One Major Effect of Taking CBD Supplements, Says Expert
It's a rare moment when you're on social media without seeing something about CBD supplements, or when you can listen to a podcast without the hosts pitching the benefits of the gummies or other supplements. In the past few years, CBD supplements have become all the rage, with their ever-growing popularity being marketed all over the internet. But is it worth the hype?
CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is a chemical found in the cannabis sativa plant, but the chemical can also be taken from hemp plants. Unlike smoking pot, CBD contains no THC, which is the psychoactive compound that leads consumers to, well, get high.
Although marijuana is legalized in numerous states throughout the country, some may still wonder if CBD is legal to consume—it totally is, for the most part. Hemp products have been legalized in the United States since the passing of 2018's Farm Bill, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said they will continue to keep an eye out for products that might fraudulently claim to have certain healing properties. One major effect of taking CBD that is for certain, though, is that it's extremely beneficial for sleep, according to certified nutritionist Liana Werner-Gray, the author of The Earth Diet.
"Feeling relaxed after using CBD supplements is often a goal for using the supplement, especially in people who have anxiety," says Werner-Gray. "However, one of the side effects of taking CBD can be fatigue, which makes sense since it is a sleeping aid, but not everyone wants this effect."
For some, the relaxation effect that takes hold after consuming a CBD supplement is why they use the product in the first place, but for others, they may wind up a bit sleepier than anticipated, according to Werner-Gray.
"One of the side effects to taking CBD can be fatigue, which makes sense since it is a sleeping aid, but not everyone wants this effect," says Werner-Gray, adding that because CBD does not contain THC, it won't lead to excessive fatigue as THC does.
As CBD can help its users fall asleep more easily, it can also help to tackle anxiety, and is commonly used by people with anxiety disorders. As issues with anxiety can lead those who suffer from it to have trouble sleeping, the fatigue from the supplements can help those who have anxiety disorders fall asleep more easily—although be sure to be careful monitoring what time you're taking the supplements because you don't want to be falling asleep at your desk.
The effects of CBD supplements are short-term, according to Werner-Gray, which means they only last as long as CBD remains in the body, which is just enough time to get a good night's sleep.
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