Answering Frequently Asked Questions About CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become something of a buzzword over the past several years. This substance is one of many active ingredients in cannabis, but unlike its psychoactive counterparts, it does not make you feel “high.” When it’s isolated from hemp, which does not contain psychoactive components, it can be used solely for therapeutic purposes. Researchers and scientists have studied CBD for its potential to offer a variety of benefits, including:

     • Reducing anxiety

     • Treating some types of childhood epilepsy

     • Mitigating chronic pain

     • Reducing cravings for tobacco, heroin, and other addictive substances

Despite these possible benefits, there are many misconceptions about CBD. In this blog post, we’ll answer a few common questions and bust some popular myths about this substance.

+ THC vs. CBD: What’s the difference?

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis — in other words, it produces the feeling of being high. CBD can be derived from either a hemp plant or a marijuana plant. CBD that is derived from hemp does not contain THC and is therefore not psychoactive. In CBD that does contain THC, it should contain a maximum of 0.3 percent. This is an extremely low amount that should not make you feel high. 

Depending on whether medical or recreational marijuana is legal in the state where you live, you may be able to access marijuana-derived CBD, which may contain higher amounts of THC. 

+ Is CBD legal?

CBD that is derived from hemp has been legal throughout the United States since 2018, after the passage of that year’s Farm Bill, which legalized the production and sale of hemp and its by-products. 

However, some states (such as Virginia) have laws limiting its possession. Additionally, even though CBD products are widely available, selling any supplement or product that contains this substance is technically still not legal.

The Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for this area of the law, maintains its illegality but has stopped penalizing companies who violate the ruling. In any case, a person is extremely unlikely to be punished for using CBD products or holding them for personal use.  

+ How do I take CBD?

There are many different forms of CBD available. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find CBD oil, extracts, gummies, vapes, topical lotions, creams, and patches.

Before you use CBD, you should talk to your healthcare provider about benefits, risks, and your overall health goals. And it’s best to try a small amount first, just to see how your body responds. Gradually, you can increase the amount that you use or consume.

+ What are some proven benefits of CBD?

After the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, it became much easier for researchers and scientists to study the potential of CBD in treating various illnesses and symptoms. However, many studies are still in the very early stages.

This lack of knowledge has led to some unscrupulous companies making unsubstantiated claims about the efficacy of CBD to treat or prevent everything from cancer to COVID-19. Many of these claims are false or, at the very least, unproven. This is why it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting to use CBD.

Some conditions that have been shown to benefit from the use of CBD are:

     • Anxiety

     • Insomnia

     • Epilepsy

     • Chronic or neuropathic pain

     • Arthritis

     • Addiction

+ What are CBD’s side effects?

Despite its potential benefits, there are some CBD side effects to be aware of before you take CBD for the first time. In studies, researchers noted side effects that included:

     • Diarrhea

     • Fatigue

     • Nausea

     • Irritability

If you are taking a medication with a grapefruit warning on it, you should consult your doctor before trying CBD. Like grapefruit, CBD can increase blood thinning effects and affect gut and liver enzymes.

Ask Your Doctor

Before trying CBD, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the substance. Since it exists in something of a legal gray area, there are many companies out there that are eager to profit by selling products with low-quality CBD. Some commercially available products analyzed in a lab have even been shown to contain no CBD at all, despite claims made on the product label. 

While CBD is generally safe, it’s always wise to talk to a doctor before trying any new supplement or medication. They can help guide you toward a safe dosage and walk you through any potential side effects. 

To find a healthcare provider that can help, download the Carbon Health app or visit our website to learn more.

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‍Carbon Health’s medical content is reviewed and approved by healthcare professionals before it is published, but it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition, and before making changes to your healthcare routine.

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