CBD: Risks and Dangers of the Products
Hemp is now widespread and becoming more and more popular – but only the component cannabidiol (CBD), not the intoxicating ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is found in foods and dietary supplements, and has also become established in cosmetics. CBD oils are also increasingly available on the market and are used in aromatherapy or scented cushions. Although CBD is now considered a harmless hemp ingredient, there is still criticism regarding the safety of CBD products. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the supposed risks and dangers of CBD.
Criticism of CBD: What’s behind it?
Many people rely on the health-promoting properties of CBD and want to benefit from the hemp plant without getting high – even though research has not yet clearly confirmed a healing effects of CBD. On top of that, CBD does not replace medication. Hemp products, especially hemp foods and dietary supplements, have become increasingly popular lately – which is regularly criticized. Consumer organizations point to unwanted side effects like sleep disturbances, fatigue and changes in weight. They also state that the safety of CBD products is not always guaranteed, since the THC content in some products could exceed the 0.2% limit.
Are CBD products legal?
The legal situation in Germany regarding the legality of CBD products, such as CBD oil and CBD Flowers, is constantly changing. However, what’s certain is that CBD as a single substance is legal in Germany, because cannabidiol is not an addictive substance and therefore does not fall under the Narcotics Act. The WHO has also classified CBD as harmless.
Products containing CBD are also legal as long as the THC content is below 0.2%. This means processed CBD products like CBD oil and CBD Flowers are completely legal, and misuse for getting high can clearly be ruled out.
What’s especially interesting is that according to studies, CBD can help people get away from THC dependence, since it can weaken the intoxicating effects of THC. CBD acts as an antagonist to THC: While THC unfolds its effects mainly via the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 of the endocannabinoid system, CBD binds less strongly to these receptors and is more likely to block their signaling pathway.
How risky are the side effects of CBD?
For many people, CBD products have a relaxing, pain-relieving and calming effect. However, medical research is still not very advanced. Still, some side effects of CBD are already known:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Skin rashes
- Dizziness
- Inner restlessness
Compared to many medications used to treat illnesses, these side effects are relatively mild and occur in only about one in ten people.
THC in CBD products too
So that CBD products do not fall under the Narcotics Act, their THC content must not exceed 0.2%. Nevertheless, according to consumer organizations, critical amounts of THC in some products cannot be ruled out: some CBD products could contain amounts of the psychoactive substance that are harmful to health. This could lead to a psychoactive effects, such as reduced reaction time. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) states that if the THC limits are observed, no harmful effects are to be expected.
Criticism of CBD: Conclusion
The use of CBD products remains a controversial topic. CBD is legal as long as the THC content stays below 0.2%. You don’t get high from using CBD products, because CBD does not have a psychoactive effects like THC. Nevertheless, users should be aware of the possible side effects, which can occur in about one in ten people. Thorough information about how to use CBD products is essential.
The safety of pure CBD is guaranteed only when it’s used as a medicinal product, because stricter control regulations apply to medicines. Since cannabidiol is listed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, it can be prescribed by a doctor.
We assure you that our CBD products are high quality, free of harmful substances and comply with EU standards. Our CBD Flowers and CBD oils contain a THC content of under 0.2%, so you can use our products without any worries. You can find more information in our blog.
Sources
- https://cbd360.de/CBD-legal-deutschland/ (accessed on 26/04/2022)
- https://www.krankenkassenzentrale.de/wiki/CBD-rechtslage (accessed on 26/04/2022)
- https://www.spektrum.de/news/ist-der-hype-um-cannabidiol-berechtigt/1680420 (accessed on 26/04/2022)
- https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/115378/Patientenberatung-warnt-vor-Informationsdefiziten-bei-CBD-Produkten (accessed on 26/04/2022)
