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What is this awesomeness called CBD?
The cannabis (marijuana) plant has a long and popular history of being used as a medicine for the relief of dozens of ailments. It has been used for thousands of years in civilizations all over the world. It is all-natural, safe, and most important of all, non-addictive.
The flower of the cannabis plant contains a compound called cannabidiol, or CBD. The medicinal properties of CBD or gaining popularity these days. More extensive studies are being conducted and new healing benefits are being discovered all the time.
This compound is not the only beneficial substance found in the cannabis plant, but it is one of the strongest and most powerful. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, another of the significant compounds which are known as phytocannabinoid, CBD does not produce an intoxicating effect, or a "high". This is due to the fact that the two compounds elicit different reactions from the receptors they affect within the body and the brain.
Recommended CBD Products
Since CBD is the second most abundant active compound in the cannabis plant, it is easily extracted and can be produced in abundance. It is typically used in oil form or edible items like gummy candies. It can be used alone, or it can be safely combined with most other medications (always consult with your doctor before using any new substance along with other prescription medications).
The human body contains compounds known as endogenous cannabinoids. These compounds are very similar to the cannabinoids found in CBD. This is the reason CBD is effective in relieving so many health problems, including a number of mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, and more.
Will CBD make me grow horns and tentacles? Or is it safe to use?
The most popular form of CBD in used today is CBD oil. It is easy to use, fast-acting, and effective at relieving chronic pain, seizures, anxiety, and more. Extensive testing has indicated that CBD is safe for use, even in children who suffer from epileptic seizures and other conditions.
At the present time, CBD is not extensively approved by the Food and Drug Administration. To date, the only FDA-approved product is Epidiolex, a prescription oil form of CBD. State laws vary when it comes to the sale and use of CBD.
In order to ensure that you are getting pure, safe CBD, first speak with your doctor if you are taking prescription medications to make sure there will be no negative drug interactions. Once your doctor has given you the okay, the next step you will want to take is to find a reputable source to purchase your CBD products from. Never order them online sources because there is a good chance that what you receive will not contain pure CBD, if any at all.
Even purchasing at a brick-and-mortar retailer doesn't guarantee that you will get a safe product that contains pure CBD. According to an article posted by Consumer Reports, Barbara Crouch, the director of the Poison Control Center in Utah, contaminated CBD products are only part of the problem. One store was found to be selling products that contain no CBD at all. Instead, these products contain a dangerous synthetic cannabinoid that landed 31 unsuspecting people in the emergency room.
Bottom line, CBD products are safe as long as they are, in fact, CBD products. Check reviews, ask friends for referrals and suggestions, and do some research before buying any CBD products. Don't waste your money and don't risk your health by using anything other than high-quality, pure CBD products.
Research and Studies on CBD Benefits

CBD has already been shown to deliver several significant health benefits, especially when used in pure oil form. A few of these benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Acne reduction
- Relief from depression and anxiety
- Alleviates cancer-related symptoms
- Reduces the effects of certain neurological disorders
- Promotes heart health
These are only a few of the beneficial effects of CBD that are presently known. More and more helpful uses are being discovered all the time. Current studies are looking into CBD's effects as a treatment for substance abuse, counteracting the effects of psychotic disorders, and prevention of diabetes by using cbd.
Despite all of the information to the contrary, many people still believe that CBD is the same thing as marijuana, or that it causes the same effects as marijuana. This is completely untrue. Although CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, the cannabinol (CBD) that is extracted from the cannabis plant does not deliver the same effects of the marijuana itself, i.e. getting "stoned" or "high".
In an animal-based study reported by the European Journal of Pain, it indicated that when CBD was applied topically it was effective in relieving arthritis-related pain and inflammation. A separate study showed that CBD works to inhibit neuropathic pain and related inflammation. These two types of chronic pain are among the most difficult to successfully treat.
In many instances, more testing will be necessary involving humans before more information will be available to verify the total benefits of CBD with regard to treating these conditions. However, the testing conducted so far - on both humans and animals - has shown promising results in relieving a wide variety of ailments.
Will there be any nefarious side effects from using CBD?
While CBD is an amazing compound with a number of beneficial effects, there have been some unpleasant side effects attributed to its use. None of these are considered serious; they are generally mild and unpleasant at most. These side effects are not widely experienced by CBD users, but in the name of full disclosure, we will discuss them a bit.
It should be noted that the negative side effects have only been linked to CBD used in the form of oil. Since CBD oil is the most widely used CBD product, these side effects should be noted in case they suddenly develop, meaning you may need to decrease the dosage or stop using CBD oil altogether.
Reported CBD oil side effects to look out for include:
- Decrease in appetite
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Mood swings
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Increased level of anxiety
Users of CBD oil report that these effects generally go away after a few days. If they continue, decreasing the dosage of CBD oil has often proven to relieve them.
In rare instances when undesirable effects continue, it may become necessary to stop using CBD in oil form altogether. If this happens, you can try CBD in another form, such as edibles. Although most CBD users don't report having any negative issues at all, the possibility is there and must be addressed in case it happens.
There have also been extremely rare instances reported in which CBD oil use has resulted in heightened rates of seizures, insomnia, irritability, and digestive issues in children who suffer from refractory epilepsy. This was determined to have likely occurred because the CBD oil used contain traces of THC, making it impure.
Risks and Complications of CBD

As previously discussed, CBD use does sometimes come with the risk of some generally mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, etc. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days of use, and most of them can be avoided altogether by making sure the CBD oil you are using is 100% pure or by using CBD edibles such as gummy candies. The main cause of these issues is CBD oil that is tainted with THC, the compound in the cannabis plant that causes the feeling of being "high".
There is a growing consensus that CBD is a "miracle cure" given the number of ailments it has been proven to relieve. However, it is important to remember that there really is no such thing as a miracle cure and that most anything that delivers positive benefits almost certainly will also have some risks attached. While there haven't been any extremely serious negative effects associated with CBD use, there is still a notable amount of research yet to be done before it can be stated with complete certainty that CBD is totally free of any risk whatsoever.
There is concern over the fact that CBD is not regulated. Generally, all substances that are used for medicinal purposes are required to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This has not happened with CBD because the FDA requires more extensive testing to be done before certifying and approving it for medical use.
There is one medication containing purified CBD that has been approved by the FDA for medical use. This medicine is called Epidiolex and is used in the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is available by prescription only.
Is CBD legal?
There are more than 400 compounds found in the cannabis plant. Some are psychoactive, meaning they will deliver effects that will get you high, and some are not. Cannabinol (CBD) is not psychoactive.
Regardless of their psychoactive status, the compounds that are extracted from the plant are regulated by law. The legality of CBD and CBD related products varies from state-to-state. This applies to all forms of CBD from oil to edibles to any other product containing CBD.
Although CBD does not provide psychotropic effects (it doesn't get you stoned), there is still a good deal of controversy surrounding it. This is very likely because of the stigma attached to the cannabis (marijuana) plant it comes from and it's notoriety as a way to get high.
Learn more about CBD and CBD oil here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN-LByRLcw
The Fantastic New Wonder Plant: What is Kratom?
Kratom is an all-natural extract that is derived from the Mitragyna speciosa, or the Asian evergreen tree plant. It is native to the Southeastern area of Asia. Kratom is extracted from the leaves of the plant.
Research has shown that Kratom affects the opioid receptors in the brain. It is effective in a number of helpful and interesting ways. The amount of Kratom used determines the effects it will provide.
Low doses of Kratom work as a stimulant, amping up energy levels. A higher dose relieves pain and can deliver feelings of euphoria. Still higher doses most often work as a sedative and helps to relieve insomnia and deliver restful sleep.
Kratom can be used in a number of ways. The leaves of the Kratom plant can be chewed in their natural state. They can also be dried, crushed, and ingested, placed in capsules and swallowed, or brewed into a tea-like drink. Kratom extract is made into a liquid that is sold as an oral treatment for muscle pain, relief of diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and as an appetite suppressant.
Like any substance that delivers effects that are similar to opioids, there is a concern that Kratom can become addictive. This means that those who use Kratom are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Since these withdrawal effects are reported by users to be mild and temporary, no type of addiction treatment is necessary.
Kratom is being researched as a valuable herbal alternative to synthetic medications. Its effectiveness and all-natural state, and the fact that it does not cause serious dependents all work to help it grow in popularity.
Is Kratom safe?

Kratom is fast becoming what many people are considering to be a "miracle cure" for a number of ailments. However, there are some concerns as to whether its pain-relieving abilities, which are similar to the effects of opioids, may lead to dependence or addiction. In fact, Kratom is currently on the United States Drug Enforcement Agency's list as a "drug of concern".
Kratom found its way onto the DEA list because there are a number of potential safety issues associated with it. These include addiction, overdose, liver damage, and death.
Very little actual research has been conducted with regard to the extended or long-term effects of Kratom. There is evidence that taken in higher doses, adverse reactions can occur. These have included seizures, psychosis, uncontrollable tremors, and a number of other severe toxic effects.
There is a great deal of concern regarding the use of Kratom by individuals who have pre-existing conditions and who take prescription medications. Given the opioid-like effects of Kratom, there could be unpleasant or dangerous interactions. The fact that the FDA does not monitor or regulate Kratom regarding purity or dosage means that it has not yet been approved for medical use.
The general consensus among Kratom users is that as long as Kratom is used responsibly and cautiously it is safe and effective. It is best taken in low doses and only after consulting your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications.
Kratom can be used safely as long as it is used correctly. Doing so will eliminate any danger of dependence or addiction becoming a problem. It is a good idea to stay up-to-date on any new Kratom studies as well.
Kratom Studies: What are its benefits?
An estimated 325 million people use Kratom in the United States alone. There is a great deal of concern over this because many of those people are using Kratom to self- medicate rather than obtaining a proper medical diagnosis and receiving care via possibly life-saving medical prescriptions. There is also a growing concern that this will ultimately have negative consequences for legitimate Kratom research.
If the FDA were to issue an aggressive ban on Kratom, it would have a detrimental effect on the future of Kratom research. Researchers have already expressed concern that if the FDA takes a serious stance against Kratom, their research will be severely crippled. Without the proper amount and type of research, the benefits of Kratom will be lost over fear of possible side effects before they can be ruled out.
Speaking of benefits, Kratom offers some great medicinal benefits. It works as an effective pain reliever thanks to its analgesic properties. Testing has shown that chewing on Kratom leaves increases the amount of dopamine and serotonin the brain produces and releases into the body, alleviating pain.
Tests have also shown that the various alkaloids in Kratom leaves work to strengthen the immune system and make it more resilient. This is also thanks to the free radicals in the Kratom leaves. The antimicrobial activity and scavenging activity of the free radicals provide natural antioxidants.
Does kratom have any side effects?
As we discussed previously, Kratom does have some side effects. Most of these are reported by Kratom users to be mild to moderate in severity. These include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Numbness of the tongue
Constipation
Hallucinations
Aggression
Delusions
Frequent need to urinate
Thyroid issues
More severe side effects may include:
Seizures
Swelling of the brain
Difficulty breathing
Liver damage
Death
When taken in low doses, the side effects of Kratom are generally mild. However, there is concern about the harmful side effects when Kratom is ingested in high doses. Due to the fact that there are over 20 biologically active chemicals found in Kratom, there are a number of studies that still need to be conducted regarding its safety.
Kratom has long been used for its medicinal properties in Asia and the surrounding regions. However, it has been banned in Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar because of its potential to become addictive. Another major concern is that there are a number of chemicals found in Kratom that disrupt the enzymes in the liver that work to metabolize certain medications, which can be fatal.
There is a serious concern regarding a specific form of Kratom, known as "Krypton". This is an herbal product that is advertised and sold as a form of "super Kratom" that is extremely potent, even in low doses. Krypton is a dangerous combination of Kratom and a chemical called O-desmethyltramadol, which is a metabolite of the synthetic painkiller Tramadol.

When Kratom is combined with a pharmaceutical opioid medication that relieves pain, the combination can have an extremely depressive effect on the body's central nervous system. This can be fatal. In fact, a number of deaths in Sweden have been blamed on Krypton.
Risks and Complications of Kratom
It has been pretty solidly established that the main risk associated with Kratom is the potential for dependence or addiction. Since it works to relieve pain in the same way opioids do, it is possible to become addicted to its effects. The fact that it also delivers feelings of euphoria at certain dosage levels increases the danger of becoming addicted.
Once Kratom addiction occurs, withdrawal symptoms will follow when use is discontinued. These symptoms can include:
Nausea
Insomnia
Runny Nose
Muscle aches and cramping
Aggressive behavior
Hostility and irritability
Diarrhea
A very serious side effect of Kratom abuse is liver damage, which may go away entirely wants Kratom use is discontinued. If use continues once the liver damage has occurred, the results can be fatal.
Kratom overdose is another risk when addiction to the substance has occurred. However, this type of overdose is different from the kind that is experienced with opioids. Whereas an actual opioid overdose can often be fatal, Kratom overdose results in the user experiencing the more severe side effects related to taking too much Kratom. These highly unpleasant symptoms can also last longer than usual in an overdose situation.
Is using kratom legal?

Where federal law is concerned, Kratom is legal in the United States. Nonetheless, a number of states have banned it. Worldwide, Kratom is illegal in 16 countries.
Kratom is not presently listed as a controlled substance as defined by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency's Controlled Substance Act. However, in 2016 the DEA did move to classify it as a Schedule 1 substance. This classification would identify Kratom as having an elevated potential for abuse and as a substance not currently approved for medical use.
Luckily for those who find relief from physical ailments by using Kratom, the proposed ban was withdrawn following widespread public outcry against it. Those who rely on the substance for pain relief and the treatment of other ailments organized demonstrations and protests, and petitions were signed by tens of thousands of Kratom users and sent to Congress.
Check out this informational video explaining Kratom and its benefits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpPLlrz9Za8
The Final Word
The benefits of natural, plant-based substances like CBD and Kratom are promising in that so many people use them to obtain relief from a number of painful conditions, including chronic pain situations. They deliver results without the use of toxic, man-made drugs. While there is still research to be done on both in order to determine even more of their effective properties and any potentially dangerous interactions or side effects, research has so far shown great promise, particularly as a treatment for serious opioid addiction and other types of drug dependencies.
Take some time to do your own research to discover how these natural treatments may be helpful to you or a loved one. Most people can benefit in some way from their use, whether they have one of the conditions they help to alleviate or multiple conditions.
Don't suffer needlessly when relief can be obtained legally and safely. With just a little education and caution regarding CBD and Kratom, you may find the help you've been looking for, and it comes straight from Mother Nature.