The pharmaceutical industry is booming in today’s society. The growth of medical issues, complications, and diseases are increasing the need for prescriptions. But with the growing research and support of CBD, the demand for prescriptions will diminish greatly. However, if you are wondering about the view of CBD in the medical field and its legality, you need to know how it is currently classified in pharmaceutical scheduling.
What decides the schooling of drugs in the United States?
There are two administrations that evaluate and list the scheduling of drugs. The first administration is the DEA, which stands for Drug Enforcement Administration. The second administration is the Food and Drug, which is abbreviated to FDA. These administrations handle all evaluations of drugs and food ingredients and quality standards for the general public.
What is Pharmaceutical Scheduling?
In short, the scheduling of drugs determines the availability to the general public. This means if the drug can be bought over-the-counter or if it requires a written prescription from a medical professional. Classifications began in the 1970s during the peak of recreational drug use and abuse with the enactment of the controlled substances act.
Controlled Substances Act Rundown
The federal government responded to the public abuse of drugs through the controlled substances act. This act controls all aspects of drug manufacturing, distribution, and possession. The scheduling of drugs was implemented to regulate and help the general public health and safety in drug use. The CSA, Controlled Substances Act, is the name for the implemented statue. There are currently five schedules of drugs, note that drugs can move up and down schedules as they are constantly evaluated.
The Five Schedules Of Drugs
The classification of drugs is based upon the effect they cause to the human body during consumption. Not only that, but the federal government also evaluates the possibility of the drug of addiction when considering the schedule.
- Schedule I drugs are unavailable to medical practice and the general public. They have been deemed extremely dangerous and addictive when taken. These drugs are oftentimes illegal in possession, selling, and manufacturing in federal view. Typical examples of schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
- Schedule II drugs are very closely related to schedule I drug in terms of risks and addiction possibility. However, these drugs have also been evaluated for medical use and have been deemed beneficial for certain diseases. These drugs are heavily regulated and can only be prescribed by medical professionals. They can only be obtained through hospitals and pharmacies in limited dosages. Typical examples of schedule II drugs include Dilaudid, Percocet, and Fentanyl.
- Schedule III drugs still have use and addiction concerns, but the risk is lower. This classification is used in medical practice to treat medical complications. They are still given in lower dosages but are more readily available in pharmacies in the general public. The selling and distribution are still watched heavily and cannot be filled or refilled legally more than five times in a six month period. Typical examples of these drugs are Vicodin and anabolic steroids.
- Schedule IV drugs have very low risks of addiction and detrimental effects on the body. While they still require a prescription, they can be prescribed in higher dosages and refill quantities. Typical examples of these drugs include Ativan, Valium, and Restoril.
- Schedule V drugs have almost no risk of addiction or unwanted repercussions. They can often be bought over-the-counter at local pharmacies or stores. They are not as regulated as schedule IV drugs but can sometimes require an age requirement for purchase depending on the state you live in. Typical examples of this classification include cough syrups and pain relievers.
Keep in mind that these classifications and drugs can change during their constant evaluation. For a complete and updated list of the schedules visit this resource.
Where Does CBD Reside?
The growth of research and studies in the CBD has grown monumentally, especially in the past five years. As of March 2019, CBD can have two classifications that rely on the containment of its THC component. If the CBD product has less than 0.1 percent of THC then it is considered a Schedule V drug, anything over that amount it jumps up to the schedule I category.
Why Does The THC Component Affect The Schedule?
THC is the abbreviation of tetrahydrocannabinol and is found in the marijuana plant. Marijuana, while legal in a few states, is still seen as a federally illegal drug. The THC component of this plant is fundamentally responsible for the physiological effects that come from marijuana use. The addiction risk is extremely high and affects memory, body movement, brain function, and perception. Due to these symptoms, it is seen as a schedule I drug and remains federally illegal.
What Is The Difference Between THC And CBD?
Other than the fact that these chemical components come from marijuana or hemp plants and interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the body, these two have completely different effects on the body. As previously stated, THC inhibits optimal brain and body function, while CBD enhances and heals the body.
Chemical Structure Of THC Versus CBD
The effects rely on the chemical structure of these cannabinoids. While both of them contain the same amounts of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon atoms, the arrangement of these is what causes the difference in effect. The cells of the body are like a machine and read each code as they are specially written. They rely on the interpretation through neurotransmitters which produce the effects. The arrangement of the atoms allows for different readings.
Why Does CBD Not Produce A High?
The answer to this question relies on the cannabinoid receptors within the body. There are two, CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor produces the altered mind and body state, in which THC can bind easily and efficiently too. In terms of CBD and CB1 it has the ability to bind but only creates a very weak and unstable bond. There have been multiple studies that have also shown that CBD can be used to reduce the reception of THC to the CB1 receptors.
Will CBD Be Considered For Cbd Schedule 1 Adjustment?
In recent events, the CBD schedule 1 classification has begun to pique interest. As states begin to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, the federal government has focused time and funding to evaluate CBD’s classification. However, due to its chemical structure, it cannot meet the requirements of a schedule I drug as it poses no risk for addiction or health concerns.
What Does This Mean For You?
The classification as schedule V means that the consumption of CBD for healing and relieving symptoms in your body is completely legal in the United States. The priority should then be finding products that meet the requirements of less than 0.1 percent of the THC compound.
What Is CBD Exactly?
CBD is a widely known compound that comes from hemp and marijuana plants. The medicinal uses of this compound have been documented for centuries. However, only recently has the research begun to truly look at how and what CBD properties affect the body.
How Does CBD Work Within The Body?
The human body can actually produce its own cannabinoids naturally through its endocannabinoid system. This system is not widely discussed in society but will be especially in the next couple of years as products continue their rise with CBD properties. As a consumer, you need to know what this system is and the many components of interaction it applies to within the body.
The Endocannabinoid System
This system is just like the immune, circulatory, and digestive systems in your body. The endocannabinoid system, however, has different goals than its counterparts. The purpose of this system is to keep your body in homeostasis through the balance of healing and pain management.
How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?
The natural and internal cannabinoid system is closely related to its counterparts due to its three main components and mechanisms for neurotransmitter reading. These are listed below:
1. Cannabinoid Receptors
These are found within every cell surface of your body. These receptors are what response to the cannabinoids that are taken or naturally produced by the body. There are two main types within the body to focus on, CB1 and CB2.
The CB1 receptors are mostly found within the brain but can be found in other areas of the body as well. Because the receptors are contracted on the brain, they have more effect on mental cognition and awareness. The THC component acts mostly on these receptors and is why it produces a high effect.
The CB2 receptors serve a different purpose in the body. They are concentrated throughout the immune and digestive systems. CBD receptors interact and bond strongly to only these receptors. Which is another reason why CBD is classified as a Schedule V drug?
2. Endocannabinoids
These are specific cells designed for the endocannabinoid system. The body’s natural cannabinoid cells are called endogenous cannabinoids and are actually neurotransmitters created in the brain. These neurotransmitters are what bind to the receptors to create the effects.
3. Enzyme Metabolism
The metabolism of the endocannabinoids is what truly sets this system apart from the others. Typically neurotransmitters are stored or fully used even if the problem is solved but within the endocannabinoid system, the neurotransmitters are only used until the problem is solved and they are not stored or kept in the body. For this reason, as well, the FDA can classify CBD as a Schedule V drug.
Is Excess CBD Stored Within The Body?
Through the use of CBD products, many people believe that the excess compounds will be stored within the body. While traces of the broken down molecule can be found after use, they cannot interact or cause any effect after being used. Because of the metabolic enzymes, any excess CBD is extracted or released by the body when it is no longer needed. This means that if you were to take CBD products for your health they would only have an effect at the moment and would not be stored within the body.
What Does Increasing The CBD Properties In The Body Do?
If you experience any health issues, complications, or diseases that fall within the scope of CBD benefits then this information is crucial to understand. For a full resource of the benefits and symptoms that CBD can help restore balance or revive visit this resource. Through increasing the CBD content through products you lessen the need for the body to focus on endocannabinoid production. If the body is already out of balance and you are experiencing symptoms of low cannabinoids then the efficiency of this system compromised.
Why Is Providing Extra CBD Necessary For Balance?
An inefficient system cannot restore itself unless it is given the aid it needs. By providing CBD from outside sources you are allowing your body to use its natural endocannabinoid cells along with the ingested to balance out its levels. Once the levels are balanced out then the regular function can begin. Keep in mind that your body fights to keep this balance but can need help to maintain levels depending on your symptoms and underlying health issues.
How Does The Schedule Of CBD Effect You?
It is important to understand the scheduling of CBD for its health benefits. The FDA has designed a list of risky medications that should not be taken for health risks or possible dependency issues. CBD’s classification as a Schedule V drug allows you to understand that this property is only beneficial for your health and cannot negatively affect your body and life.
