What is CBD (Cannabidiol) oil? 

CBD or Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring chemical compound or ‘Cannabinoid’ found in Marijuana (Cannabis) and hemp plants.  Along with CBD, the cannabis plant contains between 70 – 100 other cannabinoids.  Most people have heard of THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the psychoactive cannabinoid that gets people high.  After THC, CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid and is generally considered to be non-psychoactive.

Cannabinoids function as part of the endocannabinoid system; the body’s complex network of chemical compounds (Endocannabinoids) and receptors which are constantly working to bring the body into homeostasis and optimum functioning.  The system regulates everything from mood, memory, the immune system, pain signalling and inflammatory response.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Cannabinoids may be useful in treating side effects of cancer treatment.  Other possible effects of Cannabinoids include: anti-inflammatory activity, blocking cell growth, preventing the growth of blood vessels that supply tumours, antiviral activity and relieving muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis.  Studies suggest that CBD in particular may benefit people with a number of conditions such as neuropathic pain, low mood or anxiety, IBS, MS and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Is CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil safe?

Cannabidol or CBD is considered safe to use but there is still much needed research to discover if there are any side effects.  This is why clinical trials are necessary before it is legalized as a medicine worldwide.  GW Pharmaceuticals released the interim results of its clinical trials and showed that “The safety profile of CBD was particularly reassuring, with no serious adverse events and an overall frequency of adverse events very similar to placebo.  The most common adverse events (occurring in 5% or more of patients resulting from all causes) were Diarrhea, Nausea and Headache”.

A review of the scientific literature by Mateus Machado Bergamaschi published in “Current Drug Safety” showed that CBD is non-toxic, does not affect physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature), does not affect gastrointestinal transit and does not alter psycho motor or psychological functions.  High doses up to 1,500mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.