CBD use on the rise - What in the World podcast, BBC World Service

Summary

This episode of BBC's 'What in the World' explores the growing popularity of CBD products, from oils to gummies and vapes. Hosts Hannah Gelbart and Annabel Rackham discuss CBD’s potential health benefits like anxiety reduction and improved sleep, while addressing the lack of substantial scientific evidence. They also explore CBD's legal status, its non-psychoactive nature, and common side effects. Despite its widespread use, particularly among influencers and celebrities, CBD remains a controversial and unregulated market, with ongoing research needed to fully understand its effects. The episode offers a balanced look at the claims, legalities, and safety of CBD.

Takeaways

• 😀 CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, commonly mixed with oils.
• 😀 CBD does not get you high, unlike THC, which is the psychoactive element of cannabis.
• 😀 CBD is legal in many places worldwide, but its legal status varies by region, with some countries still banning it.
• 😀 CBD is commonly used in various products such as oils, vapes, gummies, skincare, and even beverages.
• 😀 Despite its popularity, scientific evidence supporting CBD's health claims (e.g., anxiety, sleep, and pain relief) is limited and mostly anecdotal.
• 😀 There is ongoing research into CBD's potential medical benefits, including a study at the University of Oxford on its effects on psychosis.
• 😀 While CBD is generally considered safe by the World Health Organization, its side effects can include fatigue, appetite changes, and potential liver or thyroid issues.
• 😀 The CBD market is not heavily regulated, leading to inconsistencies in product quality, and some products may not contain the stated amount of CBD.
• 😀 Although CBD is not addictive, people may become psychologically reliant on it if they believe it is helping with their health issues.
• 😀 The popularity of CBD continues to grow, with the market expected to be worth $60 billion by 2030, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for common health conditions.
• 😀 There is a distinction between CBD used for medical purposes (like epilepsy and cancer treatment) and the general wellness products available on the market, which often lack strong evidence of efficacy.

Q & A

What is CBD, and how is it made?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabis extract derived from the hemp plant and mixed with oil. It is used in various products like oils, lotions, and edibles because it is easy to dispense and versatile.

How does CBD differ from THC?

CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not cause a 'high' like THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC is illegal in many places, while CBD is legal as long as it contains minimal THC.

Is CBD legal everywhere?

CBD legality varies by region. While it is legal in many places in North America and Europe, some African and Asian countries still prohibit it. The regulations depend on the product's THC content and specific laws in each country.

What are some health claims associated with CBD?

CBD is claimed to help with conditions such as anxiety, sleep problems, chronic pain, and inflammation. However, many of these claims are based on anecdotal evidence rather than solid medical research.

Can CBD help with anxiety?

Many users report that CBD helps with anxiety, with some even claiming that it significantly reduced or eliminated their panic attacks. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for anxiety is limited.

Is there scientific evidence to support the health benefits of CBD?

While some clinical trials have shown CBD's potential for treating specific conditions like epilepsy, there is a lack of robust scientific research supporting its benefits for other health issues like anxiety and sleep disorders.

Does CBD have any side effects?

CBD can cause side effects such as fatigue, increased anxiety, or changes in appetite. Long-term use might also lead to liver damage or thyroid issues, though the full extent of its side effects is not well known due to the lack of regulation in the industry.

Is CBD addictive?

CBD is not considered addictive, as it does not contain THC or other addictive substances. However, people may become psychologically reliant on it if they feel it helps improve their well-being.

Why is the CBD market growing despite limited scientific evidence?

The CBD market is booming due to its popularity as a wellness product, promoted by influencers and anecdotal success stories. However, the lack of conclusive scientific backing raises questions about its actual effectiveness.

Can CBD products get you high?

No, CBD products should not get you high. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, and when purchased from reputable sources, it will not cause the high typically associated with cannabis use.