Almost every city in America has at least a shop or two that sells CBD products. You may have wondered what these stores are about and whether CBD is the same thing as marijuana. Products containing CBD are being touted as the magic cure for everything from depression to chronic pain. But can CBD help fibromyalgia, and is it safe? Read on for more details.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound derived from cannabis. It’s a common misconception that CBD is the same as marijuana. This is understandable because cannabis is another name for marijuana. However, CBD is not the same as marijuana because the psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is removed. It is not possible to get “high” from CBD.
Additionally, the source of CBD depends on the legality of marijuana in each individual state. In states where marijuana is legal, CBD oil may be extracted from the marijuana plant. But CBD oil derived from the hemp category of cannabis is legal in all 50 states.
CBD may be consumed in oil form, edible gummy candies, capsules, topical creams, or vaporized (also called vaping.)
What are the Claims about CBD?
Even though CBD does not contain the psychoactive chemicals in marijuana, some people believe that CBD products are beneficial. Many studies have already shown the potential benefits of medical marijuana. Some proponents believe that CBD is an essential component of cannabis that offers pain relief.
Proponents claim that CBD oil has the following benefits:
- Pain relief
- Anti-anxiety effects
- Less insomnia and improved sleep quality
- Improved digestion and decreased nausea
- Migraine relief
- Relief of irritable bowel syndrome
Many of the same benefits attributed to medical marijuana are also attributed to CBD since CBD is one of the components of marijuana. While marijuana is not legal in every state, many people find that the CBD component helps them to feel better.
Is CBD Safe?
Until a bill passed in early 2019, CBD products were not regulated. It was kind of like the Wild West, where anyone could sell something labeled “CBD” without being held to certain standards. Now that hemp is legal in all 50 states, CBD will be regulated. But until that takes full effect, CBD products are not legal for sale across state lines.
There has only been limited research about the safety of CBD. So far, no major health concerns are associated with the products’ use, although more research needs to be done. However, some initial studies suggest that vaping anything (including CBD) may cause lung damage and allergic reactions. People with asthma and other respiratory disorders should not vape CBD or other liquids.
Will CBD Help Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex illness with no known cause nor cure. We don’t really know what will help it. However, many people say that CBD is a useful item to have in your toolbox of managing the disease.
One study conducted in 2006 supports the use of CBD in conjunction with THC. This study found that medical marijuana significantly reduced pain. Another study in 2016 found that some people with fibromyalgia may suffer from a lack of endocannabinoids—meaning that CBD could provide pain relief by providing a missing substance.
CBD may help provide symptom relief for fibromyalgia. However, if you decide to try it, make sure to look for more reputable products and brands.
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