With a whole range of benefits, CBD has become a popular trend among individuals worldwide. Its supplements have now found their way on top remedies for relieving pain, stress, anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, and many more ailments. Even though it offers many advantages, is it still safe to use CBD and its byproducts during pregnancy or breastfeeding? We shall look for the answer further into the article.
CBD – Cannabidiol:
The cannabis plant derives into two essential chemicals. One is the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the other one is CBD. CBD is the non-sedative part of the cannabis – marijuana – plant and has been known for its therapeutic benefits. CBD is still an unexplored subject, and much research is being conducted on its uses as we speak. However, due to its psychoactive effects, THC has been the focus of many types of research, and unlike CBD, a lot of its properties and benefits have been confirmed.
CBD is considered to have the healing powers and a non-high effect, which THC usually offers since it’s extracted directly from the hemp. To study its benefits further, we shall see how CBD can be used and in what forms.
Forms of CBD:
CBD has been out in the market in various forms. Some of the most consumed forms of CBD are:
– Capsules, tablets, gummies
These are the edible forms of CBD. They can easily be consumed as you wish.
– CBD Oil
CBD oil can be consumed orally or applied to the affected part. If you don’t like the weedy taste of CBD, you can use it sublingually or topically.
– Spray
This product is perfect for moms and athletes. They can topically use CBD by spraying the painful area to feel relief.
– Vape product
This is the fastest method to take CBD. It allows CBD to escape the body’s digestive machinery and mix quickly in the bloodstream.
CBD Oil:
One of the most consumed CBD products is the CBD oil. The CBD oil can be taken as an edible – in the form of drops – or applied to the affected area. It is no wonder that CBD oil has succeeded in being a top treatment for many disorders and injuries. We shall now see if CBD oil is a solution to the distresses faced while pregnant or breastfeeding.
CBD Oil for Pregnancy:
There are tens to hundreds of symptoms of pregnancy that can be mentioned. But the most common signs that every pregnant woman might face are:
– Tenderness, swollen breasts
– Nausea
– Fatigue, stress
– Cramping
– Dizziness, headaches, back pain, etc.
To about half of these problems, CBD has proven to be a potential solution. Many people have gravitated to CBD supplements to cure their stress, anxiety, and pains. According to a few studies, moms who took CBD oil as a remedy mutually stated that they had been suffering from morning sickness, anxiety, sleeplessness, aches, and cramps during pregnancy. But after learning about CBD, they tried its supplements, and it was as if, magically, a lot of distresses had disappeared. They were able to fight insomnia, felt less stressed, and the pains had also reduced significantly.
However, despite how positively CBD oil impacted them during pregnancy, the doctors and experts had mixed opinions. Many of the experts have preferred avoiding CBD oil and other byproducts. According to them, CBD may interfere with other medicines, which can cause adverse effects like depression. Along with that, many doctors warn that the cannabinoids can interact with the developing fetus, which might not be suitable for the baby and the mother herself.
CBD Oil while breastfeeding:
Bearing pregnancy is undoubtedly stressful. But enduring its aftermaths is a whole other story as well. It may be possible that once you’re done delivering the baby, you might undergo more pain and stress. For that, many women turn to CBD and its supplements. Now, this is where breastfeeding might act as a hindrance. Although for centuries mothers used cannabis during breastfeeding but still that doesn’t make it safe to use. Moreover, women’s body has naturally occurring endocannabinoids that play a vital role during pregnancy. But there is still a difference between body’s own produced cannabinoids and the one taken from nature.
According to the experts, if the mother will take CBD Oil or other products while being pregnant, there is a high possibility that the cannabinoids may transfer in breast milk. Hence, they can easily be carried into the baby during breastfeeding. A lot of studies have proven that the majority of CBD products are sure to have low levels of THC as well. Due to this reason, it is wise to avoid CBD while breastfeeding since it might transfer levels of THC into the baby.
Is CBD legal?
In 2018 Farm Bill was passed by the government that allowed the commercial cultivation of hemp. Only CBD obtained from the hemp plant is considered legal. The law also states that CBD products would only be legal if they have a low concentration of THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis). Different countries have different regulations for CBD; make sure to check the country’s or state’s law regarding CBD before traveling.
Is it safe?
The answer is still ambiguous. Many of the ailments due to pregnancy can individually be treated with CBD Oil, but it is recommended to avoid it in such circumstances. Researchers are still unclear about the effects CBD can have on the fetus’ brain and how it may impact its development. Hence they suggest taking the doctor’s word for such distresses, and if probable, a replacement for CBD products should be taken to relieve these pains.
