Is this your first time hearing about CBD oil? If so, then you might also come across the same profound questions. Perhaps you’re wondering what the benefits these products may give you or you might have asked about its legalities.
This article will discuss the things you need to know about this substance.
Legalities
Before proceeding to the main topic at hand, it’s important to mention that CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal under federal laws but illegal in some state laws. Therefore, you must check your local legislation before you consider its use.
Origin
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a derivative chemical from the cannabis plant. This naturally occurring compound doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects or the ‘high’ feelings of euphoria to its users. This experience is attributed to its cannabinoid sibling, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is also found in the same plant family.
CBD Oil Flavors
CBD oil products are made through different extraction processes and they may come as both flavoured and unflavoured oil tinctures. Unflavoured CBD oils obtain their flavor profile from the inherent chemicals naturally found within the cannabis plants. On the other hand, flavourings are derived from fruits, vegetables, or other essential oils.
With the increasing availability of these oil variants, it’s necessary to mention the character and benefits of the two:
- Unflavoured CBD oils: Unflavoured CBD oils are considered lighter and more natural compared to their flavoured counterparts. They also have a less overwhelming flavor profile and are considered to be more affordable. These oils are an excellent option if you’re keen on incorporating this product into your cooking recipes and nighttime routine.
- Flavoured CBD oils: Flavoured CBD oils, on the contrary, are available in a wide variety of flavoured options. Since they have a distinctive taste, they’re excellent in creating an enjoyable experience upon consumption.
Producing both flavoured and unflavoured CBD oils starts similarly. Most manufacturers use food-grade extraction and distillation methodologies. They only differ during the final stages, where flavoured oils are mixed with natural flavourings, creating distinguished flavors.
Benefits And Applications
Even with some controversy, there’s already a growing awareness of the health benefits these oils may have to the human body.
Here are some of its benefits and applications:
1. May Prevent Seizures
A carefully-studied avenue for the use of CBD oils is directed towards its possible treatment for epilepsy. Researches are being conducted to understand the effect of CBD on the reduction of reoccurring seizures for epileptic individuals, including its safe use. According to the American Epilepsy Society, the study of cannabidiol offers hope for seizure disorders.
A 2016 study involving 214 patients suggests that cannabidiol may potentially reduce the frequency of seizures. They also indicate that the substance may have a good safety profile in children and young adults with extremely treat-resistant epilepsies.
Given this information, it’s highly warranted that random controlled trials must be conducted to determine the compound’s real efficacy and safety.
2. Relief From Anxiety
Another potential benefit that CBD may bring to the table is its ability to manage anxiety. Researchers are led to believe that the substance changes your brain receptor’s reaction to serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood stability, sleeping, eating, and digestion, among other things.
In 2019 a laboratory study showed that CBD was able to reduce anxiety-related behavior in mice. Separate studies were done in pre-clinical setups also show that CBD may help relieve feelings and effects of anxiety through:
- Stress reduction
- Inducing sleep for people with insomnia
- Psychological effect reduction such as increased heart rate
- Improving symptoms for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients
3. Provides Pain Relief
Examiners are also looking into the effects of CBD oil on your brain receptors in correlation to its aid in pain management. For cancer patients, studies would point out that cannabis may offer relief when administered after chemotherapy sessions.
While it’s still in its early studies, research institutions are already observing the role of cannabis in the relief of symptoms due to:
- Muscle pains
- Chronic pains
- Arthritis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Pain due to multiple sclerosis (MS)
It’s imperative to say that clinical trials are essential to determine the potential benefits of CBD in relation to pain management.
4. Aids People With Neurodegenerative Disorders
A cannabinoid receptor, CB1, is studied by researchers in correlation to CBD oil use and how it could help people with degenerative diseases. These diseases cause the brain and parts of the nervous system to deteriorate.
Researches are conducted for the potential use of CBD oils for treating conditions such as:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
These CBD oils may help reduce bodily inflammation that worsens neurodegenerative symptoms. Arguably, more researches are needed to pinpoint the exact benefits these oils may bring to people with such diseases.
5. Helps Manage Acne
Another potential application of CBD oil is to manage acne. A Journal of Clinical Investigation discovered that CBD oil hindered activity in the sebaceous glands. These glands are the ones responsible for creating sebum, which is the oily, hydrating substance of your skin.
However, too much sebum can trap dirt and dead skin cells, which can cause troubling acnes. Hence, it’s wise to consult with your dermatologist first before deciding to use CBD oils for acne management. Also, more studies are needed to provide further evaluations regarding the use and benefits of these oils for treating acne.
Side Effects
It’s also worth mentioning that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen only limited safety data about CBD. So, it’s necessary to exercise due precaution when you want to use these oil products.
These are some of the potential side effects that you may experience when using CBD oil:
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Depression
- Hallucination
- Insomnia
- Irritability
CBD edibles are useful for many things. Nevertheless, more research is still required to understand the scope of risks CBD oil might cause to the human body.
Conclusion: More Research Is Needed
With the growing popularity of CBD-based oil products, it’s no wonder why more and more people flock over as they try to find alternative solutions to their health concerns. These people seek different solutions from treating migraines to relief from anxiety.
However, the available data is limited at this point. So, a careful and thorough study needs to happen on your part.
