Hello my fellow cannabis enthusiasts!🌿 No cannabis discussion would be complete without mention of the powerhouse that is cannabidiol. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the second most well known cannabinoid and potentially the most popular cannabis medicine we currently have. CBD is just one of more than 100 different compounds within the cannabis plant and has been used for many years, even before it was identified as a compound.1 A study completed in 2018 estimated that CBD sales increased by more than 300% as compared to the prior two years. With data like this we can clearly see that CBD is a popular medicine, so let's look at the different reasons that CBD might be used for.
CBD has been previously used for a variety of illnesses or symptoms, some that have been researched and some that are still being researched currently. Anecdotal evidence tells us that CBD could potentially be used for things like anxiety, arthritis, depression, nausea, pain, Parkinson's disease, PTSD and addiction, however the research may not quite as robust as is needed to be fully accepted.2 Currently, the FDA has approved a CBD only drug, called Epidiolex, that can be prescribed for hard to treat seizure disorders like Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome.3 However there is really interesting research that is currently being completed for a wide range of conditions (very similar to our anecdotal list) like: multiple sclerosis, diabetes, schizophrenia and weight loss. While the research into these particular issues might still be in its infancy, it shows great promise for the future of CBD.4
Since CBD comes from a natural plant, people can believe that there would be no side effects from its use or any concerns about taking it. But the science shows us that there can be side effects from CBD, they just might be better tolerated than other types of side effects from prescription medications. High amounts of CBD can cause diarrhea, dry mouth, sleepiness and reduced appetite. Something I found interesting when researching CBD, is the fact that in research studies the amount of CBD being administered are often far higher than the amounts of CBD that can be found in local dispensaries. Typical doses of CBD that can be found in dispensaries might be in the 10-20 mg range, whereas between 150 - 1500 mg of CBD are being administered in clinical trials.2 In clinical trials it's been found that CBD is well tolerated at the high ranges mentioned previously.
With all of the amazing potential that CBD has and because it does not cause an effect on the brain, like the high that THC can give, it is incredibly important to do research on the company that you're buying from beforehand. A recent study showed that more than a quarter of CBD products that were tested, had less CBD inside than what was advertised. So you might think you're buying a jar of CBD cream with 1000 mg, but in reality the milligram dosage is far lower.4 When doing your research on what CBD product to buy one of the first things to look for is the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the product. The COA should come from a current batch of whichever product your are purchasing, meaning that if you were buying a tincture, you should be able to see a COA for the tincture itself and not say a cream or flower.
As a cannabis nurse I provide education about cannabis as a medication here on this platform and in person at local dispensaries. In my time visiting dispensaries, I'm always on the lookout for a good CBD cream that I can recommend to the patients I visit with. In my area of Oklahoma, however, it is quite hard to find a quality CBD-only cream. Recently I heard about a new CBD product line that is based out of north Texas and Arkansas, called Diapedic. After listening to one of their product presentations, I knew I had to try it out. They have two different types of CBD cream, a full and a broad spectrum, full spectrum meaning it has less than 0.3% THC and broad spectrum has no THC involved. To be sure that this was a medicine I could recommend, I ordered and tried out the broad spectrum CBD cream. As a nurse I experience a variety of aches and pains, but most recently I've been experiencing some carpal tunnel like pain in my right arm. I started applying the broad spectrum CBD cream nightly (twice daily if I remember) and I can really feel the difference. I've been quite impressed with the cream that I've recommended it to some of my family members and they have also reported a relief from their general aches and pains. I've chatted with the creator of this medication a time or too and have been equally impressed by their commitment to making a product that is natural, easily absorbed into the skin and with a price point that makes it worth a try. I would greatly encourage anyone who is wanting to try a CBD cream from a reputable company to check out https://diapedic.com/ to see their products. You can also follow my QR/affiliate code if you are wanting to try the medicine out with a discount.
In conclusion, the rise of cannabidiol (CBD) within the cannabis community is undeniable, with its popularity soaring and its potential as a medicinal powerhouse continually expanding. While anecdotal evidence and ongoing research suggest a myriad of potential uses for CBD, from anxiety to pain relief and beyond, it's crucial to recognize the importance of thorough investigation and quality assurance when selecting CBD products. Despite the promising nature of CBD, it's essential to acknowledge that it's not without its side effects, albeit generally well-tolerated. Moreover, the significance of reputable sourcing and transparent product information cannot be overstated, particularly given the prevalence of mislabeled or inaccurately dosed CBD products on the market. The journey to finding the right CBD product may require diligence and discernment, but the potential benefits for alleviating various ailments make it a worthwhile endeavor. As always, I would love to hear any of your questions or any topics you would like to learn about. Keep learning and have a great weekend!
References:
Li, J. et al. (2021) ‘The current understanding of the benefits, safety, and regulation of Cannabidiol in consumer products’, Food and Chemical Toxicology, 157, p. 112600. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112600.
Nelson, K.M. et al. (2020) ‘The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Cannabidiol (CBD)’, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 63(21), pp. 12137–12155. doi:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00724.
Leas, E.C. et al. (2020) ‘Self-reported cannabidiol (CBD) use for conditions with proven therapies’, JAMA Network Open, 3(10). doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.20977.
Brent A. Bauer, M.D. (2022) CBD: Safe and effective?, Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700 (Accessed: 30 March 2024).
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