CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication. Rather, it is generally used for medicinal purposes. The process of making CBD oil starts with the extraction and dilution of CBD from cannabis plants.
CBD oil is thought to offer a variety of health benefits, including reducing pain and inflammation, decreasing anxiety and depression, and improving sleep. Some people also use it to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
How CBD works
CBD is just one of many compounds found in cannabis plants. Cannabis plants contain more than 100 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. However, CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the plant, after THC.
CBD is thought to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological functions including sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response. The exact mechanisms by which CBD works are still being studied; however, it is thought to have a positive effect on many of the body’s systems.
CBD oil is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tinctures, edibles, oils, and topical creams. Oil is typically taken orally, although it can also be added to food or inhaled as a vapor.
The effects of CBD oil vary depending on the person and the dosage. However, many people report feeling more relaxed and less anxious after taking CBD oil. Some people also report improved sleep and appetite.
Although CBD oil is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects in some people. These side effects include dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, reduced appetite, and drowsiness. CBD oil may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and anti-seizure medications. If you are taking any medications, it is important to speak with your doctor before using CBD oil.
A large body of scientific evidence has been gathered in recent years to show that CBD oil can be an effective treatment for many different health conditions. Below, we’ve listed some of the most well-supported uses of CBD oil.
CBD is commonly used to treat the following conditions:
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all experience at one point or another. However, for some people, anxiety can become overwhelming and interfere with daily life. Research suggests that CBD may help to reduce anxiety by modulating neurotransmitter activity and reducing inflammation.
A systematic review of the literature concluded that CBD is an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. CBD was found to be well tolerated in all studies reviewed.
Epilepsy
CBD has been in the news before, as a possible treatment for epilepsy. Research is still in its early days. Researchers are testing how much CBD can reduce the number of seizures in people with epilepsy, as well as how safe it is. The American Epilepsy Society (AES) released a statement supporting the clinical research of cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for people living with seizure disorders.
The AES supports FDA-regulated clinical trials to study the efficacy and safety of CBD in treating seizure disorders. Currently, there is anecdotal evidence that CBD may help reduce seizure frequency and severity; however, well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm these reports.
The AES also emphasizes the importance of researching to determine proper dosing, route of administration, and long-term safety of CBD in people with seizure disorders.
Neuroprotective
CBD oil is still a relatively new product and there is a lot of misinformation and bias against it. Some people claim that CBD is not effective and that it is only a placebo. However, there is no shortage of evidence to suggest that CBD is an effective treatment for anxiety.
Additionally, some people claim that cannabidiol is dangerous and can cause adverse side effects. One of the more common side effects reported by users is drowsiness. This may be due to its interaction with other drugs, such as alcohol or Rx medication; it can also arise from a lack thereof when not consumed regularly (ie. withdrawal).
Some individuals experience fatigue which could stem from an excessive amount being taken at once. These negatives usually subside after regular use and/or reduced dosage levels over time.
That being said, the use of CBD as a natural supplement is generally safe and well-tolerated. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects.
Cancer-Fighting Properties
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth of cells. CBD oil is being studied as a possible treatment for various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Early research suggests that CBD may help to reduce tumor growth and promote apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. However, more research is needed to understand the full effects of CBD oil on cancer.
Pain Management
CBD oil is often used to relieve pain associated with chronic conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Some people also use it to relieve acute pain, such as that from a toothache or injury.
Research suggests that CBD oil may help to reduce pain by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. A systematic review of the literature concluded that CBD is an effective treatment for chronic pain with a low risk of serious side effects.
Improved Sleep Patterns
CBD oil is sometimes used to improve sleep. Some people use it to fall asleep and stay asleep, while others use it to manage daytime fatigue or improve sleep quality. CBD oil is thought to interact with receptors in the brain that regulate sleep and wakefulness. Insomnia is a common condition that can be treated with CBD oil.
Acne Treatment
The researchers found that CBD oil blocked the activity of sebaceous glands. This could be good news for those suffering from acne because it reduces their chances of developing this skin condition by preventing excess production of oils and bacteria in pores, which cause clogging up leading to blackheads or whiteheads (or both). The study’s authors note that CBD oil may be a promising treatment for acne prevention.
Addiction Treatment and CBD
CBD oil is being studied as a possible treatment for addiction. Early research suggests that it may help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance abuse. The warding off of withdrawal symptoms could potentially allow people to more easily break their addiction.
Depression Treatment with CBD
Depression is a common mental health condition that can cause feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, and fatigue. CBD is thought to work on the brain’s receptor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and social behavior. As such, CBD oil is being studied as a possible treatment for depression.
Our Conclusion on CBD in 2022
CBD oil is a promising new treatment for a variety of conditions. However, more research is needed to understand its full effects. CBD oil may offer benefits for seizures, pain, sleep, and depression. It is also being studied as a possible treatment for cancer and addiction. The current research offers hope that CBD oil may one day provide relief for those suffering from these debilitating conditions.
CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, but it may cause certain side effects in some people. These include dry mouth, drowsiness, and decreased appetite. Some people may also experience an allergic reaction to CBD oil, such as hives or a rash.
If you experience any of these side effects, stop using the oil and consult your doctor immediately. CBD may also interfere with laboratory tests, so it’s important to tell your doctor that you’re using it before having any blood work done.
