What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a chemical found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant is made of two types: marijuana and hemp. Hemp plants have a much higher percentage of CBD and much lower levels of THC (less than 0.3%) compared with marijuana plants. THC, which is also found in the cannabis plant, produces the “high” commonly associated with marijuana. CBD is not psychoactive and will not produce a “high”.
How does CBD work?
Our bodies have a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a large network that is connected to the entire body, including our brains, heart, organs, muscles, and bones. The CBD interacts with this system by telling the system to make more of the body’s own natural cannabinoids, which will improve functions throughout the body. Research is constantly being done on just how CBD helps improve the body!
Is CBD Legal? Can I get products without THC?
The 2018 Farm bill legalized CBD sourced from industrial hemp on the state and federal levels as long as the hemp contains less than 0.3% THC.
Even though typical over-the-counter Hemp-based CBD oil products contain less than 0.3% THC, Bremo has CBD products that contain 0% THC.
An individual may choose to purchase CBD products with 0% THC because they are either particularly sensitive to THC or they do not wish to be at risk for testing positive on a drug test.
Drug tests for marijuana are designed to detect the metabolite, THC. THC stays in your blood for about 30 days. Even though CBD oil products have less than 0.3% THC, particularly sensitive drug tests still have a chance to detect this amount, especially because every individual gets rid of THC at different rates.
A company can only guarantee their product is 100% THC free through a certificate of analysis by a third party, so be sure to check your source.
CBD side effects
CBD is generally considered safe, but possible side effects can include:
- Drowsiness/fatigue
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Reduced appetite/nausea
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Rare: liver damage
Drugs that can interact with CBD
CBD can interact with many medications to increase the side effects noted above. This can lead not only to sleepiness and fatigue, but cause dizziness and increase your risk for falls.
Drugs that can increase fatigue and dizziness as well as other side effects listed in the side effects section while taken with CBD are:
- Opioids (Codeine, Hydrocodone, Tramadol, etc)
- Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, etc)
- Antidepressants (Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac, etc)
- Antihistamines (Benadryl, OTC sleep aids, Zyrtec, etc)
- Alcohol
- Herbal medications (melatonin, St. John’s Wort)
In addition, many drugs are broken down by your liver, and CBD can interact with these drugs that are broken down by your liver and have potential serious interactions, including:
- Warfarin (a blood thinner)
- Amiodarone (an antiarrhythmic medication)
- Levothyroxine/Synthroid (a thyroid medication)
- Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, Clobazam, Valproic acid (Seizure medications)
What form of CBD product is right for me?
Main forms of CBD products include:
Sublingual Oil (under the tongue)
Gummies
Gel Capsules
Topicals (creams, ointments, gels, salves, roll-ons)
You can read this blog post CBD Oil Different Forms for Different Folks and speak with your Bremo Pharmacist about which formulation is right for you!
References:
VanDolah HJ, Bauer BA, Mauck KF. Clinicians’ guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils. Mayo Clin Proc. 2019;94(9):1840-1851
Bone L. Is there such a thing as 100% THC Free CBD? [Online] Accessed on February 14, 2022. Available at: https://patriotcbd.org/blog/is-there-such-a-thing-as-100-thc-free-cbd/
Silva L. 9 Science-Backed Benefits of CBD Oil. Forbes Health. Accessed on February 14, 2022. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/health/body/cbd-oil-benefits/.
Corroon J, Felice JF. The endocannabinoid system and its modulation by cannabidiol(Cbd). Altern Ther Health Med. 2019;25(S2):6-14.
Bykov K. CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution. Harvard Health Publishing. [Online]. Accessed on February 14, 2022. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743.
Balachandran P, Elsohly M, Hill KP. Cannabidiol interactions with medications, illicit substances, and alcohol: a comprehensive review. J Gen Intern Med. 2021;36(7):2074-2084.
