You've probably heard about 'CBD oil' while surfing the internet, especially on social media like Facebook, haven't you? You've probably seen some people say that this oil is very good for joint pain, back pain, insomnia, and anxiety. So what exactly is CBD? Is it made from hemp? So does it get you high? Is it safe to use? Let's talk about it all clearly and simply today.
Let's first see, what is CBD?
Simply put, CBD is the short name for the chemical compound Cannabidiol . This is something that is naturally found in the plants Cannabis and Hemp. But there is one area where many people get confused. That is the two terms CBD and THC.
Imagine that a hemp plant is like a house with two brothers in the same family.
1. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the naughty, famous brother. It is this chemical called THC that makes you "high" and intoxicated when you smoke cannabis. That means THC has psychoactive properties .
2. CBD (Cannabidiol): This is the quiet, calm brother. The chemical called CBD does not get you high or intoxicated. That means CBD does not have any intoxicating properties. However, it does have some ability to affect things like how our body perceives pain and inflammation. That is why more medical research is being done on CBD.
The most important thing is that CBD does not get you high . That is the main difference between THC and CBD.
What products contain CBD?
Today, there are a variety of CBD products on the market around the world. It is important to remember that many of these are not legally allowed to be sold in our country.
| Product type | Description |
|---|---|
| CBD Oils and Tinctures | The most common method is to place a few drops under the tongue or mix them into food/drink. |
| Capsules | It is designed to be swallowed like a regular medicine capsule. |
| Topicals | It comes in the form of creams, lotions, and balms. These are applied to the skin for things like pain and acne. |
| Edibles | CBD has been mixed into foods like gummies, chocolate, and biscuits. |
| Vape products | Inhaling CBD vapor through a vape pen has been warned to be very harmful to the lungs. |
Does CBD really have health benefits?
Here's the important part. While many people have high hopes for CBD, the best scientifically proven benefits are for only a limited number of conditions. There's still a lot of research going on about other things.
An approved drug for epilepsy!
This is the biggest success story of CBD. The US FDA has approved a CBD-containing drug called Epidiolex to treat two very difficult-to-treat forms of epilepsy in children, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome . This is a special drug that is only available with a doctor's prescription.
Is it somewhat helpful for anxiety?
Some research has shown that CBD can provide some relief from conditions such as anxiety, nervousness, and social phobia. However, there is still no clear conclusion about what the right dose should be for this, and how long it should be taken. Some studies have also reported that people with mild anxiety were given CBD to improve their symptoms. Therefore, this is not a good idea to do without medical advice.
Pain and sleep
There are mixed results regarding the effectiveness of CBD as a pain reliever. Some people find relief, while others don't. Some studies suggest that CBD applied topically may be beneficial, especially for neuropathic pain. The same is true for sleep. While some people do sleep better, there have been reports of healthy people receiving CBD without any effect on sleep.
Simply put, CBD has not been scientifically proven to be a "wonder drug" for any condition other than two specific types of epilepsy. Much is still in the research stage.
What are the side effects and risks of CBD?
If you think, "This is natural, so there's nothing wrong with it," you're making a big mistake. Even using CBD can have side effects and serious risks.
Common side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Appetite
- Drowsiness and fatigue throughout the day
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Body balance problems
Main risks
1. Lack of Regulation: This is the biggest risk. Most CBD products sold online and in stores are not regulated by any government agency. This means that you can't tell if the amount of CBD that is on the label is actually in the bottle. It may contain more THC than CBD. If that happens, you could get into legal trouble and get an unexpected high.
2. Drug Interactions: If you are already taking medication for other medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, mental illness, blood thinners), you should definitely talk to your doctor before using CBD. CBD may change the way other medications you are taking work, or cause dangerous side effects.
3. Liver Injury: Some studies have shown that taking CBD at high doses for a long time can cause elevated liver enzymes. Although this is uncommon, there is a risk.
4. Fertility Issues: Although not directly related to CBD, there is research that suggests that cannabis use can negatively impact sperm count and quality in men. So those hoping to have children should be aware of this as well.
Is it legal to use CBD in Sri Lanka?
This is a bit of a complicated issue. The laws regarding cannabis in Sri Lanka are strict. Ayurvedic doctors are legally allowed to prescribe cannabis-based medicines for certain ailments. However, it can be illegal to purchase and possess products like unregulated CBD oil that are imported from the internet. Especially if it contains THC.
Therefore, don't go and buy these things just because someone told you to or because you saw them on Facebook. It can be harmful to your health and also get you into legal trouble.
Take-Home Message
- CBD is a non-intoxicating chemical found in the hemp plant. It is the compound called THC that causes intoxication.
- The main scientifically proven benefit is the treatment of some rare types of epilepsy .
- Research is still ongoing into the benefits of CBD for pain, anxiety, and sleep, but there are no firm conclusions.
- Many CBD products on the market are unregulated . You can't be sure what they contain or how much. They can contain dangerous levels of THC.
- Do not use CBD products for any reason without consulting a doctor. This is especially important if you are taking other medications, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
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