The cannabis market is unquestionably a fast-growing one. However, this would not have been possible without cannabidiol research, which has allowed people to get rid of the demonization of cannabis. CBD is no longer considered a narcotic substance, the cannabinoid can be found almost everywhere. Nevertheless, what are the current trends and innovations in cannabidiol research?
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Development of CBD Researches
One of the biggest obstacles to the widespread acceptance of CBD is the lack of scientific research. Until recently, very little research has been done. Now, just a few years later, research on CBD and its health effects has skyrocketed. The positive results that have returned have been a powerful factor in the recent surge in demand for cannabidiol.
Not only do some of these results suggest positive health effects, but they also highlight the general lack of side effects. While further testing is still needed, many international health groups have already come out in support of CBD as a safe and edible product. For example, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has formally endorsed the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) initiative to update the medical status of cannabis. As of December 2020, the WHO publicly recognizes cannabis as a global medicine.
However, CBD products are often much more than just cannabidiol. Many oils, capsules, chocolate, and other CBD products contain full or broad-spectrum cannabidiol, which means that the product contains other cannabinoids as well. Their content in hemp is much lower, and therefore too little research can say about the advantages and disadvantages of minor cannabinoids.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD refers to a type of hemp extract that contains a wide range of cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), as well as other beneficial plant compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
What is CBD Flower?
CBD flower is the product of the female hemp plant that has been bred to have high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
CBD flower is typically used for smoking or vaporizing, and it’s often sold as pre-rolled joints or loose flowers. It’s also used for making other CBD products such as tinctures, oils, and edibles.
What is the Difference Between THC and CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are both cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, but they have different effects on the body and mind.
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for the “high” or euphoric feeling associated with marijuana use. It binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which can result in feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and altered perception of time, space, and senses. THC can also cause side effects such as dry mouth, increased heart rate, and impaired coordination.
CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive and does not produce a “high.” It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a different way than THC and is believed to have a range of potential therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety, alleviating pain and inflammation, and promoting relaxation and better sleep. In general, THC is used recreationally, while CBD is used more for medicinal purposes.
Medical Researches on CBD
One of the main reasons why CBD oil has become popular in the last few years is because it has become the face of many wellness initiatives. CBD users strongly believe that cannabidiols provide a wide range of benefits aimed at physical and mental illness. Some swear by its use in treating anxiety and depression, others by its use as a metabolic regulator and pain reliever.
Most of the health effects reported in these studies have been positive and show serious potential for further medical applications. Professor of Psychiatry and Cognitive Neuroscience at King’s College London, Philip McGuire has been studying the effects of cannabidiol for over 15 years. Because of his interest in human psychosis, McGuire studied the effects of cannabidiol on human brain function.
One of the most notable results was the effectiveness of CBD in reducing psychotic symptoms. While McGuire acknowledges the need for more rigorous testing, he believes the clinical results demonstrate a significant reduction in psychotic symptoms.
If CBD proves to be a legitimate medical solution, it could see significant long-term growth that could propel the global cannabis market to even greater heights. In fact, CBD is already being used as a component of a prescription drug known as Epidiolex.
The Effectiveness of CBD Skin Care Products.
Recent studies have also shown that cannabidiol is first-rate for the skin. Cosmetics based on cannabidiol boast a whole cluster of benefits. It contains a rich vitamin composition, fatty acids, and the therapeutic effect that cannabis products have on the skin.
Cannabidiol is especially good when it comes to age-related changes and excessive dryness. Soap, gel, or cream based on technical hemp will take care of minor damage, deeply moisturize, relieve irritation, and nourish your skin with plenty of vitamins.
As a result, drug-free cannabinoids greatly facilitate the course of dermatological diseases: they relieve pain, eliminate burning and tingling, have a beneficial effect on peeling, and challenge free radicals. The effect of topical application will not be long in coming: a few minutes are enough to feel relief after treating problem areas.
Can CBD Be Helpful for Animals?
The animal health benefits are a lot like the benefits promised to people who take CBD oil. Perhaps nothing is surprising in this since mammals often react the same way to drugs and other chemicals.
Much of the evidence for the value of CBD comes from owners of older animals. It is especially true for older dogs, which may have joint and stomach problems and sores common to an older age. Some claim that CBD can calm animals during fireworks or thunderstorms.
However, not all veterinarians recommend adding CBD to pet food. The main argument of supporters of the ban on CBD is that the exact dosage is unknown, and there are no serious scientific studies. Some people are concerned that CBD may not mix well with conventional animal medicines.
Besides, do not forget that it is completely unacceptable to give animals CBD products if the content of THC exceeds the legal 0.3% of the content. The point here is not only in the law, however, but in the fact that THC can be toxic to animals.
However, interest in cannabis research is not limited to pet owners, but also agriculture. It is probably because hemp grows even in poor soil, and grows quickly. Moreover, it is a versatile animal feed. Of course, many hemp admirers also hope that hemp will eventually become a staple food crop that will fuel population growth. Hemp seeds have been used for many years as bird feed and animal bedding (e.g. horses).
Can CBD Be Used For Fish?
Hemp is high in omega fatty acids, which are essential for fish health. Usually, omega-3 acids come to fish from algae. But if you add hemp to fish food, then they have direct access to more saturated omega-3 acids. An application has already been submitted for large-scale testing of fish food with hemp. The cost of the project comes up to 10,000,000 US dollars.
CBD Beverages: Free Market and Lots of Potentials
Drinking with cannabidiol is another question. Scientists and entrepreneurs have been wrestling with this for quite some time now, and that’s because CBD and THC oil don’t dissolve in water. Therefore, it was always challenging to add cannabidiol to the beverages because the CBD oil exfoliated from the liquid for a while. That is why it was essential to conduct a lot of research on this topic.
Today’s results show that the correct emulsification technique is essential for successfully incorporating CBD into beverages. Cannabis extracts are mainly emulsified into an oil and then processed into an emulsion to achieve optimal absorption.
Conclusion
Despite the many obstacles, the cannabis industry is still developing and improving, showing the potential of CBD products to the whole world. Today’s research results can improve the lives of not only people but also animals. Likewise, CBD is now used in cosmetics and medicines, which indicates that people are starting to trust cannabis and look for products containing it.
The article was written by Denys Svirepchuk. He is one of AskGrowers’ dedicated writers who enrich people with information about the cannabis industry. Denys is interested in getting as many people as possible to discover the medical and recreational properties of cannabis. To achieve his goal, he became a real connoisseur who shares his knowledge on our blog.
