CBD has become a worldwide phenomenon with products now legally sold in health food and specialty stores across Dublin and Ireland. But, while the topic of cannabis-based products is no longer taboo, confusion still remains over the legality of CBD and doctors continue to debate just how effective it really is. Let’s start by explaining what it actually is.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant and can be legally sold in Ireland as it does not have the same psychoactive effects that smoking cannabis does. While users claim CBD has tons of therapeutic effects, it does not contain THC, the chemical responsible for the ‘high’ in those that use marijuana.
Here are 6 things you should know about taking CBD in Ireland:
1. CBD cannot be prescribed by doctors
Although CBD is legal and its products are used by patients suffering from a whole range of medical conditions, doctors cannot legally prescribe the hemp derivative. That’s because it isn’t authorised as a medicinal product by the Health Products Regulatory Authority in Ireland, and is therefore not considered a viable treatment option.
This is similar to the United States where CBD has only been FDA approved to treat two severe forms of childhood epilepsy, and even then, only one CBD drug is backed for prescription.
2. It’s an anti-inflammatory
CBD is a naturally sourced anti-inflammatory which can help to relieve pain and inflammation. Over 40% of users take CBD for this reason – whether it’s to help with headaches, arthritis, or even chronic pain. A study from the European Journal of Pain used an animal model to prove CBD could lower pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. The hemp derivative has also started popping up in many skincare products as it can help to calm and reduce the appearance of acne.
3. It could be used to help those struggling with their mental health
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system which helps to balance everything from memory to mood and appetite. This same system also controls our stress levels, which is why so many people now take CBD for mental health reasons.
While cannabidiol products are well-known for relieving anxiety, it’s also thought they could benefit those struggling from autism as it helps the body to produce more of its own natural cannabinoids. According to Daily CBD Mag, this could help individuals to regulate their emotions and deal with sensory input in a much calmer manner.
In the same way, this could also benefit people with ADHD as it works to increase the amount of dopamine the body releases helping with focus, self-awareness, and memory functions.
4. CBD could help smokers to quit
Around 22% of Ireland’s population still smoke on a daily basis. Now, CBD could help to reduce that number. A PubMed study researching the effects of CBD on smokers found that 40% of a group of 24 treated with CBD saw a drop in the number of cigarettes they smoked over the test period. It’s also thought that vaping CBD gives smokers the same feeling of smoking a cigarette, but with less harmful side effects.
5. Allows for a better sleep
CBD helps the body to produce more serotonin and melatonin, both of which are vital for a good night’s sleep. Serotonin works to relieve anxiety to settle the mind ready for bed, while melatonin helps with the quality and length of sleep.
Getting a night of better sleep, in turn, helps with a whole range of conditions – including a reduction in anxiety as the brain is well-rested, and a reduction in pain as the body has had more time to take care of itself overnight.
6. It could improve your sex life
One of the most surprising revelations that have come from the legalization of CBD is its connection with sex. CBD Kyro claims that CBD’s ability to relieve pain and stop stress and anxiety could massively benefit people’s sex lives. It even goes as far as to claim that the product could help with erectile dysfunction and boost desire levels for a more enjoyable experience.
