What does CBD do? Health benefits and when to be wary
The global cannabidiol, or CBD, market is exploding, with analysts projecting it will hit 22.05 billion by the year 2030. That's nearly 20% of the size of the global soft drinks market even though CBD was only legalized in the U.S. in 2018 while the soda market has existed here for nearly 200 years.
In a few short years, CBD products have sprouted up everywhere and are available for purchase in the form of oils absorbed on one's tongue, edibles such as gummies, candies, foods, pills or beverages, topical applications of ointments, creams or lotions absorbed on one's skin, and inhalation by vaping or smoking.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound largely derived from hemp in the cannabis (marijuana) sativa plant. The plant has over 85 chemicals that are identified as cannabinoids, but cannabidiol is the most frequently used one for medical purposes due to its lack of psychoactive effect.
There are three main types of CBD:
full-spectrum CBD, which contains all beneficial compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant;
broad-spectrum CBD, which contains only some such compounds;
and CBD Isolate or "pure CBD," which doesn't contain any delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, nor any other compound from the hemp plant.
Legally, no CBD products can contain more than 0.3% (by dry weight) of THC, the mind-altering substance in marijuana known for its psychoactive effects.
Because of this, "CBD is not intoxicating and will not make you high” as some people believe, explains Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN, FAND, holistic cannabis practitioner at Jannabis Wellness. Instead, "CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system," she says. One's endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a widespread neuromodulatory system that "plays a role in regulating pain, mood, immune function and inflammation," says Josh Redd, NMD, the founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness and author of "The Truth About Low Thyroid."
What does CBD do?
In this interaction with one's endocannabinoid system, the chemical compound works to calm one's nervous system, reduce inflammation and alleviate some chronic pain symptoms. Harvard Medical School says "there is moderate evidence that CBD can improve sleep disorders, fibromyalgia pain, muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis and anxiety."
Bissex adds that some people find that CBD can also be a helpful treatment for traumatic brain injuries or seizures. Redd says the chemical compound has properties that can alleviate some epilepsy symptoms and provide autoimmune management as well.
Is CBD considered a drug?
Though CBD does affect the structure or function of the body, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a drug, CBD is not classified as a narcotic drug. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that CBD is not impairing, and the World Health Organization's Commision in Narcotic Drugs found that the chemical "has no potential for abuse and no potential to produce dependence." Bissex adds that CBD has a good safety profile and is "generally well tolerated."
Redd agrees that the chemical is well received by most users but says we still "lack long-term studies." He adds that "the biggest concern with CBD is that the market is not fully regulated, and the quality and purity of CBD products can vary." The CDC similarly notes a lack of regulation and says that because scientists are still learning about how CBD affects the body, it strongly suggests keeping CBD products "in childproof containers and out of the reach of children."
The agency also warns adult users of potential harms and side effects associated with taking CBD products. These include liver damage, upset stomach, changes in one's appetite, irritability and interference with other drugs one is taking that may cause more serious problems. Bissex says other side effects of using CBD products may also include "vivid dreams, fatigue and low blood pressure."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does CBD do? What to know about gummies, cannabis and more
