Common questions about CBD products
As an adult Neurologist, at a busy practice in Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, I see a wide spectrum of patients, many of whom ask me about CBD containing products, as an adjunct to their disease specific treatment. In this, the first of a series of blog posts for Oil Science, I will tackle the most common questions that people tend to ask when considering the use of a CBD based product.
The first and probably most commonly asked question is, will it make me high?
People’s traditional perception of CBD is that it is the same compound found in Dagga. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid discovered as far back as 1940. Unlike other cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabidiol, (commonly known as THC), CBD does not produce a euphoric “high” or psychoactive effect. This is simply because CBD does not affect the same receptors as THC.
Our bodies have their very own endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates signals from cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system plays a very important regulatory role in the secretion of hormones related to reproductive functions and response to stress and helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune system responses and pain.
CBD is an entirely different compound from THC and it does not produce a “high” or change a person’s state of mind. It simply influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively.
The first question is often followed by, but doctor, what are the side effects?
This is a good question to ask any doctor who wants to prescribe you a new drug. The most important side effect when using CBD oil, is that it may interact with certain medications, and in particular, blood thinning medications like Warfarin. Making them less effective. It may also interact with certain over the counter dietary supplements. Supplements that warn against consuming grapefruit is an example of this, as the juice allows more of the drug to enter the blood stream, which may increase your risk of liver or muscle damage. Always ask your doctor if the medication you are currently on is safe to use with CBD products. Aside from this, other common side effects may include:
- Tiredness, which makes CBD great for sleep!
- Diarrhoea, if taken in excess.
- Dry mouth.
- Changes in appetite.
CBD oil is also not recommended during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.
Over the next few months, in my blog posts, I will be addressing the different disorders that CBD products may be used for.
Oil science’s motto is Know your source and this is the most important thing to bear in mind when considering CBD based products. Many people in South Africa have jumped on the CBD bandwagon which unfortunately led to multiple “backyard sellers”, who are making CBD products but without any regard for the principle of regulation. Simply put, buying from a non-reputable source virtually guarantees that you will never be getting the same “strength” of CBD from one purchase to the next.
Research has shown that nearly 70% of CBD products purchased from non-reputable sources contained either more CDB than the label indicated, which could be dangerous, or less CBD than was indicated, which negated any potential benefits. Many of these products were also found to contain significant amounts of THC.
Oil Science CBD infused products contain no THC and no chemicals. They are high quality, organic and pure. Oil Science is my recommended brand whenever my patients ask me about CBD based products.
Dr Alison – Neurologist (MBBCH) FCNeurol (SA)
