CBD Doesn’t Get You High, It Gets You Healthy
CBD Oil: The most misunderstood compound on earth
Marijuana is also known as weed, pot, dope, and grass. It is the primary active ingredient extracted from the cannabis plant. Although legalized in the USA, marijuana contains a psychoactive compound i.e. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It affects the brain and body. Most people use it for pleasure. Its repeated use can make you addictive and can be harmful to health.
To learn more about Cannabidiol, play the video below
Below are some of the most popular CBD products available on Amazon
Cannabidiol versus Marijuana?
However, a new entrant in the market derived from the same plant is CBD. CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent active ingredient of cannabis (marijuana). It is derived from the Hemp plant which is the cousin of the marijuana plant. The main feature of CBD is that it doesn’t create a “high” as marijuana does. A report from the World Health Organization states that “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential”. However, there is no evidence that the use of pure CBD causes health-related problems.
Is Cannabidiol Legal?
CBD is readily available in most parts of the USA, although its legal status is still in flux. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with some degrees of restriction. In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory requirements so that the researchers could conduct CBD trials. Currently, many people purchase CBD Oil online without a medical cannabis license. The bipartisan legality of CBD is expected to change. Currently, there is consensus in Congress to make hemp crop legal. This step will make it difficult to prohibit.
Evidence-based health benefits of cannabidiol
CBD Oil has been racing for a variety of health issues. The strongest scientific evidence stands for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). These syndromes typically don’t respond to anti-seizure medications. In various studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, for instance. In some cases, it was able to stop them altogether. Videos showing striking effects of CBD on these children are available online for viewing. Recently the FDA approved the first-ever cannabis-derived medicine- Epidiolex for these conditions. CBD may offer an option for treating chronic pain too.
A study conducted on an animal model from the European Journal of Pain showed that CBD when applied on the skin, helps lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis. A study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain. These are two of the most difficult types of chronic pains to treat. More study is needed in this area so as to validate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant. It is then diluted with an inert carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil.
6 evidence-based health benefits of CBD oil
1. Role of CBD in relieving chronic pains
Marijuana has been in use as far back as 2900 B.C. Recently, scientists have found that components of marijuana, including Cannabidiol, are responsible for alleviating pain. Our human body contains a specialized system called an Endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is involved in regulating a variety of functions like sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response. This system produces endocannabinoids which are neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. Cannabidiol helps in reducing chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity. Hence, it reduces pain and inflammation by interacting with neurotransmitters. Several humans have shown that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Sativex- a drug is approved in several countries to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Anxiety and Depression at Bay with CBD
According to the World Health Organization, depression is the single largest contributor to disability worldwide while anxiety disorders rank sixth in position. The pharmaceutical drugs used in the treatment of anxiety and depression can cause a number of side effects like drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, loss of libido, and headache. Drugs like benzodiazepines can cause addiction and may lead to substance abuse.
The oil has shown promising results in treating these disorders. People are showing interest in this product due to its natural approach. In a Brazilian study, 57 men received either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before they underwent a public speaking test. It was found effective in reducing anxiety by using a 300-g dose of cannabidiol.
The oil has been used safely to treat insomnia, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
This ability of CBD is because of its action on the brain’s receptor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood as well as social behavior.
3. Acne and CBD
Acne is a common skin problem, especially in teenagers and adolescents. The factors contributing to acne can be genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation, and overproduction of sebum. One test-tube study found that oil is effective in reducing acne. It reduces the excessive secretion of sebum oil from the sebaceous glands of the body, hence reducing inflammation. It prevents the activation of “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines.
CBD oil has proven to be an efficient and safe way to treat acne. Thanks to its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Can CBD relieves cancer-related symptoms?
Researchers believe that CBD may help in alleviating cancer-related symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and pain. It may also help in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It also inhibits the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells.
5. CBD could benefit heart patients
Recent researches have shown that CBD has several health benefits for the heart and circulatory system. It also has the ability to lower high blood pressure, therefore reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other metabolic syndromes. Additionally, several animal studies have shown that CBD may help reduce inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease. Thanks to its powerful antioxidant and stress-reducing properties.
6. Neuroprotective properties with CBD
All credits to its action on the endocannabinoid system as well as other brain signaling systems. It has shown wonderful results in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy seizures in Dravet syndrome. Although research in this field is relatively new, several studies have shown promising results. Sativex, an oral spray, is safe and effective in reducing muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis. However, it is important to note that some people experienced adverse reactions like convulsions, fever, and fatigue.
Are there any side-effects?
Common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Increase liver enzymes( a marker of liver inflammation)
- Raise the level of blood thinner coumadin in your blood
- Not recommended for pregnant and lactating women
There are few safety concerns with cannabidiol. It is not marketed and sold as a medication but as a supplement. Currently, the FDA does not standardize the safety of dietary supplements. So you can’t be sure that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dose listed on the label. In addition, the product may contain other elements. The effective therapeutic dose of CBD for any particular medical condition is not known.
Dosage and Preparation
There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of oil. CBD tincture is usually delivered sublingually (under the tongue). It is mostly available in 30-milliliter (mL) bottles with a dropper cap. There is no “correct” dose of CBD oil. Depending on who you refer to, the daily dose can range anywhere from 5 mg to 25 mg per day. However, the tricky part is to calculate the exact amount of CBD per milliliter of oil. The concentration of tinctures may vary. Some have concentrations of 1,500 mg per 30 mL, while others will have 3,000 mg per mL (or more).
How to Calculate the CBD Dose
To calculate the exact dose, remember that each drop equals 0.05 mL. This means that a 30-mL bottle of oil will have approximately 600 drops. Say, if the concentration of the CBD tincture is 1,500 mg per mL, one drop would equal 2.5 mg (1,500 mg ÷ 600 drops = 2.5 mg).
To use CBD oil, place one or more drops under the tongue. Let it stay there for 30 to 60 seconds. Do not swallow. Capsules and gummies are easier to take, but they are more costly. Sublingual sprays are more convenient to use.
Few tips to help you find the best CBD oil:
- Buy American. Domestically produced cannabidiol oil is safer because of better growing and refining practices.
- Go organic. Brands certified as organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are less likely to expose you to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
- Read the product label. Even if you choose a full-spectrum oil, don’t assume that every ingredient on the label is natural and pure. There may be preservatives, flavorings, or thinning agents. If you don’t acknowledge an ingredient, ask the dispenser what it is or check online
