Thailand officially legalized medical cannabis in 2019 and CBD has gained popularity, especially in the medical industry for treatment medications. it’s important to know at least the basic information about CBD-derived products.
What is CBD, exactly? CBD products? Side effects? This article will give you clear answers.
Key Takeaways
- CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, another famous cannabinoid from cannabis plants.
- Cannabidiol does not make you feel high, unlike THC.
- Some CBD products are oils and tinctures, topicals, and capsules.
- Cannabidiol is known for its therapeutic benefits that may alleviate conditions such as seizures, inflammation, and insomnia.
- Consulting with a doctor before taking CBD products is suggested to avoid side effects.
- Popular CBD strains include ACDC, Charlotte’s Web, and Harlequin.
What is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is the second most prevalent active cannabinoid produced from cannabis that does not offer euphoric effects. Cannabidiol is obtained from hemp which is another type of Cannabis sativa plant that contains small amounts of THC (usually less than 0.3%), the main cannabinoid that produces high effects. It is mostly associated with mood, sleep, pain perception, and immune response and is also the main ingredient used in medical cannabis.
CBD Products
CBD products come in many different forms, and most of them are quite similar to what some people take for recreational purposes. Here are some of the most common forms you can find of CBD products.
- Oils & Tinctures – These are liquids infused with CBD, to take them, place them under the tongue with a dropper. It’s a good choice for those who aren’t able to take capsules and pills.
- Creams & Lotions – These are also known as CBD-infused topicals which would directly put on the skin to reduce muscle and joint pain as well as skin conditions.
- Capsules & Pills – These forms of CBD are usually used for the systematic treatment of seizure disorders and digestive issues such as Epidiolex.
- Edibles – CBD edibles such as gummies and others might be the most popular way to consume CBD-infused products.
- Vaporizers – Inhaling CBD oil through a vaporizer is another popular way, it will be absorbed directly into the lungs and then into the bloodstream which may cause damage to lung tissue.
Health Benefits of CBD
- Reduce Seizures
CBD is known for its strong effective treatment of childhood epilepsy syndromes including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Epidiolex is the first cannabis-derived medicine consisting of CBD approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States to help with seizures.
- Reduce Mental Health-Related Symptoms
Cannabidiol basically calms you down by producing serotonin. A study from 2020 has shown a promising result that CBD may have the ability to help reduce some symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Another 2019 research study also found that CBD effectively alleviated PTSD-related symptoms, such as nightmares in adults.
- Reduce Inflammation and Pain
CBD interacts with neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, produced naturally by the body, and reduces chronic pain inflammation through its binding to cannabinoid receptors according to a study published in 2018.
- Improve Insomnia
There is a piece of evidence that shows an association between the use of CBD and the improvement of insomnia and sleep problems through a 2017 study resulting in an increase in sleep quality with less sleep disturbance.
Side Effects of CBD
Even though cannabidiol is reported to be generally safe, however, some people may experience undesirable side effects. The following are common side effects of the cannabidiol to be cautious about:
- Drowsiness and Sedation: Taking high doses of CBD may cause drowsiness and sedation, the effects might be even stronger if pairing CBD with other sedating medications.
- Digestive Issues: Some may experience stomach upset, diarrhea, or changes in appetite and weight.
- Dry Mouth and Dry Eyes: The effects are more likely happening with THC but it also can happen with CBD as well. Some research explained that the impact of CBD on the endocannabinoid system might affect how saliva is produced resulting in dry eyes in users.
- Interactions with other Medications: CBD might interact with other medications you take so it’s best to consult your doctor before going for a CBD product. It has been reported to interfere with antidepressants and opioid painkillers, to give some examples.
Please keep in mind that even though CBD may have promised evidence in terms of medical benefits, just like other medications, it should be under professional consultation and consumed with high caution to prevent the development of addiction.
CBD Legality in Thailand
Thailand once was one of the countries with the harshest laws when it came to cannabis. Things are not the same anymore when in 2022 Thailand evolved and became the first country in Asia to decriminalize and legalize cannabis for its personal use, medical purposes, cultivation, and possession. These changes definitely influence the legal status of CBD products.
When purchasing CBD products in Thailand, the products should contain THC levels of less than 0.2% by weight. Any other CBD products containing THC content of more than 0.2% without permission are illegal. Other cannabis laws in Thailand include:
- Cultivation of the plant is legal but requires registration through the “Plook Ganja” application, managed by the Thai FDA.
- Transporting cannabis containing both CBD and THC into or out of Thailand is illegal under any circumstances.
- Smoking cannabis in public is also illegal.
You can explore further information about cannabis laws and regulations in Thailand HERE.
CBD Cannabis Strains
CBD Cannabis strains are different from THC strains where they produce high amounts of CBD levels with very little THC levels and cannabis with high cannabidiol usually holds the potential to be beneficial for the medical industry. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is a creation of the Stanley Brothers of Colorado which produces a high CBD with low THC content as the strain is hemp-derived and non-intoxicating. The strain is named after a brave young girl with a rare seizure disorder, Charlotte Figi.
Key Characteristics:
CBD Content: About 12% (with 1% THC)
Strain Type: Sativa hybrid
Genetics: Industrial hemp strain and an unknown strain
Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
Effects: Focused, Relaxed, Uplifted
ACDC
ACDC is made by crossing its parents, Cannatonic and Ruderalis, renowned for its uplifting and calming effects. It’s a perfect choice for individuals looking to find relief from stress, anxiety, and pain without the intoxicating effects of minimal THC levels.
Key Characteristics:
CBD Content: Ranging from 16% – 24% (with less than 1% THC)
Strain Type: 50/50 hybrid
Genetics: Made from a phenotype of Cannatonic.
Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
Effects: Focused, Relaxed, Uplifted
Harlequin
Mr. Green from the House of Davis Collective was first bred Harlequin with the cross between a Nepali indica, Thai, and Swiss landrace strains with a Colombian Gold. The strain is also popular for its therapeutic properties which may help reduce inflammation and anxiety.
Key Characteristics:
CBD Content: Ranging from 7% – 15% (with less than 6% THC)
Strain Type: Sativa hybrid
Genetics: Colombian Gold, Nepali indica, Thai, and Swiss landrace strains.
Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
Effects: Focused, Uplifted, Energetic
MedMen’s CBD Products
At MedMen dispensary, despite their high-quality THC products, they provide top-shelf CBD products as well. Here are some of the products you can purchase:
Wrap Up
CBD is a short form of cannabidiol which is one of the most renowned cannabinoids that is produced from the Cannabis sativa plant along with its sibling THC. What makes CBD different from CBD is that CBD does not produce intoxicating effects while THC does. Most CBD products are just the same as THC products such as edibles, oils and tinctures, and vaporizers.
Cannabidiol is prominent in the medical industry as it has significant potential to treat certain medical conditions including seizure disorders, inflammation, insomnia, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Some people may experience some side effects, like dry mouth and drowsiness, from taking CBD products.
