CBD (or Cannabidiol to those in the know) has been in the news a lot recently. You may have noticed it being discussed in the same vein as THC and cannabis in general (which, as we will see, is a bit of a misnomer), or you may have heard about it being used as a dietary supplement to aid all kinds of ailments. So what exactly is CBD, and what, if any, are the associated benefits for us?
Before we get to the uses and benefits of CBD, it is helpful to understand just what CBD is. Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found naturally within the cannabis plant. This is usually where most people raise an eyebrow, as anytime you mention cannabis, most people’s minds tend to wander towards images of hedonistic parties, where people are passing round exotic ‘cigarettes’ while discussing the wonders of the universe. What most people fail to understand, is the CBD, unlike its cousin THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is non-psychoactive. This means that there are no associated ‘highs’ with CBD, even though it is derived from the same plant that does produce psychoactive effects. Instead, most people report a general sense of general well-being when using CBD oils, and many are finding that it is helping them deal with conditions such as anxiety and depression.
A natural, safe alternative
To understand why CBD could be a useful tool for anyone who happens to be dealing with depression, it is important to take into account how our own endocannabinoid system works in our bodies. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the human body, from the brain and our glands through to our immune cells. Their main aim is to maintain a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in external factors. While other cannabinoids activate certain receptors, CBD works slightly differently in that it can influence the body to use its own endocannabinoids in a better way. At least one study has cited that CBD actually inhibits or activates other compounds in the ECS (endocannabinoid system). Whereas THC does affect the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors and gives the user a ‘high’, CBD’s effects on the ECS does not affect the user in the same way at all, but reports so far do indicate that it could be a very useful tool for those fighting with depression and anxiety when deployed to stabilize the ECS.
So how do those who want to deploy CBD as an aid to help them in their fight against anxiety and depression go about it? Well, depending on where exactly you live, you may be able to simply order yourself some CBD oils and have them delivered to your door. Sites such as CBDTopReviews can offer information on the different types of oils, vapes, and creams, allowing you to make an informed decision on which product would suit you best. Rules on cannabis have relaxed of late in countries such as the United States, allowing for not only the purchase of THC ladened products, but CBD oils and sprays as well. It is advised that those who are suffering from either anxiety or depression stay away from THC products, and instead keep to the extracted CBD products instead. Depending on which product you buy, the oils can be ingested using a pipette and squeezing a few drops under the tongue, inhaled in a vape oil form, or even infused into foods and drinks.
From coffee to cakes, CBD is now everywhere
The popularity of CBD use has skyrocketed since legalization in various American states, leading to some cafes even providing CBD Lattes, biscuits, and other drinks. Brands are even getting in on the act, with Ben & Jerry’s famous ice cream the latest company to start surfing the CBD wave. While medical tests are ongoing, early indications are promising with respect to CBD being an effective treatment for some medical conditions, and the beauty of this sort of natural treatment, is that if a user finds that it does indeed help alleviate their symptoms, it means they can avoid using synthetic (and much more addictive) drugs. This is a good thing for multiple reasons. Not only are synthetic medicines responsible for an addiction epidemic in America, but natural alternatives such as CBD don’t actually increase a user’s tolerance when being used, meaning that you won’t need to keep increasing the dose the longer you use it.
Looking to the future, CBD could very well become a ‘first port of call’ for those looking to treat depression, anxiety, mild pain and even as a helpful addition to those going through tobacco or drug withdrawal. Due to its prohibition across the world, we really are only now becoming aware of what a useful drug cannabis and its derivatives can be. As we look to move away from unnecessary synthetics, the trials currently being conducted on CBD should pave the way for other natural drugs to be looked at. Having alternatives available is never a bad thing when it comes to medical treatment, and while the synthetics aren’t going anywhere any time soon, less aggressive forms of treatment are a wonderful first line of attack when the need arises. If you are on the fence about CBD and whether it could help your particular symptoms, maybe get online and order a bottle or two. What have you got to lose?
