CBD impact
Products with cannabidiol (CBD) receive a lot of attention and are extremely popular. This is because in a large number of studies, the cannabinoid from the hemp plant showed therapeutic benefits for various complaints and diseases. Therefore, this article deals with the CBD effect, the possible areas of application as well as with the question of what the difference is between freely available CBD products and medical CBD.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) belong to the cannabinoids from the female hemp plants. The plant can produce more than 100 (phyto-)cannabinoids, of which only a few have been identified and studied in detail so far.
THC is known to be responsible for people experiencing intoxication after consumption. But the substance from the hemp plant can do much more. As a prescription drug, it can be used, among other things, for chronic pain, to relieve nausea and vomiting during cancer therapy, and to increase appetite.
In contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol does not have an intoxicating effect. Although the effect of CBD has not yet been as well studied as that of THC, the findings to date suggest a broad therapeutic potential.
CBD effect on symptoms
After taking CBD, phytocannabinoid binds to the receptors of the body's own cannabinoid system (endocannabinoid system). This is part of the nervous system and is involved in numerous physiological processes in the body, such as emotions, pain perception, appetite and the sleep-wake rhythm. This is why the presumed effects are so varied.
CBD against inflammation
One of the most important properties of CBD is its anti-inflammatory effect. Studies have shown positive effects on arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Especially in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, CBD seems to be able to shut down the overactive immune system to inhibit inflammation.
Many MS patients benefit from the prescription oral spray Sativex, which consists of equal parts CBD and THC. Studies confirm that Sativex can relieve symptoms of MS such as chronic pain and spasticity and improve quality of life.
CBD for epilepsy
As a pharmaceutical-grade medicinal ingredient, cannabidiol may have anti-epileptic properties. In studies on children suffering from severe forms of epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome), CBD was shown to reduce the frequency of seizures.
CBD against cancer
Both CBD and THC have shown possible anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies and animal experiments. However, neither of these cannabinoids are miracle cures and much research is still needed to understand the exact mechanisms and to derive therapies from this.
CBD against anxiety
According to recent research, cannabidiol has therapeutic potential for the acute treatment of various psychiatric disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Only a few studies, however, have investigated the long-term administration of CBD. However, the available studies in humans speak in favour of an anxiety-relieving effect of CBD.
CBD against pain
Various studies indicate that CBD can change the perception of pain, especially neuropathic and inflammation-related pain. This means that CBD does not have a direct pain-relieving effect compared to THC.
CBD against sleep disorders
The cannabinoids from the cannabis plant can have a sleep-inducing effect. However, there are only a few studies so far on whether CBD alone can help with sleep disorders. Studies suggest that a sleep-promoting effect can be seen when people already suffer from a sleep disorder. CBD does not seem to have any influence on a healthy sleep rhythm.
CBD effect: Medical CBD and CBD oils
When it comes to the topic of CBD oil and its effects, information from study results is often used to support the broad spectrum of effects of CBD. In fact, however, the study results cannot be transferred one-to-one to CBD products. CBD products are not used in research. This is because they are not of pharmaceutical quality and are not produced in a standardised way.
Depending on the raw material and manufacturing process, the freely available products can vary considerably in quality. The CBD content and the amount of other ingredients also vary. Researchers use a CBD extract that is extracted from THC-rich cannabis.
The plants are cultivated under strictly controlled conditions, whereas the cultivation of hemp or commercial hemp does not take place under these conditions. Furthermore, only CBD as a pure substance or synthetic CBD is used. This makes it possible to determine an exact dosage. This means that the test persons always take exactly the same amount of active substance.
Differences in dosage
One drop of CBD oil is about 0.02 to 0.03 ml. If we assume the smallest amount, a 10ml bottle contains about 200 drops. Now, if the oil has 1,000mg of CBD, one drop has about 2.2mg of CBD. The maximum daily dose of six drops should not be exceeded, so that the maximum daily amount is 13.2mg.
In research and medicine, CBD drugs are dosed much higher. For example, epilepsy patients can be prescribed 20mg per kilogram of body weight per day. If an adult weighs 70 kg, for example, this corresponds to a dose of 1,400 mg. This is more than 100 times the dose of freely available CBD oil.
You can find more detailed information and a questionnaire on the subject of CBD dosage and application - from experts for those who want to become experts.
Do CBD drops have an effect?
Just because the studies are not yet clear and CBD products are not comparable with medical cannabidiol, this does not mean that CBD oil cannot have any effects.
The majority of users have positive experiences with CBD oils and use the extract from hemp for ailments such as stress, restlessness, anxiety, problems falling asleep, inflammations and skin problems.
A high-quality oil with cannabidiol should always be used, preferably a full-spectrum oil that also contains other ingredients from hemp such as cannabinoids like CBG, terpenes and flavonoids (secondary plant substances), as these can complement each other in their effects. Cannabis researchers refer to this as the entourage effect.
