What to know about the popular ingredient
By Jenny Hong
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of two active ingredients found in cannabis along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause the marijuana high. CBD can be derived from either the hemp plant (cannabis that contains less than .3% THC) or the marijuana plant (contains more than .3% THC). The legal status of CBD is in flux; generally, hemp-derived CBD products are federally legal. In Michigan, CBD products will not be regulated as marijuana if the THC content is below .3%.
Treatment for anxiety, pain, and epilepsy
CBD products range from tinctures to lotions, oils and vape pens. The State of Michigan has not approved any medical conditions for treatment with CBDs beyond seizures. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of Epidiolex (a plant-based formulation of CBD) to treat seizures for people two years of age and older. According to Amanda Joslin, owner of Elevation Station, a cannabis consulting company in Ypsilanti that sells CBDs, many users have also reported relief from pain, inflammation, arthritis, anxiety, and depression, although the efficacy of CBDs for treatment of these ailments has not been clinically tested. “Now that CBDs are not a Schedule 1 substance,” Joslin says, “it opens up the possibility of research institutions such as the University of Michigan to test their efficacy. Certain physicians, such as Dr. Christian Bogner who practices in Farmington, have been powerful advocates for research and development into CBDs for the treatment of certain medical conditions.”
There is no evidence of health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD thus far, but possible side effects that may occur include mild low blood pressure, slowed thoughts or movements, and sedation. There is also a small percentage of people who notice effects on their mood or thoughts when using CBD oil, similar to what they would experience with THC.
As CBD products are over-the-counter items, production is not strictly regulated and quality may vary. Consumers are advised to check that CBD products are sourced from cannabis plantations designed for consumption purposes.
How much is right for you?
Determining the optimal CBD dosage and frequency of use is challenging, as effectiveness varies among individuals. It is better to begin with a lower dosage, and increase as needed. Some of the possible side effects include mild low blood pressure, slowed thoughts or movements, and sedation. Also, a small percentage of people notice effects on their mood or thoughts when using CBD oil, similar to what others experience with THC.
Types of CBDs
Understanding their differences is crucial to choosing the right type of product for your needs. CBD isolate has little to no THC content and is the purest form of CBD, which is produced by removing all other cannabinoids found in cannabis such as terpenes and essential oils. Thus, it is typically extracted from the hemp plant. This is suitable for first-time users, individuals with sensitivity to THC or other cannabinoids and individuals who undergo drug screening tests.
Full spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids found naturally occurring in the plant. It provides higher levels of relief compared to CBD isolates as the therapeutic effects of each cannabinoid are magnified when combined. Broad spectrum CBD is in between the two, where all compounds found in cannabis are preserved but THC is removed. It may deliver the enhanced effects produced by the mixture of compounds but without the psychoactive effects from THC.
There isn’t a definitive answer on which type of CBD is better, and the impact on the body depends on various other factors such as diet, stress, sleep and other medication histories. As research on the impact of CBD is still in the early stages, it is best to determine what best works for you by experimenting.