Indications and Contraindications

Indications

CBD has been researched for its potential therapeutic benefits, and some of the reported benefits include:

Head:

1. Reducing anxiety and depression
2. Improving sleep quality
3. Helping with addiction and substance abuse
4. Providing neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
 

Heart and Circulatory System:

1. Lowering blood pressure
2. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
3. Protecting against heart damage in diabetic patients
 

Digestive System:

1. Relieving nausea and vomiting
2. Reducing inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
3. Stimulating appetite
 

Lungs:

1. Reducing inflammation in lung tissue
2. Potential bronchodilator effects, which could help with conditions such as asthma
 

Muscles and Joints:

1. Reducing pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis
2. Supporting muscle recovery after exercise or injury
3. Reducing muscle spasms and tremors
 

Skin:

1. Reducing inflammation and irritation associated with conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema
2. Providing potential antioxidant effects, which could help protect against skin damage and ageing
3. Supporting wound healing and reducing scarring

 

It is important to note that while CBD has shown promise for these potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body and its potential therapeutic applications. It is also important to speak with a healthcare provider before using CBD to address any specific health concerns.

Contraindications

CBD may not be suitable for everyone, and there are certain situations when it should be avoided. These include:

  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding: CBD has not been studied enough to determine its effects on pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is recommended to avoid it during these times.
  • Children: CBD has not been approved for use in children, except for the treatment of rare seizure disorders under medical supervision.
  • Liver disease: CBD may be processed by the liver, so people with liver disease should use it with caution and under medical supervision.
  • Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to CBD or other ingredients in CBD products, so it is important to check for any potential allergies before use.

CBD can also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. CBD may affect how these medications are metabolised in the liver, which could potentially increase or decrease their effectiveness. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using CBD if you are taking any medications to avoid potential interactions or side effects.

A variety of drugs from heart medications to antibiotics, although not all the drugs on the list may be affected by CBD-only products (some are only affected by THC). Potentially serious drug interactions with CBD include:

  • a common blood thinner, Warfarin
  • a heart rhythm medication, Amiodarone
  • a thyroid medication, Levothyroxine
  • several medications for seizures, including Clobazam, Lamotrigine, and Valproate.

Researchers have further warned that while the list may be used as a starting point to identify potential drug interactions with marijuana or CBD oil, plant-derived cannabinoid products may deliver highly variable cannabinoid concentrations and may contain many other compounds that can increase the risk of unintended drug interactions.

Recommended Daily Dose

The amount of CBD you should take depends on a range of factors, including:

  • your body weight
  • the condition you’re treating
  • your individual body chemistry
  • the concentration of CBD in each pill, capsule, drop, gummy, or foodstuff

In other words, there are a lot of variables that go into deciding how much CBD to take. Before trying CBD, be sure to seek medical advice from your doctor about the appropriate dosage and any potential risks. If your doctor tells you how much to use, stick to their recommendation. Also always do your own research. This is especially important if you’re taking a prescription medication that contains CBD, such as Epidiolex, a form of seizure medication.

If your doctor doesn’t provide a recommendation, it’s best to start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase it. This could mean starting with 20 to 40 mg a day. After a week, increase this amount by 5 mg. Continue this until you feel that it’s effectively treating your symptoms.

For example, you might start off with 40 mg to treat severe pain. You can take 40 mg on days when you’re in a lot of pain. After a week, you increase it to 45 mg, and after a second week, you use 50 mg. At this point, you might feel that your pain is bearable.

It might be wise to keep track of how much CBD you’re taking and whether your symptoms are getting better. Write it down on paper or in a notes app on your phone.

Learn more about microdosing here.