Why I believe we should be more open to CBD oil

These days attitudes towards psychoactive substances are changing. More and more so the world is seeing the benefits of mind-altering substances rather than just the negatives. MDMA is being trialled in the US to help people with autism. Psychedelics are being trialled to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ketamine is being trialled by the NHS for the treatment of severe depression. Marijuana products are used for a wide range of ailments spanning pain relief to treatment for epilepsy.

The rise of potency

In today’s world drugs have become more prominent, potent and promising. Potency refers to the amount of the drug required to produce an effect of given intensity. The rapidly rising potency of all forms of street drugs is a major concern for our society. Correct dosages are changing due to the illegality of street drugs through several factors. Not knowing the real contents, fillers, what it’s mixed with and how the substance was produced can be dangerous for the user of the drugs.

For example, the average dose of MDMA found in a pill 10 years ago was around 70-80mg. Nowadays it can be 150mg on average. Ketamine sold on the streets can turn out to be a cheaper and much stronger form of the drug called MXE. Levels of THC found in marijuana have skyrocketed to a point where weed can have over 20% THC, an unfathomable level to reach for growers even as close as 20 years ago.

THC is the number one occurring compound in cannabis. It is the psychoactive part i.e. what makes you feel ‘high’. It also can create the negative side effects of anxiety and paranoia. CBD is the next most occurring compound in cannabis. It is not psychoactive. CBD can relieve anxiety and some pain and can relieve some of the negative side effects of THC. CBD potency in cannabis has not generally increased alongside the rise of THC’s potency.

Reducing the negative side effects of smoking weed

The cannabis that is smoked today is manufactured so that consumers get a strong high from the high levels of THC every time they use it. This is the reality of the black market we have here in Ireland.

So, what to do about this issue if you’re smoking regularly and think you need something for some of the negative side effects you’re experiencing? I’d personally recommend CBD oil or CBD capsules. They’re available in almost every health shop and pharmacy these days. You can buy it to vape too.

Look into using CBD oil for yourself every so often. The world has realised over the past half-century that the war on drugs has not worked. Drugs are more prevalent than ever. The focus these days is shifting to harm prevention and creating awareness about the effects of drugs.

Knowledge is power when it comes to drugs

I see it as every person’s right to ingest what they wish. I see it as every person’s personal responsibility to make themselves aware of how what they are taking will affect them and how they can safeguard against any negative effects they may experience. The information for you to make the best decision for yourself is out there.

Weed is the foremost illegal substance consumed in Ireland. If you are amongst its users, make a small change in how you use the drug, not by even necessarily changing your original intake, but rather by re-balancing the levels of THC and CBD that you are consuming through supplementary oil or capsules. The best type of drug use is no drug use. However, if you do choose to partake in using drugs, start also making sure you’re fully aware of and actively combatting any negative side effects that may arise along the way. Knowledge is power.

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