Is CBD legal in South Africa?
Yes – CBD oil is legal in South Africa. However, the history and legalities behind that answer are complex. Because CBD is produced from marijuana or hemp plants, it was previously classified as a schedule 7 substance. In 2019, the SA Department of Health reclassified the product, with CBD no longer included in the same grouping as THC – a psychoactive cannabinoid. The new classification for CBD is schedule 4. That means it can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased from a pharmacy.
Some CBD products are also considered schedule 0 by the SA Department of Health. Any CBD oil containing less than 600 mg of CBD per bottle meets these criteria. The instructions should also advise a recommended dose of only 20 mg per day.
How do CBD products work?
CBD, as discussed, is a cannabinoid. It works by activating receptors that form part of the human body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. There are two primary receptors: CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain – though you’ll also find them in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are evenly distributed throughout the body, being most commonly associated with the immune system.
Unlike THC, which activates both receptors, CBD prevents the breakdown of cannabinoids, meaning these receptors are activated for longer. It also activates several other receptors responsible for inflammation, pain perception, and body temperature regulation.
By activating these receptors, it produces many beneficial effects, including:
- Pain relief
- Reduce anxiety
- Lessened nausea
- Neuroprotection
- Lower blood pressure.
However, it is also associated with some minor side effects, like bowel changes, appetite alternation, and fatigue.
Is CBD safe?
CBD is widely considered a safe and effective treatment for numerous conditions. It is well-tolerated by most people, with minimal to no side effects. Nevertheless, as mentioned, there are some adverse effects to be aware of. These include nausea, fatigue, and irritability.
In addition, CBD can lead to abnormal results from liver-related blood tests. It’s not a serious problem, however. Other medications like paracetamol (acetaminophen) can have similar effects. Moreover, CBD may also compete for enzymes for certain medications in the liver. This can lead to a build of these drugs. If you choose to take CBD, you should always discuss your existing medications with your doctor first. However, foods like grapefruit produce a similar effect too.
What is the strongest CBD oil in South Africa?
Here at Famka, our strongest CBD oil is the . However, that’s not the strongest CBD oil available. In fact, worldwide, some of the most potent products contain up to 7,500 mg of CBD per 30 mL. That’s right!
Most studies that analyse CBD efficacy evaluate daily doses of 300 to 600 mg of CBD. However, some studies have investigated CBD products with concentrations as high as 2,000 mg per day.
Currently, the evidence does not tell us the optimum dose. However, stronger doesn’t necessarily always mean better. Many medications, for instance, fail to produce a greater effect after a certain dosage. Moreover, increasing the dose may also increase the risk of side effects.
If you’re new to CBD oil, start with a low- to medium-concentration CBD oil and work your way up.
What is the best CBD oil for anxiety in South Africa?
Throughout numerous studies, CBD has shown to be an effective treatment of anxiety. In a Brazilian study, for example, oral CBD before a public speaking test produced a significant anxiety reduction – with a mymedic.es 300 mg dose of CBD the most effective.
Meanwhile, another study reported CBD might not just be helpful for people with social anxiety and other anxiety-related disorders. It might also help reduce depressive symptoms. And a 2015 review suggests CBD has “considerable potential” for treating a suite of anxiety disorders.
Often, the choice of CBD product is less about the CBD than the assortment of other cannabinoids. From our range, Charlotte’s Web contains a broad spectrum of cannabinoids that produce a focused sense of calm. On the other hand, White Widow is known for its powerful euphoric and energetic effect. Both may help produce a lower level of anxiety – but with radically different results.
What are the types of CBD?
If you’re new to the world of CBD, the terms can be confusing. “Isolate”, “full-spectrum”, and “broad-spectrum” are often used without ever really explaining what they mean.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD on the market. It only contains CBD. All other cannabinoids and terpenes are removed during the extraction process, leaving only the CBD behind. You’ll often find CBD isolates in oil tinctures, CBD gummies, and other CBD-infused products.
Full-spectrum CBD means you’re getting the full array of cannabinoids and terpenes present in hemp or cannabis. Many of these compounds are extremely beneficial. However, the downside is that some THC is often left behind – albeit in almost untraceable amounts.
According to the South African government, THC quantities cannot exceed 0.001%. All our products are full-spectrum CBD. It’s why they’re likely to produce such holistic and health-boosting effects.
Broad-spectrum CBD products lie somewhere between full-spectrum and isolates. Some of the cannabinoids and terpenes have been removed during the extraction phases, but not all. This may mean a small amount of THC remains, which can lead to “false positive” drug test results.