According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, around 72,000 Americans died of opioid abuse back in 2017. As a result, the government and more people are looking for an alternative treatment for pain.
This answer cam in the form of cannabidiol, or CBD, which is a compound that found in cannabis plants—either from hemp or marijuana. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD does not have psychoactive properties that make its users feel euphoria or the feeling of getting high. This is why some regulations are more permissive towards CBD compared to other cannabis products.
And while CBD does not make anyone high, it does provide a wide variety of health benefits, which includes pain relief. According to Medical News Today, CBD helps manage pain caused by arthritis, multiple sclerosis and many more. And with the recent crisis on opioid, CBD is becoming an option for some people. Especially now that the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that there is no risk for abuse on CBD and that there is no threat to the public for this compound, per Forbes.
These recent studies then led to several companies offering CBD in different forms—gummies, drinks, oils, creams and many more, creating a new market sector for the industry. And for anyone willing to give these products a go, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Research about the company
Make sure that the company is operating legally. You can search for testimonials or reviews to see how other customers’ experiences went. More often, legitimate CBD companies, or any company that is in the cannabis business for that matter, are usually transparent when it comes to their business. You can also check their own press releases or other news sources about them.
Ask for their Certificate of Analysis
Asking for a certificate is also a good idea to do before purchasing any CBD product. Since these products are mostly processed to extract the CBD, they need to be tested to make sure their quality. These certificates are also proof that these products have passed specific industry standards.
Given that some companies mislabel their products, this is a good thing to practice. In fact, according to KOMO News, a study revealed that 26 of 84 products purchased online by some researchers contained the levels of CBD claimed on their labels. They also found out that some didn’t contain any CBD, while others have THC on them.
Check which CBD product is perfect for the specific pain you are experiencing
CBD products come in different forms—oil, ointment, edibles and more. So make sure what type of CBD product is best for your specific pain. Usually, for inflammation, CBD products that are in a form of a cream or topical ointment is recommended.
Make sure you have not consumed anything that would interact negatively to CBD
Though CBD is natural and does not have any public health risk, there could still be harmful effects if it is consumed with other chemicals or compounds. According to Consumer Reports, research suggests that CBD may interfere with liver enzyme system that metabolizes certain medications, particularly blood thinners such as several antidepressants.
Watch your dosage
Just like any other medication, too much of something could be harmful. Make sure you follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
CBD may have several therapeutic effects but consumers still need to be responsible when it comes to purchasing and consuming different products that are derived from it.
