Exploring CBD: Its Nature and Potential Role in Alleviating Anxiety
In the thriving realm of health fads, it's all about CBD nowadays. But don't get it twisted - CBD ain't some new hip diet or weird workout routine. It's an acronym for cannabidiol, one of over 100 natural compounds tucked away in good ol' marijuana and hemp.
Unlike the THC-infused treats that usually pop up whenever you mention cannabis, CBD won't leave you high as a kite. In fact, it's the complete opposite – it's like the responsible cousin who brings you soup when you're under the weather while your pothead bud (no pun intended) gets stuck in a loop of cruel reality.
Fans of the stuff claim CBD can treat seizures that refuse to respond to conventional medications, while it also helps with anxiety, pain, and inflammation. If you're confused about what exactly CBD is, think of it like this: THC is the edgy rebel of marijuana, while CBD is more like the cool, collected secret keeper who keeps your wellness game on point.
If you take a stroll down the block these days, you can spot CBD-infused wellness products just about everywhere – from recreational pot shops to convenience stores, hair salons, spas, and even online. These include CBD oils, lotions, bath bombs, coffees, candies, and pet treats. It's so trendy right now that even celebrities like Mandy Moore can't get enough.
All the hype and buzz around CBD has resulted in some hefty profits. In 2018 alone, the CBD industry saw a massive 80% growth in the U.S. and is now valued at approximately $591 million. Just for a bit of perspective, cannabis products, including CBD items, are still technically illegal on a federal level, so that's no small feat.
According to Beatriz Carlini, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at the University of Washington's Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute and affiliate associate professor in the School of Public Health, the recent legalization of adult cannabis use in 2012 sparked curiosity about using the plant, leading to CBD being introduced to the public.
CBD vs. THC
While the use of CBD for wellness purposes is all the rage now, many people still paint it with the same broad brush as marijuana. That's unfair, Dr. Carlini claims, because CBD has nothing to do with the unwanted paranoia or increased anxiety you might experience when consuming the typical weed sold in retail shops. In fact, CBD can actually counteract the negative effects of THC by mellowing out the high.
The primary reason that non-medical marijuana users experience such negative effects is due to the plant being genetically bred to have minimal CBD and maximize THC levels. Through the years, as cannabis became more and more popular for its mind-altering properties, growers honed in on THC to create potent strains with strong psychoactive effects.
Are CBD Benefits Real?
Despite the cannabis stigma, it's easy to understand why some skeptics are quick to dismiss CBD's purported benefits. After all, can rubbing CBD ointment onto your skin or swallowing a drop of CBD oil really help ease anxiety or relieve chronic pain?
In theory, yes, Dr. Carlini says – but again, with the caveat that much more research is needed to make definitive claims. Your body produces its own similar compounds called endocannabinoids, which have receptors within your central nervous system that help regulate various physiological and cognitive functions, like mood, pain sensation, appetite, memory, and more.
When CBD and THC enter your system, they bind with your natural endocannabinoid system and help enhance its function. For those who might have a deficiency of these endocannabinoids, CBD supplementation may be beneficial.
One of the biggest issues with CBD products at the moment is the lack of scientific data supporting the wellness claims, coupled with the lack of federal regulation. As a result, the CBD market operates somewhat like the vitamins and supplements industry – products may contain less CBD than the label states, and there is no requirement for CBD items to be tested for pesticides or contaminants before they hit the market.
Future of CBD
When used correctly and under the supervision of a healthcare provider, CBD could potentially treat a variety of ailments, but more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and how it interacts with various medications. A major hurdle for solid CBD research is the compound's association with marijuana, which is classified as a top-level schedule 1 drug in the U.S., making it difficult to conduct scientific research. Despite the challenges, ongoing studies are underway to test the efficacy of CBD in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation.
CBD, a natural compound found in marijuana and hemp, is gaining popularity in the health-and-wellness sphere, especially in mental health discussions. For instance, it's rumored to help manage anxiety and offer relief from inflammation, though more research is needed to make definitive claims. Unlike its counterpart THC, CBD does not induce a high and is often hailed as a responsible, beneficial cousin to THC. You can find various CBD products, such as oils, lotions, and candies, in a variety of settings, from recreational pot shops to convenience stores and online. Despite the thriving CBD market and the associated buzz, much of the industry lacks federal regulation, raising concerns about product purity and accuracy of labeling.
