For those of us dealing with anxiety and depression, CBD edibles may hold the key to less worrying, better sleep, and an overall improved quality of life. But out of all the products that exist on the market, CBD gummies are probably the most popular edibles.
The CBD oil used to produce these edibles is extracted from carefully-selected types of cannabis, with low THC and a high concentration of cannabidiol. CBD-based products are part of a different category of medicinal marijuana, one that does not place emphasis on the psychoactive effects of the plant, but rather the curative properties of marijuana.
Those who use these natural products as an alternative to medication or other treatments that may involve unpleasant side effects claim amazing results. From chronic pain and inflammation to sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression, CBD gummies seem to be the new “miracle cure.”
But there’s absolutely nothing mystical or magical about this chemical compound. In fact, people have been using it for thousands of years as a remedy for various conditions. Recently, scientists have begun to explore the physical and psychological effects CBD, with promising results.
Who knows? Maybe CBD gummies and other edibles may become the next breakthrough in mental health.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in marijuana or hemp. It can be made into edibles, tinctures, body oils, elixirs, balms, and other products. In fact, ever since marijuana has been legalized in most U.S. states, experts estimate this market will reach $ 1 billion a year by 2020. [1]
Cannabidiol is believed to be the second most crucial cannabinoid, after THC, and one of the 85 cannabinoids identified so far. The cannabis from which CBD oil is extracted contains only small traces of THC, cannabidiol being the compound that dominates the plant’s genetic profile.
After THC, CBD is the most studied natural cannabinoid. The reason behind scientists’ growing curiosity toward this compound may have something to do with the numerous positive effects it can have on our physical and mental health. On top of that, the absence of psychoactive effects has led some researchers to believe that CBD could be the most important cannabinoid ever discovered.
But all the groundbreaking studies that have changed our views of cannabis wouldn’t have been possible if not for the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the late 1980s. It appears this system regulates our body’s homeostasis (overall balance) and plays a significant role in appetite, mood, sleep, pain, and hormonal balance.
But to clear any trace of doubt and misconception, let’s take a closer look at the difference between CBD and THC.
CBD vs. THC
One of the reasons why some people avoid using cannabidiol-based products like CBD gummies or other edibles is that they don’t want to get high. Decades of misconceptions about cannabis have led many of us to believe that any compound derived from the marijuana plant is a “drug” that we should avoid at all costs.
Although both CBD and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are the main compounds found in marijuana, there are notable differences between the two.
For starters, THC is responsible for the ‘high’ that you experience when you consume marijuana – either by smoking it or through edibles. In other words, THC represents the psychoactive part of weed, generating numerous effects such as hunger, reduced aggression, relaxation, altered senses, sleepiness, and so on.
Another notable difference between the two compounds is that while THC is an illegal drug (with potential long-term adverse effects), CBD is harmless and perfectly legal in many countries around the world.
CBD Effects
As we mentioned before, the main reason why CBD products have gained such massive popularity is that they offer a natural alternative to medication and other treatment options that carry a certain amount of risk.
According to recent studies, cannabidiol is a potentially viable treatment option for anxiety disorders [2], can regulate emotions and emotional memory processing [3], and may also prove useful in solving the current opioid epidemic. [4]
If we are to ask the countless individuals who’ve used cannabidiol, in the form of CBD gummies, oils, balms, and all sorts of edibles, most of them would say this compound has helped them relax, sleep better, manage stress, and improve their overall quality of life.
Since the ‘CBD boom’ has only recently taken the world by surprise, imagine what exciting discoveries researchers might uncover in the coming years.
Does CBD Get You High?
The answer is definitely no. The only component in the cannabis plant that can get you high is THC. Although brands and companies that produce and sell CBD oil warn that various products may contain small traces of THC, the dose is too small to get you high.
In fact, a recent study revealed that even high doses of cannabidiol – be it in the form of edibles, elixirs, oils, balms, and so on – do not cause THC-like effects. [5]
Once again, CBD proves to be a perfectly safe and harmless compound which can alleviate various physical and psychological symptoms without giving you a ‘high’ that could prevent you from
CBD Products
Most CBD products fall under two main categories: oils and edibles. Let’s take a closer look at the two types of products and see which one fits your preferences best.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is part of a new product category that has received increasing popularity and also contributes to the development of cannabis cultivation for medical use, an industry firmly regulated in countries that have opted for legalization.
With an increasing demand for CBD oil (a base compound in many products) manufacturers have taken advantage of the opportunities the internet offers and have taken over the virgin online market. Nowadays, you can purchase CBD oil and other products and have them delivered directly to your home in over forty countries around the world.
CBD Edibles
As you’ve probably heard, CBD-based products come in many shapes and sizes. From oils, tinctures, elixirs, and balms, to CBD gummies, sweets, chocolate, and even CBD-infused honey.
But out of all the options that today’s CBD market has to offer, nothing has gained more popularity than edibles. And who could blame us! Who wouldn’t want to take their ‘medicine’ in the form of a delicious piece of chocolate or a yummy gummy bear?
Considering the wide variety of culinary options that ‘weed brands’ can experiment with, you will, without a doubt, find a CBD edible for every taste.
CBD and Anxiety
Throughout our lives, each of us has probably faced the unpleasant symptoms associated with anxiety at least a couple of time. The constant worrying; the sleepless nights; the inability to get a handle on our anxious thoughts.
But when anxiety becomes a constant part of our lives, things can get quite overwhelming. When you can’t even muster the courage to get out of the house, you risk losing your job, which in turn gives rise to even more problems.
Fortunately, products such as CBD gummies and other edibles can have a significantly positive impact on anxiety. In fact, numerous anxiety sufferers have reported fewer anxious thoughts, better quality sleep, and a notable improvement in overall mood as a result of using various CBD-based products.
From oils and tinctures to gummies and other edibles, there’s an option for every taste, and all of them seem to have the same positive result.
CBD and Depression
Affecting nearly 322 million people worldwide, depression has recently become the #1 cause of disability. This mood disorder can turn your entire life upside down, causing emotional pain, low self-esteem, fatigue, sleep-related problems, feelings of helplessness, and even thoughts of suicide.
Although researchers and mental health professionals have spent decades studying this condition, there are times when ‘traditional’ treatments don’t seem to work.
Since therapy takes time and medication has numerous unpleasant side effects, perhaps a good alternative would be CBD-based products.
Many depression sufferers have discovered that this natural option proves to be quite useful in alleviating the troublesome effects of depression. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, edibles like CBD gummies prove to be highly effective in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and even pain.
Neurochemistry and CBD
Having a direct impact on the endocannabinoid system, CBD can give rise to significant changes in the neurochemistry of our brain.
Experts believe that through this system, cannabidiol can have a positive influence on the stress receptors in the hippocampus – part of your brain responsible for emotional processing.
The fact that human beings and animals have an internal system explicitly designed to process cannabinoids is truly fascinating. In a way, it seems that nature has already equipped our bodies with the means to benefit from this amazing compound.
CBD Oil Dosage
Considering this industry is relatively new, there aren’t any super strict regulations regarding the use of CBD. In fact, as one study quoted above revealed, even high doses of cannabidiol prove to be harmless.
Furthermore, the FDA has yet to issue a Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for cannabidiol. The only recommendations come from brands that produce and sell CBD oil, and their estimations can range from 15 to 50 mg. [6]
As you can probably imagine, it’s somewhat difficult to zero-in on an exact dosage considering all the variables – weight, body chemistry, the severity of the condition, and so on – that scientists must consider.
Nevertheless, experts recommend you start slow and increase the dosage gradually. Also, make sure to consult your physician before considering this treatment option.
CBD Oil Side Effects
I know what you’re thinking, are there any harmful side effects associated with the constant use of CBD products?
First of all, it’s important to understand that CBD oil, and consequently any product that contains this compound, do not cause euphoric states. Since cannabidiol can be obtained from both marijuana plants and agricultural hemp, some of us might be living under the impression that it can get you ‘high.’
Although both hemp and marijuana are part of the cannabis family, CBD-based products do not contain THC – the psychoactive substance in marijuana.
Second, treatment plans that involve CBD oil have proven to be useful not just in fighting severe, often terminal, illnesses but also in minor conditions that can affect our overall sense of health and well-being.
After decades of studies, researchers have yet to identify any potentially harmful side effects associated with regular use of CBD products.
In short, this product is safe, natural, organic, and quite effective in treating various physical or psychological issues.
Whether you prefer the fruity taste of CBD gummies or the soothing effect CBD body balm, the positive effects of cannabidiol are guaranteed to turn any skeptic into a firm believer.
References
[1] K. Doheny, “As CBD Oil Flirts with Mainstream, Questions Mount,” WebMD, 05 June 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20180605/as-cbd-oil-flirts-with-mainstream-questions-mount.
[2] E. M. Blessing, M. M. Steenkamp, J. Manzanares and C. R. Marmar, “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders,” Download PDF, vol. 12, no. 4, p. 825–836, 2015.
[3] J. L. C. Lee, L. J. Bertoglio, F. S. Guimarães and C. W. Stevenson, “Cannabidiol regulation of emotion and emotional memory processing: relevance for treating anxiety‐related and substance abuse disorders,” British Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 174, no. 19, 2017.
[4] Y. L. Hurd, “Cannabidiol: Swinging the Marijuana Pendulum From ‘Weed’ to Medication to Treat the Opioid Epidemic,” Trends in Neurosciences, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 124-127, 2017.
[5] F. Grotenhermen, E. Russo and A. W. Zuardi, “Even High Doses of Oral Cannabidiol Do Not Cause THC-Like Effects in Humans,” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, vol. 2, no. 1, 2017.
[6] A. Cadena, “What’s the Best CBD Dosage?,” Medium, 25 February 2018. [Online]. Available: https://medium.com/cbd-origin/whats-the-best-cbd-dosage-81ec4f95503b.
