Drugs | Randolph OB/GYN

Understanding the Use of CBD for Sleep

Bobby Haney 2021-05-13 2021-09-20

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound extracted from the cannabis plant and is among the main derivatives from the plant. The main diiference between tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD is that CBD does not make the users feel high. Additionally, due to its non-psychoactive effect, CBD is gaining traction as a treatment for specific conditions such as anxiety, pain, insomnia, etc.

People with sleeping problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, can use CBD to treat their issues. However, most seem to wonder about how much cbd for sleep they should take. We can refer to some research findings to show that low CBD doses of 10-400 mg per day taken through various methods do not have toxic effects. However, there is still a need for more studies to determine if there are long-term impacts from using CBD.

How CBD Helps With Sleep Issues

The body’s endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining some functions in the body, such as moods, sleep, appetite, and regulating the circadian rhythm. The endocannabinoid system has a network of cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system and the brain. Two of the key receptors in the system are CB1 and CB2.

When one consumes cannabinoids, they attach to these cells leading to different effects. That way, the cannabinoid CBD binds to specific receptors and impacts the sleep/wake cycle. Furthermore, CBD can reduce anxiety and pain, both of which can interfere with good and restful sleep. Also, given that cannabidiol alleviates some symptoms, it could help to improve sleep.

Studies About CBD for Sleep

While there is a need for more studies, some research has shown that CBD and cannabinoids can promote sleep. One study published in the journal entitled Medicines was on 409 people with insomnia. The data collection happened between June 2016 and May 2018. Those who took part in the study rated their symptoms on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 was the most severe. On average, the starting symptoms were rated 6.6.

After the participants used cannabis, they rated their symptoms to be an average of 2.2, dropping by 4.5. Thus, this study shows cannabinoids in cannabis reduced insomnia symptoms. However, the study used cannabis flower, which has several cannabinoids. Therefore, it would be difficult to tell if the relief was due to CBD or any other cannabinoid.

Conclusion

Generally, there are scientific studies that support the claim CBD has health benefits. Despite the need for more studies, it is evident that CBD can reduce insomnia symptoms and help get more quality sleep.…

Drugs

Popular Hallucinogenic Drugs and Their Effects

Quentin Benitez 2021-03-11 2023-10-23

There are several reasons that can lead a person to want to try hallucinogenic or psychedelic drugs, and some of them have become a kind of symbol of an era, but the truth is that they are still quite dangerous for health. Hallucinogenic drugs are psychoactive substances that, if taken, influence the perception of reality, emotions, and thoughts of those who consume them.

Hallucinogenic drugs are capable of modifying sensations and senses and can cause hallucinations and sensory disturbances. Hallucinogenic drugs mainly affect the central nervous system (CNS), where the brain is located.

Upon entering neurons, these substances primarily alter the release and function of the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, a chemical involved in sensory perception, pleasure, hunger, temperature, conductive regulation, muscle control, and mood. Serotonin is not only found in the brain. It is also found throughout the spinal cord. Here are some popular hallucinogenic drugs.

LSD

This is undoubtedly the best-known and most powerful hallucinogenic drug. LSD acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, known as 5-HT, by disrupting serotonin reception in certain areas of the nervous system. The effects of LSD are quite unpredictable in terms of experience but tend to be severe hallucinations, distortion or loss of reality, and sudden mood swings. Its duration is generally quite long. A normal dose could last around 10 hours.

Psilocybin or Hallucinogenic Mushrooms

Hallucinogenic mushrooms or “magic mushrooms” are used as recreational and spiritual drugs and their effects come from the substance known as psilocybin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring alkaloid compound found in a wide variety of mushrooms and is the substance that will then be processed in the liver until it is derived from psilocin, the psychoactive component that causes psychedelic effects by altering the presence of serotonin.

Ecstasy or MDMA

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is a drug in the amphetamine family that has been artificially created and is usually taken in pill form. Since it also acts as a mental stimulant, it is one of the most popular hallucinogens and is mostly consumed at parties and social events.

Among the effects of ecstasy, in addition to hallucinations and sensory disturbances that are mental stimulants, it seems to give effects such as increased attention, energy, warmth, and closer connections with others, adding a great sense of pleasure. However, these seemingly positive effects are only temporary and can lead to long-term cognitive decline.…

Drugs