Everyone is excited about the potential medicinal benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). A recent article reviewed clinical and human observational studies on CBD dosage, effectiveness, and safety. [1] This review looked at 25 published studies from 2000 to 2019 that enrolled over 900 patients in five different countries.
CBD for anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse disorders, and more
Positive effects of CBD have been reported in the majority of studies examining CBD for anxiety. schizophreniaand nicotine addiction.
Positive effects on par with an antipsychotic have been observed when CBD was administered to patients with acute psychotic symptoms. However, CBD had no significant benefit for patients with chronic schizophrenia who were also treated with antipsychotics. This could indicate that CBD is best used in the early stages of schizophrenia. Here the dosages and delivery methods were used:
- Anxiety: 11 studies, 150 mg to 900 mg CBD isolate gelcaps
- Psychosis: 4 studies, 200 mg to 1000 mg CBD isolate gelcaps
- Substance abuse disorder: 2 studies, 200 mg to 800 mg CBD isolate gel capsules or 400 µg isolate vapor
Large single doses were effective for social anxiety. In addition, small doses (16-32 mg) increased the fear of extinction in healthy subjects.
A couple of studies to look at epilepsySkin diseases and adverse drug reactions after HPV vaccination supported the use of CBD.
CBD for diabetes, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis have also been the subject of studies. These studies – only one study for each condition – used CBD doses ranging from 20 mg to 250 mg per day for different periods of time. They showed little or no effect from CBD treatments.
CBD side effects and risks
CBD side effects of fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite / weight have been reported but are rarely severe. It is reported that CBD is always having fewer serious side effects than traditional drugs used to treat epilepsy and psychotic disorders. The authors emphasize: “Compared to other drugs, a better side effect profile was presented.”
CBD formulation and delivery methods
CBD isolate has one bell-shaped activity curveThis means it works best between low or high doses. Researchers believe that full-spectrum CBD may be due to the “Entourage effect. “Since most studies use CBD isolate, results may be worse than using full-spectrum CBD, which contains additional plant compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. The dose of CBD can also vary depending on the delivery method. Tinctures, capsules, vapes, and topical products have different activation times and dosage considerations. Oral CBD in particular is known for its relatively low bioavailability.
Future CBD Research
Larsen and Shahinas [1] End their review by stating that these studies are a good start, but going forward, researchers will need to study larger and more diverse groups of people. They also recommend that studies consider full-spectrum CBD and other delivery methods.
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References
- Larsen C, Shahinas J. Dosage, Efficacy, and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Studies. J Clin Med Res. 2020; 12 (3): 129-12 141. doi: 10.14740 / jocmr4090.