What is CBD?
Maybe you have heard already about cannabinoids. But what about phytocannabinoids? They are a group of natural molecules derived from the plant of Hemp and they have an effect on the human body by binding to specific receptors that are already present in our organism. How can that be? We produce really similar compounds, called endocannabinoids, which have fundamental effects on our system. They control our appetite, how we manage pain and regulate our neurological and immune system.
There are more than 100 phytocannabinoids and most of them are already recognised for their potential medical use. The most famous are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). THC is a psychoactive and is the element of marijuana that makes you high and recent studies have brought to attention it’s benefits also for the treatment of pain as an alternative to opioids and as an appetite stimulator for oncology patients.
CBD on the other hand is not psychoactive as THC and is the main element in the process that activates the receptors that regulate our mood, pain sensation, memory, and even appetite. Basically, CBD is marijuana without the high. Full spectrum CBD oil contains high levels of cannabidiol, but also vitamins, nutrients, minerals, volatile acids, and antioxidants that will further supplement your health.
Health benefits of CBD oil
CBD oil has a huge range of potential health benefits and has become very popular with people suffering from various health issues including:
Chronic pain and inflammation (e.g fibromyalgia)
Arthritis
Sleep disorders and insomnia
Anxiety, stress, and depression
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Skin conditions (e.g. psoriasis)
Low appetite and poor metabolic function
Weaker immune system
Chronic diseases
Allergies
Nausea
Epilepsie
Psychosis
Cancer
Alzheimer’s disease
Diabetes
Heart issues
Drug relapses
It may have side effects such as low blood pressure, lightheadedness, fatigue, dry mouth, and slowed motor functions. However, these side effects have been found to be mild according to various studies.
Uses of CBD Oil
CBD oil has a number of uses and comes in many forms including liquid oil, capsules, salves, tinctures, sublingual supplements, oil as a paste, sprays, creams and in edible forms, such as candies or sweets. You can also inhale CBD oil from vapor-releasing pens, similar to the technology for e-cigarettes.
Is CBD oil legal in Cyprus?
According to the Cypriot and European legislation, yes. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the non-psychotropic cannabinoids found in industrial cannabis, which is used commonly for commercial and industrial use, such as paper and many more and in which the content in the psychotropic substance delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is not exceeding 0,2% in dry weight. Since Cyprus entry into the European Union in 2004 industrial cannabis / CANNABIS SATIVA L. / hemp is specified in the Common Catalogue of varieties of Agriculture, of the European Union. Based on the Cypriot legislation in regards to the production and marketing of Industrial Cannabis, no derivatives of cannabis, including oil, fall within the scope of the law, thus making it possible to buy and benefit out of CBD oil.
It is worth mentioning here, that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has removed CBD from 2018 list of prohibited substances.
CBD oil where the amount of THC exceeds 0,2%, is what falls under the scope of medicinal cannabis and must be prescribed by your Doctor and gain access then apply to the Ministry of Health to gain access to.
CBD Oil Dosage
An appropriate dosage of CBD oil will depend on the individual, as well as the severity of the health condition a person is trying to remedy.
Recommended dosage to start with, is 10 mg to 15 mg per day. After 5 - 6 days an increase of 20 mg can take place, repeated again for another 5 - 6 days prior increasing again 20 mg.
The maximum daily dosage for an average person is 200 mg.
While there have been no reports of more serious side effects when this oil is taken in larger concentrations, it is best to slowly increase your dose to find a comfortable and effective level, given your individual characteristics and needs. Each person has its own therapeutic window, therefore one must take note of the changes.
More and more medical professionals are becoming informed about the potential benefits of CBD oil, and are more commonly recommending it to their patients. Before adding this potent oil to your daily life, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition, speak with your doctor about any risks.
By Stephania Christodoulou
References:
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/studies.htm
https://www.wada-ama.org/en/content/what-is-prohibited/prohibited-in-competition/cannabinoids