CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis family of plants. In recent years it has become popular due to potential therapeutic effects and medical uses. So, it is used as an active ingredient in many health and wellness products that can be useful for treating the symptoms of a wide variety of ailments. It is particularly popular among those who are into organic and herbal medicines. The purpose of this article is to clarify the common doubt, “Is cannabidiol (CBD) a drug?”.
The Truth About CBD
Legally available CBD products are made using cannabidiol extracts derived from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce any mind-altering and other psychotropic effects when ingested. This one of the main reasons it was legalized in the US at the federal level with the US Farm Act of 2018. Also, it is being gradually legalized in other countries of the world as well. Moreover, it does not produce adverse side effects at normal doses. Due to these reasons, research is conducted to better understand its potential therapeutic effects.
What Is A Drug?
A drug is any substance that produces changes in the body; the changes can be either good or bad. Some drugs cause physiological changes, some cause psychological changes, while some may cause both physiological and psychological changes. Also, according to the safety profile of drugs, they are classified into different categories.
Caffeine in coffee is categorized as a drug as it has energizing and uplifting effects. However, substances like heroin, cocaine, and even THC can have harmful or undesirable effects. Now, cannabidiol (CBD) is classified as safe as it can produce beneficial therapeutic effects like reducing pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety, and so on.
Why Is CBD Classified As A Drug?
Even though CBD does not produce any psychotropic effects, it is classified as a drug as it produces psychoactive effects. Some health care experts consider it as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs that are used for treating insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain. CBD is useful for these conditions because it triggers the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Remember that the ECS is a network of chemical signaling systems that helps to regulate homeostasis, i.e. stable internal environment.
It should be obvious from above that cannabidiol (CBD) can trigger the receptors of the ECS to produce its potential therapeutic effects. This can affect the body and the mind positively, and this is the reason that it is categorized as a drug. We hope that the details shared above were useful for you.