The use of CBD oil has skyrocketed over the years thanks to scientific studies, verified customer reviews, and publications from industry experts supporting its effectiveness. The relatively recent arrival of a CBD prescription drug, Epidiolex, has caught the attention of the public, especially those affected by Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and other seizure disorders. Thus, the use of CBD is becoming more and more widespread. While it may be tempting to jump right in and buy the first bottle of CBD oil you come across, finding the right brand and product for your unique benefits and wellness needs takes time and proper research. Hopefully, our short guide will inform you and point you in the right direction.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil, or cannabidiol, is created by extracting the beneficial phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients from the leaves, stems, flowers, and stems of the cannabis plant. To obtain the cleanest and purest oils, the CO2 extraction process is the industry’s preferred method over other processes such as ethanol or solvent extraction. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all components of the plant, while isolated CBD oils are specifically created to contain only 99% pure cannabidiol, as the rest of the cannabinoids and parts of the plant have been filtered The majority of CBD oil sold in the United States is derived from hemp, which is a type of cannabis plant that is bred to produce a very low amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Is CBD oil legal?
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived CBD oil has been made legal for sale and purchase throughout the United States. In addition, these products must also contain 0.3% or less of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid responsible for causing that well-known euphoric “high” feeling. Although marijuana contains well above the federal legal limit for THC, the hemp plant is bred to naturally contain less than that amount of THC. It should be noted, however, that while hemp-based CBD oil is federally legal in the United States, each state has its own set of laws regarding CBD oil. So, if you’re looking to buy CBD oil, you may want to check your state’s laws before spending your hard-earned money.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
There are many documented beneficial effects of CBD from hemp oil. Some of the more notable benefits include:
- Pain relief: Scientists discovered that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help regulate functions such as sleep, appetite, pain management, and immune system response. Although the body produces its own endocannabinoids, adding cannabinoids from CBD can help give the endocannabinoid system a much-needed boost. One study in particular found that the use of CBD can help relieve chronic pain by positively affecting the activity of cannabinoid receptors, interacting with neurotransmitters and providing an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Decreased depression and anxiety: CBD has shown promising results in the treatment of some mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. In one study, researchers found that CBD helped treat insomnia in children with an anxiety disorder known as post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Another study found that CBD is a potential alternative treatment for anxiety, depression and psychotic disorders.
- Cancer symptom relief: In one study, participants diagnosed with cancer experienced a significant reduction in pain when given CBD and THC compared to participants who were just given THC extract. Additional studies are currently underway.
- Possible neuroprotective benefits: Researchers believe that CBD may help people with neurological disorders by positively affecting the body’s endocannabinoid system. One study in particular found that when CBD was used to help treat epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, or MS, it reduced muscle spasticity in those with MS and reduced seizures in those with epilepsy.
- Improved sleep: Some scientific studies suggest that CBD can help alleviate sleep problems in those diagnosed with sleep disorders.
Is CBD oil safe to use?
CBD tinctures are generally considered safe and well tolerated in the majority of the population. However, if you are taking prescription medications or have concerns about taking CBD in general, do not hesitate to contact your primary care physician, medical specialist, or prescribing physician about possible adverse effects. Some prescription drugs have a grapefruit warning. This means that eating grapefruit, drinking grapefruit juice, or eating certain citrus fruits can negatively affect the way the body metabolizes the medication. Interestingly, CBD can work in the same way that grapefruit does with this type of medication. Mixing CBD with grapefruit warning prescription drugs can cause too much of the drug to enter the body, which can have harmful repercussions in the long run. Therefore, always consult with your licensed physician before starting a CBD regimen.
How to use CBD oil
CBD oil works best when used consistently. For this, it should be taken around the same time every day. When you take CBD oil on a regular schedule, you will be able to experience more of its benefits, with a greater impact than if you took your oil inconsistently. When you take your CBD oil, you should drop it under your tongue and hold it there for about a minute. After that, for maximum absorption, you can swish the oil around in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. When you keep the oil sublingual, you are allowing all the beneficial compounds, terpenes, and phytonutrients to enter your bloodstream through the thin membranes under your tongue. This is the best way to get the strongest impact from your CBD oil. As a side note, along with consistency, you also need to be patient with your body when starting a new CBD oil regimen. It will take time for you to feel the effects of cannabidiol. As with anything in life, patience and consistency are key.
What is the right dose of CBD oil?
Because everyone’s body is uniquely different, a dose of CBD that works well for one person will not work well for another. There is no fixed dose of CBD that works perfectly for everyone, so the best way to find a dose that works for your body is to start low and go slowly. For example, if you purchased a 600mg bottle of full-spectrum CBD oil, start by taking ½ dropper full once a day and maintain this dosage for about a week. This is roughly equivalent to 10 mg of CBD oil per day. During this time, consider keeping a written record of any improvements you feel or problems that don’t improve. After a week, check in with yourself to see how you’re doing. If you need to increase your dose, you should do so at this time. Then work up to ½ dropper twice daily or 20mg CBD daily. Keep tracking your improvements and issues. After another week has passed, check in with yourself again. If you still feel the need to increase, do so. Follow this pattern until you find the best dose for your body. Note that you can also increase the strength of your CBD oil over time if you need to.
Is CBD oil better than gummies or cream?
There are several ways to incorporate CBD into your daily dietary supplement routine. The question people ask is which form of CBD is best? CBD gummies are very popular because of their fun flavors and candy-like eating experience. Topical creams and ointments are also very popular, especially among those with very specific muscle and joint pain. Where CBD oil excels is in its bioavailability and efficiency. Because CBD oil is taken under the tongue, the human body is able to incorporate CBD into the bloodstream quickly and for a widespread effect. Chewing gummies engages the digestive system and therefore slows the rate of absorption and may remove some of the impacts of CBD. Topical CBD ointments are for localized discomfort and will not affect the body systemically.
Does CBD get you high?
Since all CBD must be derived from hemp in order to be federally legal in the United States, there is no way you can get high on CBD oil made from the hemp or Cannabis Sativa plant. Remember that the hemp plant is naturally bred to have low levels of THC. As a result, hemp-based oils contain 0.3% or less of THC and therefore will not cause a feeling of euphoria. Conversely, CBD oils made from marijuana will give users a euphoric “high” because the plant contains more than 0.3% THC. These types of oils are only legal in states that have passed medical marijuana and/or recreational marijuana laws.
Are there potential side effects?
CBD oil is quite well tolerated by many people. Side effects associated with CBD are mild and minimal. Some of the main problems that people can experience while taking CBD are:
- diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Weight changes
- fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
Can I buy CBD oil safely?
The short answer is yes, you can safely buy CBD oil. You will be able to find CBD oil both online and in traditional brick and mortar stores. The long answer is that while you can find CBD oil almost anywhere these days, not all oils out there are created equal. There are plenty of reputable brands that sell clean, potent, pure CBD oils that have been thoroughly tested, and there are also inferior brands that sell crude oils loaded with harmful chemicals and solvents. In order to avoid buying CBD oil from a brand that rips itself off to sell cheaply made CBD oils, you need to do your research. Start by analyzing the brand’s reputation, reading verified customer reviews, and reviewing all third-party lab reports. By doing these things, you will quickly discover which brands are the best and which ones are not worth your hard earned money.
Final thoughts on the risks, safety and use of CBD oil
CBD oil is an excellent natural alternative that has many benefits associated with it. CBD is a health option that uses our own endocannabinoid system to bring us back to homeostasis or systemic balance. It also has the potential to relieve the symptoms of many challenging health conditions, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, arthritis, and neurological disorders. These health problems can usually be improved by consistent and regular use of full-spectrum or broad-spectrum oils, as they work with the body’s endocannabinoid system to bring it back to a state of balance. Before starting any type of CBD oil regimen, consider the pros and cons as you do your research on both the oil and the brand. If you still have questions or concerns, your primary care physician or medical specialist can help guide you in the right direction and provide medical advice related to including CBD in your health regimen.
