Is CBD legal?

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, has surged in popularity over recent years, attracting significant interest from scientists, healthcare professionals, and consumers alike.

The compound is hailed for its potential therapeutic benefits, coupled with the lack of intoxicating effects commonly associated with its more infamous counterpart, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

In this blog, we will explore CBD's origin, historical usage, current applications, and its legal status within the United States.

What is CBD?

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of over a hundred of cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, a species that includes both marijuana and hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the 'high' or feelings of intoxication associated with cannabis use.

This fundamental difference lies in the unique way CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system playing a crucial role in maintaining bodily homeostasis, affecting everything from sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and pain sensation.

Research suggests that CBD primarily interacts with the ECS by inhibiting the breakdown of the body’s own endocannabinoids, thereby enhancing the ECS's natural functions.

It's also thought to bind with non-endocannabinoid signaling systems, demonstrating interactions with receptors linked to pain regulation, inflammation, and anxiety, among others.

This unique interaction profile of CBD with the human body opens up a wide range of potential therapeutic applications. Studies have suggested its potential role in managing various conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and even some types of epilepsy.

Despite these promising findings, it's essential to remember that many of these studies are preliminary, and further research is necessary to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety of CBD.

It has not been approved by the FDA to treat any of the above mentioned conditions.

When it comes to CBD products, you'll often hear about three types: Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate. Each type refers to the cannabinoid content in the product.

1. Full Spectrum CBD: This contains all naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant, including various cannabinoids (like CBD and up to 0.3% THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. The presence of these compounds together is thought to create what's known as the "entourage effect," where the compounds work synergistically to enhance the effects of the CBD. This means full spectrum CBD products might offer the most therapeutic benefits. 

2. Broad Spectrum CBD: This also contains various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant but has undergone special processing to remove the THC. Broad spectrum CBD is a good choice for people who want to benefit from the entourage effect but don't want any THC in their system (whether for legal reasons, job-related drug testing, or personal preference).

3. CBD Isolate: As the name suggests, this is the purest form of CBD, isolated from the other compounds in the cannabis plant. CBD isolate contains no THC, terpenes, or other cannabinoids. It's a good choice for people who want just CBD without any other compounds, but it doesn't provide the entourage effect.

All three types — full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate — are derived from the cannabis plant and can provide the potential health benefits associated with CBD.

They all contain CBD, and their use can be adapted to personal preferences and requirements. They all are also typically available in the same kinds of products (tinctures, edibles, topicals, etc.) and can be consumed in similar ways.

Remember that the most effective type of CBD can vary depending on an individual's needs and the specific benefits they're seeking from CBD. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a knowledgeable cannabis counselor before starting any CBD regimen.

It's also important to buy any CBD product from a reputable source to ensure it's safe, high-quality, and accurately labeled.

Historical Background of CBD

Humanity's relationship with the cannabis plant is deep-seated, dating back thousands of years. The cannabis plant, known for its robust fiber, nutritious seeds, and psychoactive properties, was cultivated widely by many ancient civilizations. Archaeological evidence points to its use in ancient China and India as a component of herbal remedies and religious rituals.

CBD as a specific compound, however, only came into scientific attention in the early 20th century. While it was isolated in the 1940s by American chemist Roger Adams, its exact structure remained unknown.

The honor of decoding the structure goes to Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli scientist, who successfully elucidated the CBD molecule's structure in 1963.

This breakthrough facilitated a better understanding of how CBD interacts with the body and led to further research into its potential therapeutic uses. However, CBD's development was hindered by the controversy surrounding cannabis use and the associated legal restrictions.

The Medical Breakthrough of CBD

By the 1990s and early 2000s, interest in CBD and its potential health benefits had reignited, thanks to numerous studies highlighting its therapeutic properties. One significant area of interest was its potential anticonvulsant properties, which sparked considerable hope for treating epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

A series of compelling case reports and small clinical trials emerged demonstrating the potential of CBD in managing severe forms of pediatric epilepsy, like Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, resistant to traditional antiepileptic drugs.

This led to the development of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD. The drug underwent rigorous clinical trials and, in 2018, became the first CBD-based drug approved by the FDA.

This marked a significant milestone not only for CBD but also for the broader acceptance of cannabis-derived medicines.

The potential therapeutic applications of CBD, however, extend beyond epilepsy. Preliminary research and anecdotal reports suggest that CBD may have anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sleep-enhancing effects.

Moreover, ongoing research is exploring its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Multiple Sclerosis. While these findings are promising, it's crucial to understand they're still in the early stages.

Legality of CBD in the U.S.

The legal status of CBD in the United States is a complex issue due to the interplay of federal and state laws. From a federal perspective, the landscape changed significantly with the introduction of the 2018 Farm Bill.

This bill effectively removed hemp, defined as cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC, from the Controlled Substances Act, which had previously classified all cannabis as a Schedule I drug. This change legalized hemp-derived CBD at the federal level.

However, the bill also stipulated that hemp cultivation and CBD production should comply with strict federal regulations and be overseen by the appropriate state or tribal body. Moreover, the bill did not decriminalize marijuana-derived CBD, which remains a Schedule I substance at the federal level.

In terms of the FDA's stance, while it recognizes the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD, it also expresses concern over the lack of definitive research on its safety profile. Thus, while hemp-derived CBD is no longer classified as a controlled substance, the FDA does not currently endorse it as a dietary supplement or allow it in food products that cross state lines.

On the state level, laws vary significantly. Some states, like Colorado and Oregon, have fully embraced the federal law, allowing the broad production, sale, and use of CBD products.

However, other states have stricter regulations, with CBD only permitted for medicinal use under specific conditions. Some states, despite the federal legislation, continue to limit or prohibit the use of CBD entirely.

Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the specific laws in their own state before purchasing or using CBD products.

Conclusion

The journey of CBD from an obscure compound to a celebrated element in modern wellness is nothing short of extraordinary. As we continue to research and understand this complex molecule, we can hope to better harness its potential therapeutic benefits.

However, given the current landscape of mixed scientific evidence and complicated legality, it's essential for consumers to approach CBD with an informed mind. Consulting with healthcare professionals before starting any CBD regimen is strongly advised to ensure it's suitable and safe for individual health needs.

As science continues to evolve, so too will our understanding of CBD and the regulations surrounding its use. With continued research, regulatory advancements, and public education, we can hope to fully unravel the potential of CBD.

With its intriguing history, promising therapeutic potential, and complex legality, CBD is not just a passing trend; it's here to stay.