Except you have been on another planet in the last few years, you may have heard about CBD. In the wellness and health community, it has produced quite some buzz. So, in this article, you will get to know some things about CBD such as what it is, its origin, and its benefits. You may wonder if it has side effects. Well, keep reading to find out.
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the chemical compounds found in Cannabis sativa. There are about 104 related compounds in Cannabis, referred to as cannabinoids.
Each cannabinoid may be related, but they have different components and effects. A typical example is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a major psychoactive cannabinoid present in Cannabis. It gives marijuana users a “high” sensation.
Cannabidiol, on the other hand, isn’t psychoactive. And this makes it appealing for people who want to avoid THC’s mood-altering effects. However, it could produce some significant changes in your body. It also shows some medical benefits.
You may want to read this article to find more differences between tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.
Origin of CBD
We get cannabidiol from the Cannabis plant. Some people prefer calling this plant marijuana or hemp, but this depends on the amount of THC it contains. The Federal Drug Agency considers hemp plants that contain THC of less than .3% as legal. This is a result of the Farm Bill of December 2018.
Over time, marijuana breeders have handpicked unique traits to crossbreed. Some crossbreeds contain more THC, as well as other components that suit the interest of the breeders. However, these breeders will hardly modify the cannabis plant. We derive CBD oil from hemp plants that are legally recognized.
Producers of CBD oil isolate and extract it from Cannabis. Then they dilute it with a good carrier oil such as oil from hemp seed or coconut. This makes it easy for you to use. You may want to check out https://www.cheefbotanicals.com/ to see an array of CBD oil for humans and pets.
Benefits Of CBD Oil
There is still some controversy over CBD oil due to the recreational use of marijuana. But more awareness is ongoing on its health benefits. Here are things to know about its medical use:
1. Relieves Anxiety
Research shows that cannabidiol can help to manage anxiety. It can change how the receptors in the brain respond to a chemical known as serotonin. This chemical has a link to the mental health of individuals.
The receptors are small proteins in our cells. When they get chemical messages, they help the cells to respond to the stimuli. Studies targeting animals show that cannabidiol may help them relieve anxiety in the following ways:
- Induce sleep in those suffering from insomnia.
- Improve symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
- Decrease the physiological effects caused by anxiety. An example is an increase in heart rate.
- Stress reduction.
2. Eases Pain
The body of humans has a specialized system known as an endocannabinoid system, which regulates functions like pain, sleep, and appetite. The body produces endocannabinoids, and they combine with the cannabinoid receptors in our nervous system to produce pain-relieving effects.
Some studies show that cannabidiol could help to ease pain after a chemotherapy treatment. Other studies are looking into its use for symptoms of spinal cord injury, muscle pain, multiple sclerosis pain, chronic pain, and arthritis.
3. Treats Acne
CBD could reduce inflammation in our body. As a result, it can be utilized in acne management. Research shows that it prevents the sebaceous glands from producing sebum, which is a natural oil that keeps the skin hydrated. And excess sebum leads to acne.
It is important to discuss with a dermatologist before using cannabidiol for the treatment of acne. More studies need to be done to test its potential benefits.
4. Treats Cancer
Some researchers have studied the role CBD plays in preventing the growth of cancer cells. They found some evidence to prove that cannabidiol can suppress and eventually destroy cancerous cells. However, the studies are still in their early stages.
Other studies are looking into the addition of CBD oil to chemotherapy treatment to enhance the response of the immune system after cancer treatment. This may help to improve chemotherapy and reduce its side effects.
5. Controls Seizures
Currently, there is enough evidence to show that cannabidiol can treat childhood epilepsy. This is especially true in cases that rarely respond to medications. Some studies show that cannabidiol can reduce seizures and stop them, depending on the case. The Federal Drug Agency approved the use of Epidiolex, a cannabis-based medication for seizures.
CBD oil can help to take care of other conditions such as
- Migraine
- Cluster headaches
- Nausea
- Asthma or allergies
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Lung conditions
Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?
The use of cannabidiol comes with some risks. Although it is usually well-tolerated, cannabidiol can result in side effects like fatigue, drowsiness, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Also, if you are taking other medications like blood thinners, it could interact with them. Thus, you have to seek guidance from your doctor before taking it.
Conclusion
CBD oil is not legal everywhere. But on a federal level, products containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol are legal. So, before you buy, ensure to check the label to see if it is FDA approved.
Read Also: 8 Smart Ways To Purchasing The Best CBD Products