The legalisation of cannabis has had a significant impact on scientific research on the plant, leading to the discovery of one substance in particular that has aroused great interest: cannabidiol.

Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabis compound that has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits including reducing anxiety, chronic pain and inflammation.

Whereas cannabis used to be used secretly by those who wanted to transgress and looked upon with suspicion by everyone else, with the discovery of cannabidiol this plant has been seen in a completely different light. Now it is not only sought after for a ‘high’, but as a natural remedy to keep one’s organism healthy.

The benefits of cannabidiol allow it to be used safely as a food supplement or as a component of skin care products, without the risk of altering perception or cognitive functions.

However, like any substance, cannabidiol must be handled with awareness and judgement.

That’s why we want to explore in depth what it is, its health benefits, differences with THC and potential side effects, to help you better understand and make the most of the benefits of cannabidiol.

What is cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol is one of the many chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant. CBD, as it is commonly called and as we often refer to it for convenience, has been the subject of much study and research in recent years and is believed to have a number of potential health benefits.

This compound was discovered in 1940 by Roger Adams and other researchers at the University of Illinois. However, its structure and biological activity were only clarified in the 1960s by Raphael Mechoulam and other Israeli scientists.

It is mainly used as a drug to treat certain rare and severe forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. For this reason, CBD was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018.

Cannabidiol is also used for other health problems such as anxiety, chronic pain, sleep disorders and inflammatory diseases. Scientific evidence supporting these uses has already provided several encouraging results, but research is still ongoing.

We can also say that the compound can be taken in different ways such as oil, capsules, creams or flowers and that, depending on the product, the price of cannabidiol may vary.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is different from THC

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two different chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Although they are both cannabinoids, they have very different effects on the body.

THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis and is responsible for the euphoria or ‘high’ feeling that is often associated with cannabis use.

On the other hand, CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause any ‘high’ effects. It acts on a receptor system known as the endocannabinoid system, which is found throughout the body and is involved in a number of physiological functions such as the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep and the inflammatory response.

In general, CBD is mainly used for its potential health benefits, while THC is sought for its psychoactive effects. The effects on the brain of CBD and those of THC are therefore different.

Generally, cannabis products contain a combination of THC and CBD in different proportions, so these products can have a range of effects on the mind and body depending on the concentrations of the two compounds.

What are the benefits of cannabidiol?

Scientists, and soon afterwards consumers, have developed all this interest precisely because of the effects of CBD. From the looks of it, it has many benefits and no, or very few, contraindications.

Is it really so? Let us list the main benefits of cannabidiol:

• Reduction of anxiety and stress: reduces stress, improving the body’s response and helping the mind to be calmer and more balanced;
• Pain relief: relieves both acute and chronic pain, including that caused by conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis;
• Improved sleep: improves sleep quality, both because it calms anxiety and because it directly intervenes in sleep cycles;
• Reduction of inflammation: reduces acute inflammation and the subsequent chronic inflammation associated with many diseases;
• Epilepsy control: reduces seizure frequency in some people with drug-resistant epilepsy;
• Improved skin health: reduces acne and improves overall skin health by counteracting free radicals;
• Reduction of cancer progression: inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells and enhances the effects of chemotherapy.

It is undeniable that the benefits of cannabidiol are many. But is it really all sunshine and roses? Let’s find out if there are any contraindications or situations that would be better avoided.

Which people should not take CBD?

CBD is generally considered safe for human use and is not known to cause addiction or overdose. However, there are some people who may not be able to use CBD or who should only use it under the supervision of a doctor.

For example, people taking drugs that interact with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, such as blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants and antidepressants, should consult a doctor before taking CBD. This is because cannabidiol may interfere with the metabolism of these drugs, increasing or decreasing their efficacy.

Moreover, people with liver problems should avoid using cannabidiol, as the compound is metabolised in the liver and could cause liver damage in the presence of pre-existing conditions.

Finally, pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid CBD because the long-term effects of the compound on the baby are not yet known.

Even outside of these cases, it is always best to consult a doctor before starting to use a cannabidiol supplement or any other product, especially if you are already on medication to treat a disorder.

Can I take CBD on a daily basis?

Having come this far, we know the innumerable benefits of cannabidiol and have realised that it is a compound that is generally safe for human use.

But is it safe all the time? Is it therefore possible to take it regularly, every day?

The daily dose of CBD depends on several factors such as body weight, the condition being treated, the form of intake and the potency of the product. Some people may need more or less of the product.

The advice is always to start with a low dose and increase it gradually until you find the optimal dose for your needs.

Before taking CBD on a daily basis, it is important to consult your doctor to check if there are any contraindications or interactions with the medication you are taking. Besides the fact that he or she can advise you on the right dose to start with.

Finally, you should always inform yourself about the quality and safety of the CBD products you intend to use, because not all are the same and some may contain harmful or illegal substances. If you buy legal ones produced by professional companies, you can use them for an extended period of time without any particular worries.

What is the major side effect of CBD?

The major side effect is the possibility of causing drowsiness or fatigue, especially when administered in high doses.

During scientific research, other rare and mild contraindications of CBD emerged, including nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, dry mouth and dizziness.

In some special cases, we have seen that the use of CBD can cause changes in liver enzyme levels or interact with medications you are taking. Therefore, we remind you of the importance of consulting your doctor or a specialist before starting any treatment, especially if you choose products such as CBD oil with a high concentration of active ingredient.

Starting with a low dosage should avert the risk of contraindications. In the event of serious or persistent side effects, discontinue CBD use promptly and consult a doctor.

Try our CBD products

So, you are looking for a natural and safe way to reduce stress, improve sleep and relieve pain? Since you now have a better understanding of what cannabidiol is and what its benefits are, you are ready to try Maria CBD Oil products.

Our range of CBD oils, creams and supplements are made from high-quality hemp extracts and contain only 100% natural ingredients. We are convinced that they will help you achieve a natural balance in your body and mind.

Discover the selection of CBD products in our online shop and start experiencing the benefits that nature can offer you. We look forward to having you among our satisfied customers!