You’ve probably heard of CBD, or cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. CBD is said to offer a host of health benefits, from reducing anxiety and inflammation to improving sleep and alleviating pain. But is CBD considered a narcotic?
A narcotic is defined as “a drug that produces numbness or stupor-like effects,” and while CBD may have some minor numbing effects at high doses, it is not habit-forming or addictive like narcotics are. In fact, CBD is actually being studied as a potential treatment for addiction and withdrawal symptoms associated with drugs like morphine and heroin.
However, it’s important to note that CBD is derived from cannabis plants, which means it could be considered a controlled substance in some states. So if you’re planning on using most effective cbd oil for pain, be sure to check your local laws first.
The Different Types of Cannabinoids
To understand why CBD isn’t considered a narcotic, it’s helpful to know a little bit about cannabinoids the compounds found in cannabis plants. There are two main types of cannabinoids:
Endocannabinoids:
These are cannabinoids that are naturally produced by the body. Endocannabinoids play an important role in maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body by regulating things like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation.
Phytocannabinoids:
These are cannabinoids that are found in plants— specifically, cannabis plants. The two best-known phytocannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive compound that gets you “high” while CBD does not have any psychoactive effects.
CBD vs. THC
While both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), they have very different effects. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain the receptors responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use, while CBD does not bind directly to any receptors. Instead, it interacts with the ECS indirectly by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down too quickly.
The Benefits of CBD
CBD oil is most commonly used to relieve anxiety and reduce pain. A small 2018 study published in the journal Neurotherapeutics found that CBD oil was effective in treating both conditions in rats. And a 2017 review of existing studies concluded that CBD may be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As for pain relief, a 2016 study published in the journal Pain found that CBD oil was effective in reducing arthritis pain in rats without causing any adverse side effects.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, CBD is not considered a narcotic. A narcotic is defined as “a drug that produces numbness or stupor-like effects,” and while CBD may have some minor numbing effects at high doses, it is not habit-forming or addictive like narcotics are. However, it’s important to note that CBD is derived from cannabis plants, which means it could be considered a controlled substance in some states so if you’re planning on using CBD products, be sure to check your local laws first!