results in a therapeutic effect that causes relief from pain, anxiety, depression, or various medical conditions.

Although the FDA has not approved the use of CBD for medical purposes, a few scientists, such as Dr. Allan Frankel, have documented his success in using medical marijuana in treating several medical conditions.

 Other ailment supported by the healing properties of marijuana includes Parkinson’s disease, Rheumatoid Seizures, epilepsy, Multiple sclerosis, anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and migraines.

Methods of administering medical marijuana

Medicinal marijuana can be administered using different methods that include

• Smoking: To get an instant effect, smoking CBD oil should be your best consumption method. Smoking is the most popular way of consuming CBD among recreational marijuana users. The significant benefit of smoking is that it gets to the endocannabinoid system faster to provide instant relief. 
•   Vaping: Vaping is perfect for people who want to enjoy cannabis without inhaling smoke. It involves the use of vaporizers to heat marijuana and inhaling the vapor. Vaping is one of the safest ways to consume cannabis. 
• Sublingual delivery: Medical marijuana can also be taken sublingually by ingesting under the tongue to get instant relief. This method is perfect for non-smoking patients.
• Topically: CBD can also be used topically on the skin in the form of lotion, ointment, balm, and cream. Applying CBD utilizing this method is perfect for the treatment of arthritis, skin inflation, or muscle pain.

Finally, the use of medicinal marijuana has gained increased popularity due to the benefits it offers to the human body. CBD had proven to be effective in the treatment of different types of medical conditions. However, it is vital that every medical marijuana user buy CBD products from companies that make use of organically grown marijuana, which are lab- tested for purity.