CBD is everywhere. As it stands, all 50 states have some law on the books that pertains to CBD. What that means is you basically can’t go anywhere without someone espousing the virtues of CBD. So what is it? Are there really any benefits? And what about potential drawbacks? Most importantly, why are people lining up to get it in their morning coffee?
Alright, lets get after it – What is CBD?
Well, it’s short for Cannabidiol, which is one of the more than 100 cannabinoids found in marijuana. THC is the most famous cannabinoid and generally found in the highest concentrations, followed by CBD. THC is CBD’s psychoactive cousin and responsible for the “high” associated with smoking/eating weed in its many forms. CBD, however, has no psychoactive properties and is largely responsible for the medicinal benefits of the sticky icky. The vastly different effects are caused by the way they interact with your body’s cannabinoid receptors.
Quick summary: Both THC and CBD interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System. That system is made up of two cannabinoid receptors known simply as CB1 and CB2. Both THC and CBD will bond with CB2 but interact with CB1 very differently. THC will bond with CB1, getting you high as a kite. CBD does not bind with CB1, keeping you from getting stoned while allowing your body to enjoy the potential health benefits of marijuana.
About those health benefits. Really? or y’all just trying to get high like before people “knew” there was booze in kombucha?
This is both the most hotly contested and yet least understood/studied aspects of marijuana as medicine. CBD has only been used in clinical trials over the past few years, and many of those studies are marred by inadequacies, often lacking a proper control group. What we can say definitively is that highly purified CBD oil has been shown to alleviate symptoms of some of the most brutal forms of childhood epilepsy. There is also evidence showing CBD as an effective treatment for joint pain/inflammation. Clinical trials of this claim, however, have only been performed on animals.
Anecdotally, I can say it worked wonders on some older cats my aunt looks after. They were struggling to get around, eat, and get to the litter-box. Since starting on a CBD oil regimen, they have both shown dramatic improvement. That’s not to say CBD is the fountain of youth, but rather a natural and predominantly side-effect-free way to manage pain and inflammation. From here, the claims start to get a little outlandish.
Producers and evangelists alike will tell you CBD can help with depression, anxiety, various sleep disorders, and the treatment of cancers. Notably, as a topical treatment for skin cancer. So are any of these claims true? Short answer: Maybe. We simply won’t know until much more research is done. Most testimonies are in the vein of my cat story above and largely provide only anecdotal evidence. That evidence is mounting, though, and the preponderance suggests that CBD has positive benefits with few drawbacks.
Enough shilling, let’s talk about those drawbacks like nebulous legality and the lack of regulation…
These are very important points and not to be glossed over. The World Health Organization has found no evidence that CBD, in a pure form, is in any way harmful to human beings. They even go so far as to assert that CBD is not addictive in any capacity. The “pure form” caveat is an important one, however. We will get into legality shortly, but due to its undecided nature, the FDA is yet to regulate CBD products. This causes quality and purity to vary wildly between companies and even product batches. Therefore, it is important to do your own research and find trusted and well-reviewed vendors/producers. If you have any concerns about the CBD you are taking, stop immediately! Then either have the product independently lab tested or simply throw it away. This is especially important if using CBD to treat ailments in children.
As for legality, I touched on it above, but essentially all states have at minimum begun to discuss ways to legislate CBD. This move comes on the heels of the legalization of marijuana by 30 States and most recently, Canada, for medical and/or recreational purposes. It is thus reasonable to assume that the mean green will continue to be legalized and regulated. That being said, the Federal Government generally classifies CBD as a Schedule 1 drug much like marijuana.
All this is fine, but why would I want to put CBD in my coffee?
It’s a great way to start your day or pick up your afternoon. Getting it in your coffee is also a simple and efficient way to take CBD. A little caffeine and a little help with pain management and/or stress/anxiety. Best part, it all comes from natural sources. As a wise man once said, “It just grows that way…” I do believe that CBD has some clear medicinal benefits. I have several friends, along with family pets, who have benefitted from taking CBD daily. From quitting drinking, to smoking, to help sleeping, they all swear by it. If you want to try CBD, start with a little research and only buy it from a place that is well-reviewed and trusted. As always, if you have any adverse effects or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact a medical professional.
The Works of Peter C. Knochel 