Are The Benefits of CBD Exaggerated?

Within the last two years, cannabis extract cannabidiol (CBD) doubled its sales across the UK. This is the result of their projected health benefits. However, some people are not positive CBD merchandise meets their expectations. 

There are many knowledgeable sellers of the products, but fake products are scattered between the real CBD infused merchandise. The dishonest sellers are referred to as 'CBD Cowboys' who are interested in making money from using the CBD title to market. 

Cannabis contains CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but only THC is illegal. CBD is legal to use because of its differing characteristics. 

What Do CBD Products Really Contain?

The normal way CBD is used is as an oil that goes under your tongue or can be put in a vaping device. Celebrities are deep into the CBD world, with large names like like Kim Kardashian and Kristen Bates boasting its benefits.

Studies have tested different forms of CBD products and its effects. CBD boasts control over some very serious conditions, so parents and other patients are seeking the medicine. 

Since it is a newer product, there are not many long-range studies on its benefits, or style of usage. 

The Centre for Medical Cannabis performed a study where 30 products claiming to have the benefits of CBD were blind tested. More than 40% of the merchandise actually had traces of THC, which is illegal in the UK. Also, with more than 60% of the products has CBD amounts under what was claimed on the labeling. 

CBD is not regulated by any medical institutions or the government, so it is left to the companies to analyze and make honest claims. Many CBD retailers do boast real claims, studies, and results, but it is up to the consumer to know the difference between scammers and real information-backed products. 

A certain misreprency is being associated with CBD. With hidden additives, and low doses of CBD, people are beginning to feel tricked. This results in a demand for better regulations, and customers must research the products heavily. Fixing the issues relies on the Drug Administration having enough information to begin licensing some CBD products over others.

Consumers often search for a cost-efficient products, so this is where they can end up with CBD merchandise with such low doses that will show little to no results. With mass production, and manufacturers contriving low quality products for quick profits, some are left with novelty items.

The craze is happening across multiple countries with full CBD restaurants. Drinks are infused with it, and the reality is the amount of CBD in the products is not substantial enough for those looking for relief. 

For any health claims to be made in the UK, they must have licensed products with through research backing it. 180 CBD oil companies have been contacted over their health claims by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency over their unproven claims. 

A Study in 2011 by the British Epilepsy Association claimed, "Cannabidiol exerts anticonvulsant effects in animal models of temporal lobe and partial seizures." The trials on animals are still happening, but more human-based studies have occurred. While more information is needed on the effects on other areas of the brain, this has shone a light on the potential of CBD use. 

The only disease that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has accessed with CBD treatment is epilepsy. The drug Epidiolex has been prescribed to over 70 people for seizure control, although it is still unlicensed. 

CBD Dosing Matters

Trials have also been done on the connection of CBD and a decrease in anxiety. It would take at least 300mg of CBD to show a difference in the condition which if bought regularly boasts a high price tag. 

One of the main symptoms of CBD is drowsiness, so studies to do with everyday use are still underway. None of these concerns appear when searching the drug online, only boasting the millions of companies telling people to use CBD oil instead of their regular anxiety prescriptions. 

Health insurances do not officially cover any CBD oils, so if consumers are purchasing a product that is not a high enough dosage of CBD, they could very well be ripped off. 

With such a strong focus on wellness, and allieving serious conditions, the price tag is steadily rising because of the medicine industry. Also, since it is not regulated, consumers are left overcharged for a sub-par product. 

Research should be a CBD user's first priority. Know exactly what levels of CBD are in each item (usually CBD capsules 10mg), and how much of a dosage your certain condition needs. CBD has been proven through certain studies to reduce certain ailments, but that is only if you're receiving what you paid for. 

The main problem is its unregulated status. Its popularity additionally plays into those who are ready to take advantage of the consumer.