CBD and Pharmaceuticals
Since 2018, with the passing of the Farm Bill, CBD has become increasingly popular. A national January 2019 Consumer Reports survey of more than 4,000 CBD users across the country found that nearly a quarter used CBD to replace OTC drugs such as Tylenol and prescription drugs, including opioids, anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids. (1)
Some information from the survey:
- Consumers said they purchase CBD from cannabis dispensaries (40% of survey respondents), a retail store (34%), online retailers (27%) and other unspecified outlets (12%).
- The most popular forms were infused edibles, including both food and beverages (35%), drops or sprays (30%) and vaping devices (30%).
- The survey found differences in CBD use among millennials and baby boomers, with millennials more likely to use CBD to reduce stress and anxiety (32% of millennial respondents versus 12% of baby boomers), with boomers more likely to use CBD to help with joint pain (42% versus 15%).
Why is this relevant to you? Have you ever wondered how much ibuprofen or acetaminophen you have ingested in the last year? The last five years? If you happened to read our Blog: CBD & Athletes you know already that over the counter NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and may cause renal damage with frequent use. CBD can be a viable alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with little to no side affects.
Aside from over the counter medications, other pharmaceutical drugs may be replaced by CBD or in the very least, consumption and need greatly reduced. Every day, 115 Americans die from opioid overdoses. A study by Yasmine Hurd found that CBD has the potential to help patients deal with environmental cue-induced [opioid] craving and anxiety by reducing heart rate and the levels of stress hormones brought on by the sights, sounds, and people that trigger them. (2)
CBD has a broad pharmacological profile, including interactions with several receptors known to regulate fear and anxiety-related behaviors. Several complexities of the endocannabinoid system may impact upon the potential of CBD and to serve as an anxiolytic drug. Anxiolytics are used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. Some are also used as sedatives before anesthesia for medical procedures. Examples of more well-known anxiolytics are: Valium, Xanax, and Prozac (just to name a few). The potential of CBD becoming a more viable, natural way to relieve anxiety is real. Though, more long-term studies are required to assess the benefits.
According to the 2019 Consumer Report Survey there is support for CBD’s possible health benefits. Almost three-quarters of people who took CBD said it was at least moderately effective for the main reason they took it, with 48 percent of them saying it was very or extremely effective. Twenty-two percent of people who took CBD for one of the health problems the survey asked about, said it helped them replace prescription or OTC drugs, with more than a third of them saying they used it to replace opioids. (1)
The future holds infinite possibilities. Continued research and studies on CBD and its role in becoming a healthier option for physical and mental health is both wanted and needed.
Have you replaced your pharmaceutical medications or drastically cut down your consumption because of CBD? We want to hear from you - message us at info@fullyactivatedcbd.com and tell us your story!
For high-quality, Colorado-grown CBD products visit: www.fullyactivatedcbd.com
Further reading:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjD1K6jB0eQ
https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/24/health/medical-marijuana-opioid-epidemic-sanjay-gupta/index.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319622.php#risks
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1