Whole Plant Hemp/Cannabidiol Products:
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) are extracts from the phytocannabinoids plant and are extensively researched due to their numerous psychological, physical, and emotional benefits. THC is the psychoactive component that affects the brain function, resulting in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. However, hemp products are stated to contain less than 0.3% THC and do not have any psychoactive effect.
The endocannabinoid system that responds to cannabinoids are what allow the body to maintain homeostasis and equilibrium.The benefits of homeostasis balance assists with stress, mood, metabolism, immune function, memory, inflammation, appetite, nerve signaling, energy, sleep, pain response, muscle control.
Legalities:
Whole plant hemp extract is derived from agricultural hemp, and is not considered marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. Hemp products are legal to ship to all 50 states, even if a state has not legalized cannabis.
Since all hemp products are required to contain less than 0.3% THC, drug tests will not be a problem. You will not test positive from a drug test while using 100% hemp products. However, be aware that some hemp suppliers do not always test their products for THC content so they may be selling hemp with detectable levels. It is important to research on the quality of how the hemp product was produced and tested for the manufacturer that you decide to choose.
Side Effects:
Side effects are uncommon for the doses that are usually offered for hemp products but may include diarrhea, increase in sleepiness, suicidal ideation and liver damage. Generally, if a person is taking a high dose of CBD product, labs should be assessed by a doctor. It is important to notice a few indicators of when there is liver injury. If a person is experiencing signs of symptoms of liver dysfunction, treatment should be interrupted or discontinued. Some signs to watch out for are yellowing of the skin, dark urine, abdominal pain, anorexia, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting.
Drug Interactions:
Cannabidiol can inhibit the human body’s ability to metabolize certain drugs, which leads to higher levels of the drug in your system at one time. This can cause unwanted side effects and even overdose. Therefore, if you are taking a drug affected by cannabidiol, you may need a dosage adjustment in order to take both drugs safely.
Drugs that may interact with cannabidiol may include:
Steroids
HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
Calcium channel blockers
Antihistamines
Prokinetics
HIV antivirals
Immune modulators
Benzodiazepines
Anti-arrythmics
Antibiotics
Anesthetics
Anti-psychotics
Anti-depressants
Anti-epileptics
Beta blockers
PPIs
NSAIDs
Angiotension II blockers
Oral hypoglycemic agents
Sulfonylureas
If you have any questions on interactions with your medications, contact your pharmacist for a full medication review.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/
https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/cbd-p-450-enzyme/
https://www.procana.com/blog/cbd-receptors-endocannabinoid-system/
https://www.usada.org/thc-and-hemp-sos-winter-2013-2014/