Cannabidiol (CBD oil) has hit the headlines over and over again recently, thanks to the surprising number of health benefits it provides.
But what does cannabis oil do, and how do you use it?
Here’s your quick-reference guide to everything you need to know about CBD oil.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is derived from the marijuana plant family, namely the cannabis and hemp plants. The oil is extracted from the plant seeds and then processed to remove the psychoactive element known as THC. It’s then mixed with a base such as hemp oil to make it easy to set a serving size and consume.
The oil can be administered in a variety of ways, from drops under the tongue to edibles to smoking the oil with a vape pen.
The way you choose to take CBD oil depends on how fast and long-lasting you want the effect to be. Some options, such as vaping, are more immediate with a short-term impact, while others such as edibles take longer to feel the effects but will last much longer too.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
CBD oil made from hemp is legal in all states of the USA if the amount of THC present is below 0.3%.
The confusion over legality derives from the fact that some producers use the cannabis plant, not the hemp plant, to create CBD oil. This is perfectly legal in all states where marijuana is legal – but not in any state with restrictions on cannabis consumption.
If you live in a restricted state, it’s vital to make sure you’re buying CBD hemp oil, and not a product derived from the cannabis plant, if you want to stay on the right side of the law.
What Does Cannabis Oil Do?
CBD oil is not cannabis: you will not get high, but you will experience positive health benefits.
From reducing anxiety to preventing seizures in epileptics, CBD oil is used for a wide range of health issues. It doesn’t require a prescription: you can buy it over-the-counter or online from any reputable health store.
Five Uses for CBD Oil
There are many uses for CBD oil, but if you want to know whether it’ll help your health issue take a look at the five most common uses:
1. Reduce Anxiety and Depression
CBD oil has been shown to have a similar effect on mice than anti-depressants but without the negative side effects such as weight gain.
Depression is most often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. A compound in CBD oil, known as CB1, directly interacts with the brain’s chemical reactions. It’s thought that the reaction CBD oil has with CB1 in the nervous system is what makes the oil an effective alternative to prescription drugs for depression.
2. Minimize Chronic Pain
From arthritis to fibromyalgia, chronic pain sufferers are subject to the side effects of strong prescription medications. They need these medications to alleviate chronic pain in order to live a comfortable life, but the side effects will inhibit their ability to make the most of living with less pain.
CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce inflammation in the body – without side effects.
Many prescription painkillers are so strong they’ll cause a drowsy effect or ‘space out’ people taking them. CBD oil has been shown to reduce chronic pain in arthritis sufferers without the nasty side effects of painkillers, which can include addiction to strong prescription substances.
Studies have revealed that the natural endocannabinoid receptors in the human body work with CBD oil to reduce pain and inflammation, and it’s this which helps chronic pain sufferers to find some relief.
3. Help Quit Smoking
A recent study showed that patients who vaped CBD oil were less likely to start smoking again.
Two groups of smokers were either given a placebo or CBD oil to take using a vaping pen, to mimic the habits of smoking. Those given the CBD oil reduced their desire to smoke by 40%, compared to zero effect on the placebo group.
The habitual ritual of smoking contributes to the addictive nature. Vaping CBD oil works two-fold: the oil has benefits in reducing nicotine addiction, while vaping satisfies the ritual behavior of smoking.
4. Improve Sleep Quality
CBD oil works with the natural endocannabinoid receptors in the body to produce a calming and restorative effect, without the side effect of getting high.
The restful and calm feeling users of CBD oil experience often helps them to get to sleep quicker at night and also have higher quality sleep overall.
Taking CBD oil regularly over time will usually result in a more established and regular sleeping pattern too, which in turn helps people feel more alert and confident during the day.
5. Alleviate Nausea in Chemotherapy Patients
CBD oil has been shown to have anti-nausea effects, as well as reducing vomiting in chemotherapy patients. It can also help to promote a healthy appetite, ensuring chemotherapy patients can maintain their weight during treatment.
In addition, the pain-relieving benefits of CBD oil can reduce neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy in some patients. The anti-inflammatory effects can also help to reduce pain caused by the swelling of extremities sometimes experienced by cancer patients.
You Can Use CBD Oil for Your Dog, Too
As with many herbal medications, CBD oil can benefit your canine friend too. In small doses, CBD oil can have the same effects on health issues as in humans.
Dogs that experience separation anxiety will benefit from the calming influence of CBD oil, for example. The lack of side effects compared to over-the-counter sedatives for dogs, which can cause anything from severe constipation to excessive drowsiness, make CBD oil a safe choice for dog owners.
More Information About CBD Oil
This guide helped answer the burning question: “What does cannabis oil do?”, but now you’ve probably got some more queries about how and where to buy it.
Read our FAQs for more details about buying high-quality CBD hemp oil, and learn more about the ways it can help benefit your physical and mental health.
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