CBD - what it is, how it works and what the side effects can be

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the chemicals found in cannabis. It is supposed to have a calming and therapeutic effect, as well as improving sleep quality. In this article you will find information about the properties, dosage and side effects of CBD use.

Inner peace, a sense of security and complete relaxation. We would all like to experience at least one of these states on a regular basis. CBD is supposed to provide us with all three, plus reduce inflammation and promote sleep. Is this really possible? Together with Ilona Krzak, MSc Pharmacy, we present the most important information about CBD.

See also: 

• CBD oil [ranking + pharmacist's opinion]
.
• Ashwagandha [action + contraindications]
.
• Indian ginseng [properties + effects and opinions]
.
• Ashwagandha [dosage + doctor's opinion]
.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of more than 100 cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plantand, more specifically its inflorescences. This chemical has no psychoactive effects . CBD does, however, exhibit numerous health-promoting benefits, such as anti-cancer, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

CBD versus THC - what are the differences?

CBD and THC are the most common cannabinoids extracted from cannabisand. Their chemical structure is strongly similar, but the substances are not the same. THC induces a feeling of euphoria ('high') that is not experienced after CBD. Combined, they form the popular drug marijuana.

Is CBD legal in Poland

All products containing CBD are legal in Polandand. However, they must not contain more than 0.2% THC, which is illegal. The appearance of dried CBD is very similar to illegal cannabis, which is why the police can arrest you for possessing it, on the grounds that you are presumed to have committed a crime .

But rest assured - CBD is quite popular in Poland, so avoiding arrest is usually unproblematic. 

In what forms is CBD found?"

Many forms of CBD can be found on the market. Most products come in the form of CBD oil, which should be applied sublingually - according to MA Pharmacy, the oil is better absorbed then. Despite the popularity of CBD oils, there is no shortage of alternatives to this solution.

CBD can be found in the form of:

• suck,
.
• tablets,
.
• capsules,
.
• pollen,
.
• pastes,
.
• hashu (resin concentrate),
.
• fips,
.
• teas,
.
• sweets (jelly beans, sweets, chocolates),
.
• additive to cosmetics (creams, ointments),
.

Magister of Pharmacy, Ilona Krzak, emphasises that when choosing CBD oil, it is important to pay attention to its quality. The hemp from which these preparations are produced absorbs all heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) from the soil like a sponge. Therefore, only rely on oils with quality certificates. 

According to the pharmacist, the best definition of quality is the certification of Golden Cannabis, a certification body for hemp productsand. The Golden Cannabis team tests random samples of a given product from circulation, and the tests are performed in an accredited laboratory - so it is one of the more reliable bodies on the market.

It is also worth mentioning the difference between 'oil' and 'oil'. An oil is extracted by extraction, while an oil is pressed from seeds, for example. The difference in price is most often significant, but the oil is much better concentrated.

Is CBD safe?

CBD is considered safe, especially in low doses (20-30 mg/day) it rarely causes side effects. CBD is most often well tolerated and does not lead to health problemsand. 

It is sometimes possible, however, to experience side effects such as drowsiness or diarrhoea. CBD should also not be used with certain medications (such as blood thinners).

CBD - properties

The popularity of CBD has influenced numerous myths regarding the effects of this compound. Together with MSc Pharmacy, we present the properties of CBD that have been confirmed by scientific studies.

Alleviates pain

Research suggests, that CBD can reduce chronic pain and inflammationand. Furthermore, it can provide relief from back pain  and neuralgia . Although the findings are very promising, further testing is needed to confirm the role of CBD in pain management.

Positive effects on mental health disorders

CBD may be helpful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies indicate that CBD oil can treat insomnia and anxiety in children suffering from PTSDand. Furthermore, the remedy may reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in adultsand.

Other studies suggest that CBD may have a positive effect on treating social anxiety . Some trials indicate a positive effect of CBD on depression . However, more robust studies are needed to determine the role of this agent in the treatment of depression.

Promotes heart health

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, as well as strokeand. Research suggests that CBD may reduce blood pressure . What's more, taking CBD may support the function of the arteries, and improve blood flow .

May reduce opioid dependence

CBD can treat opioid dependence. A study conducted on heroin addicts showed that after a week of using CBDand, their desire to use the drug was reduced. What's more, CBD can positively affect anxiety, insomnia or pain caused by addiction to various substances .

How else does CBD work?

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• Positive effects on sleep qualityand.
• May support treatment of schizophrenia .
• Reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis .
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• Dampens inflammatory reactions .
.

Deficiencies of pantothenic acid, biotin and folic acid can lead to sleep problems. I invite you to check out these articles! 

CBD - dosage

The dosage of CBD depends on our expectations. At the beginning of your adventure with this substance, it is advisable to start with the lowest doses (and concentrations) to get your body used to it. Then you can gradually increase the dose to achieve the desired effects. It is best to stay in contact with your doctor or pharmacist at all times.

Daily dosage of CBD for selected conditions:

• Anxiety disorders: 300 mg to 600 mgand,
.
• Intestinal disorders: 10 mg (two doses of 5 mg each) ,
• Sleep problems: 25 mg ,
.
• Cancer pain: 50 mg to 600 mg ,
• Psychosis: 600 mg .

Contraindications to the use of CBD

Although CBD is considered safe, not everyone should use it. Which groups of people should be particularly vigilant?

Contraindicationsto the use of CBD areand:

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• pregnancy,
.
• breastfeeding period,
.
• underage,
.
• hepatic disease,
• disease of the liver
• Parkinson's disease,
.

CBD - side effects

Side effects of taking CBD are not common. Most often, the remedy is safe. Nevertheless, a few symptoms stand out that indicate a negative reaction of your body to this compound.

CBD and alcohol

CBD should not be combined with alcohol. This can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination. These substances can reinforce each other's effects. Furthermore, studies suggest that taking CBD with alcohol impairs motor and psychomotor performanceand.

Interactions of CBD with drugs

CBD can react negatively with some medications. Therefore, not everyone should use this substance.

According to the pharmacist, CBD may interactwithand:

• antiepileptic drugs,
.
• opioids,
.
• levothyroxineand,
.
• amiodarone ,
.
• sleeping medicines,
.
• high doses of paracetamol,
.
• antifungal medicines,
• addictive drugs.
• verapamil,
- antihistamines.
• anti-histamines,
• antifungals,
• nitrofuranto.
• nitrofurantoin,
• amoxicillin,
• amoxicillin.
• amoxicillin,
.
• some antidepressants,
.

.

Studies have noted that when CBD is used in children with epilepsy along with drug treatment (based on clobazam or sodium valproate), liver dysfunction or pneumonia are more common.

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Ilona Krzak Master of Pharmacy

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See also:

• Maccharide
• Caffeine
• Passionflower 
• Wild rose
• Ashwagandha
• Adaptogens
• Berberine
• Piperine
• Ashwagandha
• Indian ginseng
• Kurcuma

Summary

Hopefully, you have learned the most important things about CBD.