Cannabis sativa is an annual herb that is native to central and western Asia. It is mainly cultivated for its medicinal value. Amongst about 400 chemical compounds formed in this plant, approximately 80 chemicals are biologically active. The most important of these are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBN (cannabinol), and CBC (cannabichromene). In addition to cannabinoids, the plant contains terpenoids as well as flavonoids. Cheef Botanicals is a store that offers a complete range of CBD-based products.

Benefits and dosage

CBD has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective antioxidant properties. Clinical studies are also going on for exploring its potential to treat anxiety, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and antitumorigenic properties. Nevertheless, none of these have resulted in the development of an FDA (food and drug administration) approved drug. The dose must always be lower in the beginning and then scaled up gradually to clinical levels. Otherwise, there are high chances of the display of an adverse reaction. Oral consumption is the most common way of consuming CBD or CBD-based products.

Toxicity issues of CBD

The toxicity of CBD is witnessed in the form of various symptoms and disorders. In addition, there is no antidote to CBD toxicity presently. CBD is associated with certain side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, cutaneous irritation, anaphylactic reaction, and other organs, especially the liver. The liver is the main organ that is at a higher risk associated with the consumption of CBD. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a check on the levels of bilirubin before starting the consumption of CBD-infused products and throughout treatment as well.

CBD might also have addictive properties therefore, patients already addicted to drugs or alcohol must be extra cautious regarding the uptake. Its use has been found to be correlated with an increase in the intensity and frequency of suicidal thoughts and behavior in patients having a history of mood disorders and depression. Although the side effects may disappear over time and are more likely to be reported earlier in treatment, continuous monitoring and advice by the physician are required. You must inform your doctor that you are or have been on any kind of CBD product in the recent past as there is a probability of interaction between CBD and other medications. Particularly, the interaction with sedative medications such as benzodiazepines and opioids can result in severe respiratory depression.