Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't know

Cannabidiol ( CBD ) is gaining more and more attention in Europe and can be found in a variety of products – from coffee supplements to cosmetics and even clothing. But what exactly is CBD and why is it so popular?

What is the difference between cannabidiol, marijuana, cannabis, and hemp?

CBD , or cannabidiol, is the second most abundant active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). Although it is a major ingredient in medical marijuana, CBD is primarily extracted from the hemp plant, which is a close relative of marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause intoxication, despite being one of hundreds of components of the cannabis plant.

According to the World Health Organization, "CBD does not exhibit effects that would indicate abuse or dependence... To date, there is no evidence of public health problems arising from the use of pure CBD." This makes it increasingly attractive to people looking for natural solutions to health problems.

Is cannabidiol legal in Bulgaria?

In most European countries, CBD is legal as long as it is extracted from hemp with a low THC content (less than 0.2% or 0.3% depending on the country). However, regulations vary between countries. For example, some countries like France have strict laws regarding the sale of CBD products, while others like Switzerland allow higher concentrations of THC.

The European Court of Justice ruled in 2020 that CBD should not be considered a drug, which has facilitated its spread across the EU. However, each country has its own specific regulations. In Bulgaria, these values ​​must be below 0.2% THC content. All CBD products falling below this limit are legal to sell, possess and use.

Health benefits of CBD

CBD is touted for a variety of health conditions, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating rare forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). In many studies, CBD has significantly reduced the number of seizures, and in some cases stopped them completely. The drug Epidyolex , which contains CBD, has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to treat these conditions.

Other potential benefits include:

• Anxiety: Studies show that CBD can reduce symptoms of anxiety, providing a natural alternative to traditional medications.
• Insomnia: CBD can improve sleep quality by reducing chronic pain and anxiety.
• Chronic pain: Research shows that CBD can relieve pain and inflammation, especially in conditions like arthritis.
• Addiction: Some research suggests that CBD may help reduce cravings for various addictive substances.

Is CBD safe?

Despite its many benefits, CBD is not without its side effects. Side effects can include nausea, fatigue, and irritability. CBD may affect the blood levels of some medications, such as blood thinners. It is important to let your doctor know if you are using CBD regularly, especially if you are taking other medications.

A significant concern about the safety of CBD is that it is often sold as a supplement rather than a medicine. Currently, many European countries do not have uniform regulations for the safety and purity of CBD products, so it is important to choose products that have undergone independent laboratory testing, verified with a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

How to take CBD?

CBD comes in a variety of forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, patches, vapes, and topicals. If your goal is to relieve inflammation and pain in muscles and joints, a topical oil or cream may be your best choice. CBD patches or sublingual sprays can also provide direct entry into the bloodstream.

In Europe, the CBD-containing drug Sativex is approved in a number of countries for the treatment of muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis and cancer pain.

Conclusion on Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD shows potential as a non-toxic option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. However, the lack of sufficient human studies makes it difficult to determine effective doses. Since CBD is often available as an unregulated supplement, it is important to choose reputable sources and discuss its use with your doctor to avoid unwanted interactions with other medications.

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