CBD has quickly become an increasingly popular natural remedy with numerous health claims. It appears in a range of products such as beverages, skincare and vape pens; its source being Cannabis sativa/hemp plants which interact with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system.
This study’s purpose is to determine whether CBD can effectively relieve emotional exhaustion and burnout symptoms in frontline health care workers treating COVID-19 patients.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is an anandamide phytocannabinoid found in cannabis or hemp plants that interacts with our endocannabinoid system and has numerous medicinal uses. As one of over 85 known cannabinoids found therein, CBD provides one way for us to influence its functioning.
CBD has been shown to possess anti-anxiety, anti-seizure and muscle relaxing properties among many other benefits for human health. Studies suggest it could even reduce symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis like pain and spasticity.
Topical CBD products absorbed through the skin quickly enters your bloodstream, with dosage dependent on application area size, condition being treated, etc.
Products containing CBD are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so their quality, ingredients, dosage and safety may vary greatly from one product to another. Be wary of products with added sugar as this increases your risk of diabetes; also avoid products combining CBD with grapefruit as this inhibits its metabolism and may increase serum concentration; additionally avoid St John’s Wort as this induces its metabolism which decreases absorption of CBD.
How is CBD derived?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating phytochemical extracted from cannabis sativa (hemp), with less than 0.3% THC concentration – the psychoactive component present in marijuana.
To harvest CBD from cultivated plants, an expert extraction process must take place. This ensures the desired cannabinoid is preserved while any unwanted components are eliminated, leaving an oil that can then be refined using alcohol solvents or CO2 to create pure, high-grade CBD isolate or distillate.
Distilled or purified CBD products can then be utilized in numerous products, from capsules and vape pens to broad spectrum oils that still contain all of its naturally occurring phytochemicals from hemp plants.
FDA policies state that only products backed by scientific evidence–like Epidiolex and Marinol–should be sold for medical use. Furthermore, FDA has raised concern regarding products made with cannabis-derived ingredients without FDA approval as these could pose risks to consumer health.
What are the health benefits of CBD?
CBD products range from gummies and lotions to coffee and vape pens. The oil-like extract found within CBD products has been found effective for treating anxiety, insomnia, pain and PTSD; in addition to being touted as an anti-inflammatory and aid to recovery from addiction.
But research substantiating these claims remains limited (Larsen and Shahinas 2020). So far, only one CBD-based medication approved by the FDA to reduce seizures among people living with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome has been available for trial; ongoing studies on this treatment.
Studies suggest CBD could assist with social anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease; however, further investigation is required. It has generally been well tolerated and safe; however it may interact with certain medications and cause side effects like fatigue and diarrhea in some people. Furthermore, CBD raises concerns over liver damage while increasing the effectiveness of certain sedatives, antidepressants and stimulants – while animal studies have demonstrated decreased cravings for tobacco, heroin and other addictive substances.
Is CBD safe to use?
CBD has emerged as a natural cure for numerous health ailments. Available as oils, creams, supplements and vape pens – as well as in food items like chocolate bars – CBD has many uses that could benefit many different parts of our bodies.
There is some evidence to support CBD’s efficacy for treating certain symptoms; however, further investigation must be completed. One study published by the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated its usefulness in controlling seizures during epileptic fits.
CBD should only be taken as directed. Otherwise, it could interact with certain medications, including blood thinners or antidepressants, and increase levels of other drugs in your system, like acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Epidiolex, a cannabis-derived medication approved by FDA for treating two severe forms of epilepsy in children is safe to take orally up to 25 mg/kg daily and has received third-party certification, such as from NSF International. If taking CBD-rich supplements as well, seek third-party certification such as their quality and purity such as their NSF International mark certification for authenticity and purity.
