The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates signals from cannabinoids. The ECS helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system and pain receptors. The body produces its own cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. CBD seems to cause the body to use more endocannabinoids to help with pain relief, inflammation, etc.
What conditions can CBD help with?
The only proven health benefit of Full Spectrum CBD Paste is for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (two forms of epilepsy). Other purported health benefits for CBD include relieving:
Acne
Alzheimer’s Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis pain
Depression
Inflammatory pain
Muscle-spasticity in multiple sclerosis
Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer
Nerve-related pain
Sleep disorders
However, there are numerous studies being conducted currently to prove these benefits.
How do you buy CBD products?
Before trying a new type of health product, you should always consult with your primary care physician first.
CBD products are sold in stores and online. CBD can be taken orally, such as a capsule, candy or oil. It can also be used topically, such as a cream. But, make sure you vet the product and the company before buying.
Forensic toxicologists at Virginia Commonwealth University examined nine liquids, used in electronic vapes, advertised as being 100% natural CBD extracts but found one with dextromethorphan, used in over-the-counter cough medications and considered addictive when abused; and four with a synthetic cannabinoid, sometimes called Spice, that can cause anxiety, psychosis, tachycardia and death, according to a study last year in Forensic Science International.
The main concern with CBD is that it is a supplement, not a medication, and the FDA does not regulate the purity of supplements. So you cannot know for certain that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dose listed. In addition, the product may contain other elements.
Also keep in mind that, while CBD derived from hemp was legalized federally December 2018, the FDA is still researching it, and some states are still restricting it.
