Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa, the two plant species used to make marijuana, offer a much healthier and medicinal extract known as CBD oil. The hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa), also in the cannabis plant species, is used for extracting CBD oil.
While still a part of the cannabis plant species, the hemp plant contains only trace amounts of THC, the main intoxicating compound found in Cannabis, and is grown for agricultural and industrial uses. Hemp is also permissible in the US for multiple purposes, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
Many experts believe that hemp-derived CBD oil can relieve plan, lower anxiety levels, and stimulate your appetite, similar to marijuana. The critical difference is that it lacks psychoactive effects. It is also known to treat specific types of seizures.
CBD is, short for Cannabidiol, is a chemical boasting high quantities of health benefits. THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, is known to get people’ high.’ CBD oil typically lacks THC or only has insignificant amounts of it, legally permissible and non-intoxicating.
Today CBD is growing increasingly popular, with more and more patients trying to enjoy its healing properties. Here we discuss the top and well-known benefits of CBD oil in detail:
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, also called Cannabidiol, naturally contains cannabinoids extracted from the hemp variety of the cannabis plant. It is one of the identifiable cannabinoids among hundreds from the hemp plant.
Unlike the actual cannabis plant, CBD lacks THC, which often causes a certain feeling of being’ high.’ Usually extracted from the hemp plant’s buds and flowers, experts press it into nutritious and rich oil known to prevent and treat various health issues.
CBD oil is typically more potent and natural than other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The Common Uses and Benefits of CBD Oil
With a forecasted market valuation of more than $20 billion by 2024, CBD is currently a booming and increasingly profitable industry. Here we discuss the top 9 benefits and uses of CBD oil:
Pain Management
Several animal studies have proven that CBD boasts anti-inflammatory effects and works on pain-sensing systems to alleviate pain.
A few human trial case studies show that the use of CBD can help relieve pain. Typically these trials utilize a combination of THC and CBD; Health Canada boasts an approved medication containing an equal amount of THC and CBD per dose.
CBD oil’s potent effects on your brain’s receptors help you manage pain. In-depth studies show that Cannabis can benefit the quality of your life if taken after chemotherapy. Apart from this, pre-clinical studies by the NIH show that Cannabis can help with:
- Chronic pain relief
- Muscle pain relief
- Spinal cord injuries
- Arthritis pain relief
- MS pain relief
Another extensive case series —involving 47people with multiple sclerosis— reveals improvements in walking, pain, and muscle spasms. At the same time, animal studies show that CBD positively affects serotonin levels.
Normal serotonin levels are instrumental in a healthy body since low serotonin levels play an integral role in the following conditions: anxiety, depressed mood, aggression, impulsive behavior, insomnia, irritability, low self-esteem, and poor appetite.
Brain Health
Extensive research by the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that it’s likely that more than 14 million Americans will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by 2050. What’s more concerning is that it will cost the nation an estimated $1.1 trillion to deal with the affected population.
On the flip side, a recent article by MBG Health highlights the expert research on CBD oil’s benefits for brain health, primarily how it prevents the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The reason is that CBD is known to reduce inflammation, prevent free radical damage, protect the cells in the brain, and even assist in generating new ones.
Due to this, patients experiencing seizures choose CBD oil. Even today, thousands of studies are ongoing to determine whether CBD benefits the health of those who have multiple sclerosis and epilepsy or not. However, since CBD has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, it remains a top and natural way of promoting brain health and physical health.
Blood Pressure
New and revolutionary research by the American Society for Clinical Investigation shows that CBD may be a beneficial and natural medicine for high blood pressure.
One extensive study indicates that CBD oil lowers stroke volume and resting systolic blood pressure in patients suffering from high-stress levels. Experts believe that the anxiety-regulating properties of CBD are responsible for decreasing blood pressure, which, in turn, promotes better heart health.
On top of that, CBD oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can prevent and reduce the chances of developing heart-related illnesses.
Anxiety and PTSD
People suffering from generalized social anxiety disorder may experience trouble carrying out a four-minute conversation. However, multiple studies show that CBD can help you manage day-to-day anxiety.
According to Neuropsychopharmacology, CBD may reduce nervousness and cognitive impairment with social anxiety. It does this by changing the response of your brain’s receptors to serotonin. In addition, researchers believe that CBD oil can help people with social anxiety by speaking publicly.
Other studies show that CBD oil benefits anxiety by:
- Lowering stress
- Reducing physiological effects of anxiety
- Assisting people in falling asleep
- Improving symptoms of PTSD, SAD, Panic Disorder, and GAD
Epilepsy
In June 2018, a new FDA-approved drug known as, Epidioliex (Cannabidiol) entered the market. This drug contains a high percentage of CBD and is known to treat rare epilepsy – Lennox Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
In addition, researchers study CBD for use in different forms of treatment-resistant epilepsy. Results often vary. However, the data shows that CBD significantly lowers the frequency of seizures by 44%.
The FDA-approved treatment is also suitable for patients down to merely two years old. Studies also showed that it is comparatively more effective than a placebo when lowering the frequency of seizures.
Arthritis
In-depth and extensive animal studies have successfully shown that CBD applications can relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
Topical application is comparatively more beneficial than oral ingestion because CBD is poorly absorbed when induced by mouth. Plus, it may result in gastrointestinal side effects in some people.
Depression
According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability. Unfortunately, we typically treat depression with pharmaceutical drugs with many serious side effects like insomnia, agitation, headaches, drowsiness, and sexual dysfunction.
Animal studies have uncovered strong evidence that CBD can relieve symptoms of depression due to its potent stress-reducing effects. In addition, CBD’s positive impact on your brain’s serotonin levels can help alleviate depression.
Sleep Disorders
In-depth research shows that 31% of people who consumed CBD for various conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, and non-cancer-related pain noticed improved sleep.
Another significant study comprising 72 people revealed that 48 patients, or 66.7% of patients, reported improved sleep within a month.
An expert reveals that drowsiness was one side effect of Epidiolx trials for epilepsy. This side effect indicates that CBD oil is one of the natural remedies for sleeping.
Parkinson’s disease
Various smaller studies investigating the use of CBD for Parkinson’s Disease showed that CBD had positive results in relieving the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
Typically, these studies did not show any differences in movement-related outcomes. However, groups treated with 300mg of CBD per day showed significant improvement. Plus, it helps improve the quality of their lives and the quality of their sleep.
CBD Oil and Other Conditions
Many studies on humans and animals show that CBD has immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal alternative medicine for autoimmune conditions and inflammatory pain. In addition, CBD can provide the following additional benefits:
Antipsychotic Effects
Multiple studies suggest that CBD oil can help people suffering from schizophrenia and other mental disorders by lowering the frequency and duration of psychotic symptoms.
Treatment for Substance Abuse
CBD oil can modify the areas in the brain that relate to drug addiction. For example, a study on rats showed how CBD could reduce heroin-seeking behavior alongside morphine dependence.
Anti-Tumor Effects
In certain animal studies and test-tube research, CBD exhibited anti-tumor effects. CBD is known to prevent colon, prostate, lung, breast, and brain cancer in animals.
Diabetes Prevention
In-depth studies on diabetic mice show that treating them with CBD reduces the incidence of diabetes by a staggering 56%. It also helps reduce inflammation.
The Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil
Various clinical research will show that CBD oil can trigger particular side effects. The severity and type of side effects can vary from person to person. Here we discuss a few of the potential side effects of CBD oil:
Liver Enzymes
CBD oil is known to increase the number of liver enzymes. Therefore, anyone suffering from liver diseases should use CBD oil cautiously and discuss it with their doctor before consumption.
The ideal use case is to utilize it under the care of a doctor who regularly checks your blood liver enzyme levels.
During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Experts recommend that patients avoid CBD oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding. An in-depth study from 2018 by the American Academy of Pediatrics warns women of the potential risks of ingesting CBD and the baby’s growth and development.
Although medical professionals are not yet aware of the contribution of CBD in this concern, it is known to pass through the placenta.
Fertility Damage
Although there aren’t many studies on the side effects of CBD, certain studies show the existence of a negative relationship between the usage of Cannabis and sperm count, sperm viability, and motility.
Typically, researchers conduct these experiments on animals, which means that further research in humans is required. Medical professionals caution patients at a reproductive age to be well-aware of this possible risk.
Common Risks
Apart from the side mentioned above effects, CBD may lead to common side effects like:
- Changes in appetite
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
Is Cannabidiol Legal?
Cannabidiol or CBD is readily available almost everywhere in America and Canada, but its legal status varies from state to state. You can use or carry CBD in all 50 states; however, the proper dosage and amount differ. Moreover, only a handful of states have legalized it for medicinal purposes, requiring special licensing even though the FDA hasn’t approved it for health and medical treatment to date.
But recently, the FDA has eased CBD regulations and allowed CBD trials for research purposes. The government’s stance on the legal status of CBD is also very confusing and is expected to change for all intents and uses in the future, gravitating towards a more friendly approach.
CBD, having less than 0.3 THC, is permissible according to federal laws but still illegal in some states. Meanwhile, marijuana-derived CBD is unlawful as per FDA but legal under some state laws. Therefore, you should check with your state when buying or carrying Cannabidiol. Currently, you can get CBD products online without any medical licensing.
Is Cannabidiol Safe?
Irrespective of its legal status, CBD is touted for its many health and medicinal benefits. Substantial scientific evidence promotes its efficacy in treating severe childhood epilepsy syndromes that antiseizure medicines fail to control. Also, people commonly use it for treating anxiety, insomnia, and various chronic pain types.
Without a doubt, CBD has its side effects, including nausea, tiredness, and irritability. It can even thin your blood by increasing the coumadin level in your body. It may even raise the level of other medicines in your body just like a grapefruit does.
While these side effects are no more harmful or prevalent than the side effects in most prescription drugs approved by the FDA and legally sold in the US, the concerns are still valid and need more time for evaluation. Therefore, most companies sell CBD as a dietary supplement instead of a medication.
Since the FDA doesn’t officially approve its consumption, it also doesn’t regulate its dosage for maximum safety and efficacy. Because of this, you are often unsure of the active ingredients and other elements present in various CBD supplements.
As a result, the therapeutic dose of CBD is still unknown. As a result, people prefer using CBD oils tincture, CBD Topical, CBD Custom instead of taking CBD directly because it is easier to know precisely how much CBD is available in these products.
Dosage and Preparation of CBD Oil
Because there are no regulatory laws for CBD, its recommended dosage is still not specified. However, clinical trials show the ideal dosage ranging from <1 to 50 mg/kg/d, but you should consult a doctor before using CBD supplements. According to your health conditions, your doctor will devise an effective dosage plan to utilize CBD to its full potential to control and treat your symptoms.
The Bottom Line
CBD has gained immense popularity as alternative medicine as one of the most natural and organic options for treating incurable diseases. Even though CBD isn’t approved or technically regulated by the FDA, the government has taken stringent action against manufacturers making false claims of CBD as a cure-all medicine or claims that CBD cures cancer.
Determining dosage levels for treating insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain requires more concrete research and evidence. Moreover, it isn’t easy to test and approve its effectiveness as medication without significantly more trial and error with its unregulated status.
The government and alternate medicine practitioners should work together to regulate the consumption of Cannabidiol. We must handle online sales and purchases, especially marijuana-derived CBD, to ensure its correct usage. As for now, please consult a doctor before you decide to use CBD as a dietary supplement to play it safe.
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