Once a controversial substance, cannabidiol (CBD) has been rapidly growing in popularity both in Canada and around the world.
However, people are still not sure if CBD is really helpful. Many are skeptical about its medicinal use due to its association with marijuana, while others are concerned about the possible side effects and its legality.
In this post, we’re discussing all the controversies and issues surrounding cannabidiol, including its legality and availability in Canada.
What is CBD
CBD is one of the 100+ cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. The most well-known of these compounds is Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD can be derived from either marijuana or industrial hemp, both of which belong to the cannabis plant family. The main difference is the percentage of THC: marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC, whereas hemp contains less than 0.3% THC.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
THC is another well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is known for its psychoactive properties and mind-altering effects. THC makes users high and can cause a number of unwanted effects such as increased hunger, dizziness, impaired memory, increased heart rate, and paranoia.
On the other hand, CBD blocks THC’s psychoactivity, thus mitigating most of the above-listed side effects.
However, recent studies suggest that cannabinoids (including THC) and the other compounds found in the cannabis plant work together to increase the benefits of CBD products (“the entourage effect”).
How Does CBD Work?
Extensive research on how CBD works is still lacking but the initial results are quite promising. Studies suggest that CBD engages with the human endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating various functions in the human body, such as memory, immunity, pain perception, metabolism, etc.
Recent studies also suggest that CBD can alter the effects of some naturally-occurring chemicals in the human body. Some of those chemicals are adenosine, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, and serotonin, which impacts stress and mood.
CBD for Medicinal Use
There is a number of studies that confirm the health benefits of medical cannabis. They include:
- Mood-controlling properties, which can be useful for people suffering from anxiety and depression
- Pain relief, especially in cases of persistent and chronic pain
- Anti-spasm properties, useful for people with epilepsy and MS
- Sleep improvement
- Dilation of the vessels can help with improving glaucoma
- Asthma relief
- Anti-nausea and anti-vomiting properties, helpful in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or people with AIDS
In addition, preliminary research suggests a possible efficacy against the growth of tumor cells, Alzheimer’s disease, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), digestive disorders, and chronic inflammatory rheumatism.
Note: As studies suggest that smoking large quantities of cannabis increases the risk of lung cancer, health experts recommended to consume medical cannabis in non-smoked forms.
CBD for Recreational Use
There are several techniques for the recreational use of cannabis.
In most cases, cannabis is smoked. Crumbled resin or dried flowers (heads) are rolled in a sheet of paper (often combined with tobacco) and consumed like a cigarette. Cannabis can also be smoked using pipes (water pipes and bongs) to cool the smoke or, in the case of bongs, to remove impurities like tar.
As cannabis is soluble in fats, it can also be cooked to prepare foods like Pot Pie, Space Cake, or Hash Brownies. It can also be added to milk to create a solution called bhang. It should be noted that in the case of edible products, you need to allow about 30 minutes to feel the drug’s effects.
Another method of ingestion is vaping. When the cannabis plant is lightly heated without being burned, CBD and other cannabinoids are extracted as vapor. The advantage of this method is that it doesn’t extract the toxic substances present in the smoke from tobacco and cannabis during standard combustion. The resulting vapor can be inhaled and its effects are immediate, just as when the drug is smoked.
Is CBD Legal in Canada?
As of October 2019, the recreational use of cannabis is legal in Canada under the Cannabis Act. Even though there’s still some confusion over what exactly is legal and what isn’t, the legalization of cannabis is a big step in the right direction. It means that cannabis products are readily available to those in need without many obstacles and unnecessary hassle.
Where Can You Buy CBD in Canada?
Buying CBD products in Canada is fairly easy nowadays, you just need to keep track of new laws and regulations. You can buy CBD products from Licensed Providers or a Canada weed dispensary which have been approved by Health Canada.
There’s also weed for sale online in various e-stores. You can also mail order marijuana quickly and efficiently from the comfort of your home. When you buy online, make sure that the seller is also a licensed provider approved by Health Canada.
Main Takeaways
- CBD engages with endocannabinoids in the human body and affects some natural chemicals, thus producing a number of health benefits.
- CBD is different from THC. It is not psychoactive and doesn’t make users high.
- Studies have shown that CBD can help with various ailments and conditions, including anxiety, epilepsy, MS, asthma, glaucoma, chronic pain, etc.
- Cannabis can also be used for recreational purposes. The different techniques of cannabis consumption include smoking, edibles, and vapes.
- In October 2019, cannabis was made legal for recreational use in Canada.
- CBD products can be purchased legally all over the country from Licensed Providers approved by Health Canada.
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