What is CBD and what is it for?

CBD or cannabidiol is a molecule that can be found in the cannabis plant and is one of its most important psychoactive substances, along with THC or Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol.

For several decades, science has studied the different effects that this substance can have on the brain and human behavior, and both its risks and its possible usefulness are currently being studied therapy.

In fact, in some countries various medicines based on cannabidiol have been marketed for some years, and the most popular product of this type is the so-called "Cannabidiol Oil".

Likewise, the sale of products derived from hemp is also legal there; which thing does not mean that this substance is harmless. The truth is that the consumption of cannabidiol also presents a series of side effects and health risks that should be known by the general population. Therefore, in this article We will review the main effects of CBD.

• Related article: "What is the relationship between schizophrenia and addictions?"

What are the possible benefits of consuming CBD?

There are a number of possible positive effects associated with the consumption of CBD, so in some cases people with various psychological problems take this substance under medical supervision (and without constituting the only pillar of the treatment they are receiving). These effects derive above all from the fact that certain anxiolytic or even sedative effects have been observed in the CBD, coming to be considered that this molecule partially counteracts the effects of THC, which is a euphoric.

But nevertheless, the mechanisms through which CBD acts in the brain are more complex than those of THC, so there are still not many certainties about its effects on health. But one of the things that has been observed is that while the consumption of the cannabis plant can generate addiction, CBD as a substance separated from the rest of the plant does not seem to generate dependence, something that cannot be said of THC.

Now, it can also happen that people who start consuming CBD (for example, to try to mitigate symptoms such as anxiety) decide to switch to consuming marijuana looking for more intense effects, and end up significantly damaging their physical health and mental.

That said, let's see what are the main problems against which the consumption of CBD could have positive effects and therapeutic drugs under medical supervision (which may or may not be used after consumption, depending on the characteristics of each person).

1. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disease characterized by the onset consists of seizures and even loss of consciousness in the person who suffers from it.

This disease occurs in people of all ages and is very common in children and adolescents, something that It notably affects your quality of daily life and can cause a real change in your health. psychological.

That is why in some countries CBD is used in a prescription form to treat the most common types of epilepsy.

• You may be interested: "Epilepsy: definition, causes, diagnosis and treatment"

2. Anxiety

Another advantage that can be the consumption of CBD in the human body is found in decreased anxiety, one of the most common psychological disorders throughout the Western world.

The well-known anxiolytic and relaxing effect that CBD has on the person who consumes it is closely related with the decrease of states of anguish, stress, discomfort or specific disorders related to anxiety.

• Related article: "What is anxiety: how to recognize it and what to do"

3. Pain

Temporary pain and chronic pain are some of the most frequent conditions for which many people use CBD. in the form of oil or any other form.

And it is that permanent pain in the body can also cause a wide variety of psychological emotional alterations in the person who suffers from it, and bring out other disorders such as excess stress, generalized anxiety or depression.

4. Insomnia

Insomnia is also one of the most common problems in the general population and has been affecting increasingly younger people, suffering from other psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety or depression.

The improvement in insomnia problems is another of the main reasons why more and more people are using CBD for therapeutic purposes, mainly from cannabis oil or cannabidiol oil.

• Related article: "Insomnia: what is it and how it impacts our health"

5. Use as medicine for other diseases

More and more people are consuming the cannabidiol substance to treat other types of specific diseases or ailments that affect both their physical and psychological health.

Some other diseases for which the consumption of CBD can be useful are Parkinson's or Crohn's disease (a type of inflammatory bowel disease whose medication can cause digestive problems).

What are the main risks of CBD?

One of the main risks associated with the consumption of this substance is associated with having a history of drug use or mental illness. In these cases, its use is contraindicated for health reasons and in order to avoid a physical or mental imbalance in the person who is about to consume therapeutic CBD.

Another contraindication is found in pregnant people, infants, very young children or adults with liver disease.

Among the psychological and biological effects that CBD triggers in the human body and that can be considered negative, the following stand out.

1. drowsiness or fatigue

One of the main adverse effects that CBD consumption can cause is an increase in the feeling of general tiredness, drowsiness, or fatigue when doing any type of activity during the day.

This feeling can cause discomfort in the person who suffers from it and have a very negative effect on their mental health throughout the day.

2. Headache

Another of the physical symptoms that can appear due to the consumption of CBD are migraines, migraines, or persistent headaches.

In addition to that, dizziness and nausea can also be another symptom experienced by a person who regularly consumes CBD.

• You may be interested: "The 13 types of headaches (and their symptoms and causes)"

3. loss of appetite

Another of the adverse effects that may appear when using this substance is loss of appetite, a phenomenon that also psychologically affects the person who suffers from it.

In any of these cases always it is advised to stop consuming CBD before the appearance of any of these side effects.

Looking for treatment for mental health problems?

If you are looking for psychological or psychiatric support, contact us.

In APPOINTMENT Clinics We have been caring for people with problems such as anxiety or drug addiction for years, and we have a residential module for admissions in the treatment of addictions. You will find us in Barcelona and in Dosrius (Mataró).