The CBD frenzy has been at an all-time high since the beginning. At first, the attention was on marijuana and its effects. The introduction of variety with CBD products and subsequent legalization shifted the attention to the less psychotropic cannabinoid. Due to the legalization, the availability of CBD is also better. The continuous hype regarding its use may be misleading for specific individuals.
It is only fitting that we take a step back and ask, are CBD capsules less effective? Are they safer or less safe than other products?
Are CBD Capsules Legal?
One of the first things people think about in terms of safety is the legal status of the products. The government’s role, state and federal, and other institutions, such as the FDA, is to ensure the safety of all consumable products. When a substance is legal, chances are high that it is safe for human use.
Marijuana legalization has been a hot topic for several decades. Prohibition and legalization over the years have shifted following the support of the people. Federally, weed use is still illegal. Statewise cannabis is legal in several of the 50 American states. While in some, recreational use is permissible, in others, it is not.
The case for CBD is entirely different. For decades the cannabinoid was illegal, like its common mother plant. In 2018, the federal government passed the Farm Bill, which led to the growing of hemp protected by legal status. This legalization was one of the remarkable moments for CBD. CBD from the hemp plants is lawful at the national level. This aspect also means they are legal at the state level.
There is also marijuana-derived CBD. In certain states, this kind is illegal even when it meets the less than 0.3% THC requirement. Without the advertising of which type the cannabinoid is from, it is hard to restrict the sale of the products.
Safety institutions such as the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for determining which products are safe and which are not. The less than 0.3% THC requirement is one of the main ways they restrict unsafe infused products. They offer certifications and standardizations requiring new producers to have lab tests on the amount of THC in their development. If, after testing, the product has more than 0.3%, it is illegal and unsafe.
The other requirement is with advertising. According to the FDA, the benefits of CBD capsules are supplementary. The FDA frowns upon any producers that speak to its health benefits as an advertisement strategy. Despite the requirement, organizations still present their products as medicinal alternatives for numerous conditions.
The role of determining the safety of products mainly falls on the user. Especially since those looking for a fix only need to look for CBD capsules, and they even get delivered. The best way to assure safety is by choosing a product from a reputable brand. Conclusively, when it comes to general use, the capsules are safe.
Benefits of Using CBD Capsules
CBD capsule reviews show that there is vast support for the product. The capsules containing levels of CBD make them a desirable product. From the same considerations, we gather that the pills have several benefits. These are the top ones.
Treatment of Seizures
Epidiolex, a drug containing CBD, got approval from the FDA in 2018. The medicine treats seizure conditions such as Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gestaut Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
The first two are rare forms of epilepsy that are present in children. Under their authorization, the FDA allows children to use the drug. The age restriction is one year meaning anyone above a year can get a prescription for the same.
Management of Anxiety Disorders
In a double-blind study involving 37 teenagers, researchers found that CBD capsules were influential in managing Social Anxiety Disorders. The teenagers who received the placebo had higher signs of anxiety than those who got the infused capsules. From this, it is clear that one of the CBD capsules’ effects is anxiety reduction.
In treating PTSD, CBD quickens the separation between the triggers and the fear response. When a person with PTSD experiences a trigger, they associate it with their traumatic experience hence the fear response. With the help of the cannabinoid, they learn not to associate stimuli with a fear response. Studies show that individuals with OCD, ADHD, Generalized anxiety, and more use CBD oil capsules for anxiety to relieve their symptoms.
Reduction of Schizophrenia Symptoms
Psychologists have a particular interest in the intersection of CBD and psychological problems. With the success of managing anxiety and depression, they have been looking into other conditions. In this case, a randomized controlled trial of 88 Schizophrenic patients showed that taking CBD can help with some symptoms.
The results of the trial showed that there was a significant reduction in the positive symptoms, which include delusions and hallucinations. There was no reduction or minimization of the negative symptoms, which consist of the effect and disinterest in other people. Ongoing research hopes to help individuals with Schizophrenia and other mental disorders using CBD.
Addiction Recovery
With addiction to drugs such as heroin and opioids, the possibility of successfully withdrawing from them without any adverse effects is rare.
There has been leeway in the use of CBD capsules in the treatment of the same. Individuals taking the capsules before or when quitting the two drugs report reduced craving and anxiety. Considering that the cannabinoid also helps with pain and stress, the benefits of using the same in addiction recovery are substantial.
How to Dose CBD Capsules
Dosing CBD capsules when you do not have a doctor’s prescription can be tricky. With a doctor’s prescription, they factor in your condition, weight, the potency of the capsules, and other aspects. The main reason appropriate dosing is essential is to avoid the side effects of CBD capsules.
You first must understand that your weight and body chemistry play an integral role in determining how the cannabinoid gets into the body. The recommendable way to start dosing is to start small and increase the potency gradually.
You can start with pills that are 20-40mg strong. This dosage is considered low enough for beginners. From there, you can choose to add 5mg or 10 mg with each new week. As you continue adding potency, take note of how your body feels.
If you experience side effects such as fatigue and drowsiness, then it is probable that you are taking too much. You can always consult a doctor or health care provider in case of any problems.
Also, dosing with pills is way better since the dosage is on the package. With each capsule, you are sure about the amount of CBD.
How Long Do they Take to be Effective and How Long Do they Last?
Compared to other infused products, CBD capsules take longer to take effect once ingested. Edibles generally take longer because they rely on the body’s digestion process. This feature means that they can take anywhere between 2 hours to sometimes four.
Capsules fall into the same range as the pills have to burst in the stomach for the oil to release. Once they burst, they get absorbed into the bloodstream, and the effects are noticeable shortly afterward.
When it comes to how long they last, this depends on your body’s processes. Aspects such as body weight and chemicals play a role in determining how long the CBD lasts. The average metabolic rate for CBD in the body is about 85 hours. The figure does not mean you will feel the effect for the total 85 hours. That is just how long it takes for the cannabinoid to get turned into energy.
Typically users report feeling the effects of ingested capsules longer than those who smoke joints. The results could last up to four hours or more, depending on the potency and the individual.
Conclusion
Some people would be wary of taking CBD capsules for safety reasons. Considering that the cannabinoid was illegal up to 2018, it is right to practice caution with infused products. Following legalization and FDA approval, it is safe to consume CBD capsules.
They are beneficial for the body. The only problem comes with the brands. For the best and safest products, it is always advisable to go for well-known brands. Sadly, the increase in demand led to a rise in the number of unscrupulous producers.
