As more states legalize medical and recreational marijuana, people interested in products containing CBD oil have an increasing number of options. However, with more options often come more questions about the differences in sources of the products. And regardless of whether or not your state has legalized marijuana, you can still get some of its benefits. There’s an entire world of products derived from cannabis that won’t get you high, but that do promise pain and stress relief.
In a recent survey by Consumer Reports, more than a quarter of people in the U.S. stated that they had CBD. If you are interested in trying CBD but don’t know what to look for, or what to expect, this handy guide will answer your questions and clear up some common misconceptions about CBD and its uses.
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CBD Oil Uses and Benefits
People use CBD oil for a variety of conditions, from lowering blood pressure, helping with anxiety, and stress relief to joint pain and cancer. Here are some of the ways CBD oil can benefit a person’s health.
Epilepsy, Seizures, and Other Neurological Symptoms
The use of CBD for the treatment of epilepsy and seizures is probably the most well-researched use for CBD with plenty of medically reviewed studies and analysis. After much research on its effectiveness and safety in treating epilepsy, back in June 2018, the FDA approved CBD for treating two rare, severe forms of epilepsy.
In addition, a 2014 review discussed CBD’s anti-seizure properties and low side effects for people with epilepsy. The findings indicated that CBD may also be a potential therapy for many of the complications connected to epilepsy, including neuronal injury, neurodegeneration, and psychiatric diseases. Further research is needed on the many possible uses of CBD for treating neurological symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief
While there are many over-the-counter drugs available to relieve pain, stiffness, and chronic pain, many people are turning to CBD oil as a more natural alternative to these drugs. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine demonstrated that CBD could reduce chronic inflammation and pain in some rats and mice. This research suggests that CBD could provide a new treatment for pain. The hope is for CBD oil and other cannabis-derived products to help with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis or arthritis. Many athletes use topical CBD products, either oil or cream, for joint pain.
Anxiety Disorders
While doctors often advise patients suffering from chronic anxiety to stay away from cannabis, since the THC it contains can trigger or intensify anxiety and paranoia, research indicates that CBD could be a potential treatment for people with anxiety disorders. These disorders include general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many people use CBD products such as tinctures, edibles, and even bath products to combat stress and anxiety.
Acne Treatment and Skin Care
Another potential use for CBD is the treatment of acne. Acne is caused by excess production of sebum and inflammation. In a 2014 study, researchers found that CBD oil could help control both. It helps lower the production of sebum and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. CBD is already being added to many skin care products, and studies have shown it could also become a treatment for acne vulgaris, the most common type of acne.
Suppression of Cancer Cells
There is some evidence that CBD can help prevent the spread of cancer and could be a potential anti-cancer drug. Researchers noted that CBD tends to suppress the growth of cancer cells and promote their destruction. Since it has low-levels of toxicity, the researchers suggested further research into CBD as a potential complement to standard cancer treatments.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) does not get you high. It is just one of the more than 100 active compounds in the Cannabis sativa or hemp plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another active compound and the most well-known.
Are CBD and THC different? Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not contain the psychoactive properties that cause a “high,” that’s the main difference between CBD and THC. This is because CBD does not affect the same receptors in the brain as THC. It does, however, have some of the same qualities of THC, which means you can benefit from its therapeutic qualities without feeling stoned.
Where Does CBD Come From?
All CBD oils come from the cannabis plant. Unlike marijuana plants, hemp plants farmers don’t modify their plants to increase THC levels. Overall, CBD oil is extracted from the flowers of the hemp plant, instead of the leaves or seeds.
Legality of CBD Oil
The legal status of CBD oil depends on the state you live in. In the United States, CBD is legal in most states. However, certain states have only legalized CBD for medical use only and that requires special licensing.
Another key point when it comes to legality of CBD oil is its origins. Hemp-derived CBD products are still illegal under some state laws. Just like marijuana-derived products are illegal on a federal level, but legal on some states. Before you buy any CBD products, check your state’s laws, as well as any state you travel to.
Is CBD Oil the Same as Hemp Oil?
Since CBD oil is derived from hemp, you may wonder if CBD oil and hemp oil are the same things. CBD oil is extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant and then mixed with a carrier oil so that your body can more easily absorb it. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of industrial hemp plants, where there is less cannabidiol to be extracted. Therefore, it is important to know that CBD oil and hemp oil are not the same, and to be sure to read labels closely.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD does not affect the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) directly, but rather it inhibits or activates other compounds in the ECS. For instance, CBD stops the body from absorbing anandamide, a compound associated with regulating pain. Increased levels of anandamide may reduce the amount of pain a person feels. Although ingesting CBD offers the most benefits, the body can absorb CBD through the skin.
Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects or Risks?
One of the biggest benefits about CBD is the lack of reported side effects. The associated risks with CBD could be related to the lack of research about its long-term health effects. Generally, CBD is safe to take, however people who take CBD have shown signs of:
However, more human studies are needed to understand the side effects as most CBD oil research has been conducted on animal studies. Because substances like cannabis are highly regulated, there aren’t as many CBD oil studies available. With the legalization of more cannabis-derived products, the hope is to expand research.
How to Use CBD Oil
There are tons of reasons that vary the best way to use CBD. CBD oil is available in creams or gels, capsules to be taken orally, tinctures to be sprayed or pour into the mouth, and more. Talk to your doctor before you incorporate CBD into your diet. The amount of CBD your body needs to reap dthe benefits depends on your current health state, your age, your weight, and your tolerance.
More CBD Oil FAQs
Although CBD oil has been available for decades, most people are only starting to use it as its legality becomes the norm in most countries. Because of this, most people still have many questions regarding CBD oil, its use, and its benefits. Here are some CBD FAQs.
Why Choose Hemp Over Medical Cannabis?
For those looking for a natural approach to treat medical conditions, CBD offers a more safe option. Also, CBD offers many of the benefits medical cannabis does without the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis.
Can My Pet Take CBD?
The many benefits associated with CBD oil have increased curiosity among pet owners. The short answer is yes, your pet can take CBD. The long answer is it depends. Pets can be highly sensitive to THC, even in the small quantities present in CBD oils, so speak with your vet before giving your pet CBD oil.
Can I Get High Off CBD?
No. Unlike marijuana or other cannabis products, THC doesn’t have the psychoactive cannabinoid associated with the “high” feeling most people are familiar with. However, those who take CBD can expect to feel more relaxed and at ease.
CBD is currently available in several forms, such as oils and tinctures, creams and lotions, capsules and pills, edibles such as gummies, and vaping. Nowadays, you can find CBD coffee in most shops, as well as restaurants trying different CBD recipes to update their menus. While the scientific jury may still be out on some of the benefits of CBD oil, people are still using it and finding relief.
Originally published at https://www.gr8ness.com on July 30, 2019.
