CBD drops and their effects

What effects do CBD drops really have?

It’s not hard to notice that CBD products have dominated the Slovak market lately. Instagram, Facebook… each presenting different CBD drops and oils. Well, what is CBD anyway?

What is CBD and why it has become a big deal in Slovakia

In May 2021, an amendment to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Preparations Act came into force, from which cannabidiol (CBD) was removed. Slovakia is thus the last country in the European Union to join the countries that do not consider CBD a psychotropic substance. CBD – cannabidiol – can therefore be used in cosmetics, but in Slovakia, as across the EU, it is waiting on the list of unapproved novel ^foods1.

CBD – cannabidiol is one of the most important and well-known cannabinoids – substances found in cannabis. Thanks to its versatility, it is used in various industries around the world, such as textiles, construction, food and paper. CBD – cannabidiol has already undergone many medical studies that have confirmed its various positive effects. In addition to more common health problems such as insomnia, anxiety, stress, acne or chronic pain and inflammation, it can also help with more serious illnesses such as epilepsy.

CBD oil production

CBD is an extract from hemp flowers, leaves and stems. Different types of hemp contain different proportions of CBD molecules, which are extracted from the plant to produce hemp oil. It is first found in the plant as an acid (CBDA), which is converted into CBD by decarboxylation (due to heat, for example from sunlight). The best method for obtaining the CBD cannabinoid today is extraction using CO2 (carbon dioxide), at a pressure of 100-300 bar and a temperature of 40-50 °C, which ensures the highest quality extract. CBD extract can also be combined with other trace elements from hemp plants to offer more effective CBD oil effects. It comes in three types: full-spectrum – which contains all the components of the cannabis plant as well as a legal amount of THC, which also has the best and most potent effects; broad-spectrum – where THC is not present; and CBD isolate – containing only cannabidiol (CBD). CBD oil is most commonly sold as CBD drops for easier dosing.

History of cannabis in medicine

CBD has demonstrated various medical effects in various scientific studies focusing on phytotherapy – a therapy dealing with herbal medicines. CBD is bound in the body to the CB1, CB2 and GPR55 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which is found in the body of all animals. Cannabis was first used at the end of the Ice Age, but the first mention of cannabis in traditional medicine dates back to ancient China. Cannabis arrived in Europe around 3500 years ago. In the 19th century, the Indian variety of cannabis was suggested as a cure for tetanus and other diseases by Irish doctors. The use of cannabis in medicine and studies grew significantly in the second half of the 19th century after cannabis flowers were first recognized in 1851 in the USP’s American Publication on Legal Drugs and their Dosage2. CBD was first isolated in the 1940s. It has no psychoactive effects and does not affect movement, body temperature or memory.

Cannabinoids (such as CBD, CBN, CDG but also THC) activate the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which maintains homeostasis – the body’s internal balance. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and spinal cord cells. They are responsible for pain sensation, memory, motor skills. CB2 receptors are mainly associated with immunity and are scattered throughout the peripheral nervous system, in the digestive tract and spleen. CB1 receptors are responsible for all neurotic effects, while CB2 receptors are responsible for anti-inflammatory effects and immune processes.

Effects of CBD drops

CBD has been proven by studies:

• It has anti-inflammatory effects
• It has analgesic effects
• Fights cancer cells
• It is an antioxidant
• Combats panic and anxiety states
• Helps with epileptic seizures
• It helps with the side effects of chemotherapy and analgesics (for vomiting and nausea).
• Increases immunity and its ability to fight infections
• Reduces the rate of neuron loss

CBD drops effects on pain

Studies have shown that CBD drops effects on chronic pain are fantastic. Chronic pain can be the result of a previous injury, illness, or weak immunity. Pain is often accompanied by anxiety, insomnia, depression, or exaggerated physical ^sensitivity3. In one study, CBD was shown to have significant analgesic effects and significant improvement in associated problems such as insomnia and ^spasticity4.

CBD drops effects on anxiety

Comparison of different studies has confirmed that CBD as a drug shows strong effects in anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and also post-traumatic shock. Anxiolytic (anti-stress) effects have also been confirmed. CBD alleviates acute rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure due to stressful situations, also reduces the feeling of anxiety after experiencing stress or shock. In addition, no side effects such as mood changes, reduced ability to move or other abnormalities have been confirmed; on the contrary, it has been confirmed that even a large dose of CBD does not have anxiogenic (stress-inducing) effects.

CBD drops effects on insomnia

Thanks to its calming effects, CBD drops can help with insomnia problems. Sleep quality is improved by regulating our sleep-wake cycles. Cortisol – the stress hormone that prevents restful sleep is secreted the most in the morning, after waking up. People with insomnia, on the other hand, may have high levels of cortisol at night. According to ^{5 studies, taking} CBD drops has effectively helped reduce cortisol levels and improve sleep quality. However, CBD drops have been shown to have better short-term effects on insomnia compared to long-term effects.

CBD drops effects on epilepsy

According to research, CBD can significantly help epilepsy, for example in children, by completely or partially reducing the frequency of ^seizures6. The effects of CBD drops depend on the dosage and are safe even with long-term ^use7.

Despite ongoing research and a lack of literature, the use of CBD in medicine is being promoted and no dangerous side effects have yet been identified, apart from possible nausea or diarrhoea. If you are taking other medications, it is advisable to consult your doctor, retailer or seek information from trusted sources – such as research and studies – before taking CBD drops.

Resources used:

1. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/2/778/htm
2. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/2/778/htm#B56-ijms-22-00778 ,
3. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/2/778/htm#B33-ijms-22-00778 ,
4. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full#B110,
   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full#B111,
   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/pdf/18-041.pdf
6. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1611618
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6514832/

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