I was influenced by people I believed were experts. When I worked for a scientific membership association which was focused on the science of drugs, and cannabinoids were a hotly-debated topic. I tried my best to understand the discussions, but struggled to form an opinion that took me away from the limited “drugs r bad” education I’d received at school. As I understood it, substances related to cannabis (or marijuana) were and are illegal where I live, and so I assumed that meant they were not good.
My experience with this scientific community now stretches back to over 10 years ago, and a few things have moved on. Cannabinoids are being discussed in more public domains, and the use of them in the medical setting has slowly increased in a number of countries, with some areas also approving them for general use and sale. What else has changed? My own opinion.
CBD vs THC
You’ve probably seen these acronyms before. CBD and THC are both cannabinoids – plant compounds found in cannabis. They are two of the largest elements of the structure of the plant, and are ingredients which produce an impact on our bodies, and this is the important part – the difference in their specific structures are what govern the impacts they have on us. THC is the “psychoactive” element – that’s to say, the part which induces the “high” feeling and other related symptoms or responses. As CBD is differently-shaped, it doesn’t have the same impact, and is commonly regarded as being less dangerous as a result.
What are the supposed benefits of CBD
I first had my judgment questioned when someone I know asked whether I’d tried CBD when I was suffering from pain and inflammation when I was diagnosed with a tumour. Cancer patients quickly become used to anyone they associate with sharing a third party experience of a miracle cure, or symptom reliever, so that was one of the reasons I wrote it off. The other was that I was so distressed at the time that I struggled to take advice.
Had I looked into it, I’d have learned that there are those who believe CBD can help with many symptoms, ranging from the release of anxiety to relief from pain, inflammation, and other physical issues. Every substance has drawbacks though, and we have no guarantee of our response to something until we try it – at the time, this all felt far too risky to me.
What’s legally available
It’s important to note that cannabis is an illegal substance in the UK, as is THC. CBD is not illegal, but there are still drawbacks to many CBD-containing products. For me, the main concerns were always that they were unregulated and untested, even when purchased from a legitimate retailer in pretty packaging. So although a lot of people would claim that CBD is not dangerous, it’s also not been proven to be effective in the same way as another regulated, over the counter painkiller or anti-inflammatory.
Lots of CBD products are available in the UK at quite a high price point, so you’re taking quite a financial risk when purchasing them for the first time. On a personal level, I’m always suspicious of something that I regard as being too cheap for the opposite reason – is it going to achieve what it claims?
It sometimes seems that CBD is available in every format going now: topical products range from balms, creams and oils, whilst we’re also seeing increased growth in the market of edible oils, gummies and drinks.
What changed my mind
It was a slow process… until it happened all at once. When my temperamental ankle flared up for the umpteenth time, and I was in a shop buying supplies anyway, there were some CBD muscle creams on discount. So I decided there was less harm in trying it.
My gamble was worth it. My body responded well to the product – my ankle was less swollen and painful. I was delighted, and converted.
More recently, my interest has been piqued by the drinks that have become increasingly available. I tried one alongside a meal at a high street restaurant, and was disappointed – it tasted ok (if a bit bland), but I felt no impact. When I was browsing the supermarket some weeks later, and looking for a non-alcoholic drink as I was going to a friend’s for dinner but would be driving, I spotted CBD drinks by a different brand. And they were on special offer (anyone noticing a theme?!), so I took a chance.
For a second time, I was rewarded. The taste was far better than my previous sample, and I felt very relaxed once I’d finished the drink. I was impressed. Out of curiosity, I double-checked the packaging, and looked up the brand I’d previously tried – lo and behold, the second one I’d tried was far stronger. I had the answer to my question.
What have I learned about CBD?
In certain contexts, it clearly works for me and my body, whilst also factoring in a certain strength of active ingredient. It’s typical of me to learn by trial and error! Fortunately, no harm has been done, other than perhaps to my pocket. More importantly, I’ve gained a new option to try when I’m looking for a certain kind of help and support, and I’ll continue keeping my heart and mind open to other new things!