CBD oil refers to oil obtained from cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabidiol is one of the pharmacologically beneficial extracts (cannabinoids) that occur naturally in cannabis.
It’s worth noting that the cannabis plant produces over 100 other cannabinoids. However, the most popular ones are CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabidiol accounts for most of cannabis’ healing properties. That explains the presence of CBD oil in numerous health supplements.
On the other hand, tetrahydrocannabinol is responsible for much of cannabis’ psychoactive effects. THC is the primary chemical in cannabis that causes intoxication, the feeling popularly known within the cannabis community as a ‘high.’
Cannabidiol oil is touted as a potential remedy for various medical ailments. But as you might expect, there are several things to know before integrating this compound into your health and wellness routine.
Read on as we unpack the six awesome things to learn about CBD oil and its benefits.
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- The Quality of CBD Products Depends On Extraction Method
While looking for the best CBD flower online you can read more on puriclean cleanser and learn more to invest in, insist on products formulated with cannabidiol obtained by the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Method.
CBD obtained by the CO2 Method tends to be purer, hence more potent.
Another best practice is to look for proof of testing by independent laboratories. These reports will clue you in on the potency of CBD in a product.
- CBD Oil Mostly Comes From Hemp
We’ve already mentioned that CBD oil comes from cannabis. However, cannabis produces several cultivars. The most popular ones are hemp and marijuana.
Although the term ‘marijuana’ is often used interchangeably with ‘cannabis,’ it can also denote a cannabis cultivar characterized by significant THC levels. Hemp, on the other hand, is famous for its significant concentration of cannabidiol.
Most CBD-based products contain cannabidiol obtained from hemp.
- Different Delivery Methods
There are five popular ways to consume cannabidiol oil, including;
- Smoking dried hemp flowers
- Vaping CBD-based e-juices
- Topical application of CBD-enriched cosmetic products
- Sublingual administration of CBD oral tinctures
- CBD-infused edibles like gummy bears
Your choice of a delivery method depends on your desired effects.
For instance, smoking and vaping have a higher onset and absorption rate, but their effects wear off much faster. On the flip side, edibles have a longer onset time but deliver long-lasting benefits.
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- CBD Offers Numerous Health Benefits
There are numerous medical issues that you can remedy using cannabidiol oil. Examples include;
- Pain
Cannabidiol relieves pain by interacting with pain-signaling receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Studies have established that CBD oil interacts with the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) in a manner that aids pain mediation.
Another way CBD oil may relieve pain is by improving the signaling of anandamide. Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid that plays a major role in the body’s natural pain mediation processes.
- Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the body’s natural reactions to the presence of foreign substances, such as bacteria and parasites. It can also result from damage to muscles, tissues, or bones. While inflammation normally clears by itself, it can cause excruciating pain while it lasts.
The condition is generally managed using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But conventional NSAIDs are infamous for inducing severe side effects. That explains why medical marijuana doctors now recommend CBD as a safer alternative.
CBD oil mostly alleviates inflammation by blocking the body’s inflammatory messenger activity. The compound inhibits the activation of inflammatory markers, such as cytokines.
- Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are the most common mental problems affecting millions of people around the world. They also happen to be the primary mental issues that you can manage using cannabidiol oil.
CBD oil relieves anxiety by increasing the signaling of ‘feel-good hormones like serotonin while suppressing cortisol. Numerous animal studies have shown that CBD oil might treat various anxiety issues, including social anxiety disorder.
- Insomnia
Cannabidiol has also shown promise in alleviating insomnia and various other sleep disorders. CBD oil is a renowned sedative. When consumed, the compound combats insomnia by shortening your sleep onset time.
Some studies have shown that CBD oil may reduce or eliminate rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is the sleep phase characterized by rapid eye movements within the sockets and elevated brain activity.
Sleep experts believe that much of the dreaming happens during REM sleep. So, by reducing this sleep phase, CBD oil allows you to dream less, which translates to restful sleep.
Other medical conditions that cannabidiol oil may help with include;
- Neurological problems like epileptic seizures
- Metabolic disorders like diabetes
- Psychiatric issues like Schizophrenia
- Skin diseases like acne
And needless to say, the benefits of CBD oil apply to both humans and pets.
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- CBD Oil Is Legal In the US
The passing into law of the 2018 Farm Bill rendered hemp-derived CBD oil legal federally in the United States. The only requirement is that such products should contain a maximum THC potency of 0.3%.
However, note that you may face certain restrictions on the use of CBD oil, depending on your state laws.
Regardless of your location, it’s important to understand your local CBD laws before using CBD oil.
- CBD Oil Won’t Get You High
For a compound to cause intoxication, it must bind directly to the brain and central nervous system receptors.
However, it’s reassuring to note that CBD oil interacts with endocannabinoid receptors located further from the brain. These receptors are known as CB2 receptors.
Since CB2 receptors are more widespread in the body’s peripheral organs, it explains why pure CBD doesn’t induce a high. However, note that cannabidiol may still trigger several side effects, including nausea and drowsiness.
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Wrap Up
There’s a lot to learn about cannabidiol oil before integrating the compound into your health and wellness routine.
As a parting shot, be sure to consult your doctor before using any CBD products. And when it comes to dosing, the conventional wisdom is to start low and build momentum slowly.