Cannabidiol, a molecule derived from the cannabis plant is commonly referred to as CBD.  This one molecule is becoming the current wonder drug. But can it really do all that people claim?  Let’s sort through the hype to discover the benefits of this medicinal treatment.

What is it?

CBD is one of more than 400 compounds in the cannabis plant species, which includes marijuana and hemp. CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the element in marijuana that induces a drug-induced high. CBD is a legal medicine.

According to Prevention Magazine, Jahan Marcu, Ph. D., Director of Experimental Pharmacology and Behavior at the International Research Center on Cannabis and Mental Health in New York City: “CBD does change cognition. It affects mood, which is why people take it for anxiety. And some find it makes them more alert.”

What is CBD used for?

People ingest CBD, sometimes in a candy form or as drops in a tincture.  This can be used as a sleep aid, or to calm anxiety, even reduce over-all body pain.  CBD is also often added to oils for lotion for topical pain relief and can be applied directly to sore areas of the body. Preliminary research on CBD does indicate that it has a wide-range of healing influences on the body from anti-inflammatories, to anti-anxiety and immuno-supressives.

Since it is a DEA-classified Schedule 1 drug, research on humans is limited. While more studies involving humans are needed, the one area that CBD research has been allowed is in seizure research.  THE FDA recently approved “the first CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for rare forms of epilepsy.” As the CBD becomes more common, more and more research will continue to surface.  

Side Effects

Getting the proper dosage amount is important to limit side effects, which are most commonly: tiredness, diarrhea and weight or appetite change.   Another important point to consider is what medications might interact with CBD.  Blood thinners and IV antibiotics are two medicines that have been shown to react to CBD. Consulting a knowledgeable and reputable seller, like Wellness Balance, is the first place to start.  Also notifying your doctor before you begin taking CBD is a crucial step.

If you are interested in learning more about it and how CBD could benefit you, contact us.  We are a certified distributor for Green Roads CBD Products. As with any health treatment, we don’t believe any one product is a “miracle cure.”  Rather, implementing necessary steps over time is the best way to achieve good health.

About the author

Kimberly Distilli

Kimberly Distilli, R.N. and founder of Wellness Balance, has spent almost three decades in the medical field. Kimberly devoted her life to taking care of others but it wasn’t until she became seriously ill with breast cancer that she discovered the impact of alternative, non-invasive therapies such as cold laser therapy, alkaline water, cellular cleansing and neurotoxin release.