What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil or cannabidiol oil is a substance derived from the hemp or cannabis plant containing high amounts of the cannabinoid cannabidiol.Most CBD oil comes from industrial hemp rather than psychoactive marijuana strains; while the two plants are related, industrial hemp does not contain nearly as much psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol, another cannabinoid better known as THC. In fact, according to the 2014 Farm Bill, industrial hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis – a nearly negligible amount.To extract CBD oil from the cannabis plant, producers need to isolate the CBD from the THC to ensure that the oil will not be psychoactive.

What does CBD oil do?

To answer this, we need to take a step back to address the endocannabinoid system, a system within the body whose receptors (CB1 and CB2) have an enormous impact on our health and well-being.The endocannabinoid system is a relatively new discovery. In fact, it was discovered and named after the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Seeing as cannabinoids are the compounds that activate this system, it is suggested that cannabinoids like THC or CBD could help improve endocannabinoid function.“CB1 receptors in the brain are associated with emotions, mood, appetite, coordination, movement, and pain,” explains Stormy Simon, the former president of Overstock.com who recently left the corporate world to become an advocate for cannabis. “CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and throughout tissues of the spleen and tonsils.”

Does CBD make you high?

CBD is an entirely different compound from THC, and its effects are very complex. It is not psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a “high” or change a person’s state of mind, but it influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively.According to one study posted to Neurotherapeutics, this is because CBD itself does very little to the ECS. Instead, it activates or inhibits other compounds in the endocannabinoid system.For example, CBD stops the body from absorbing anandamide, a compound associated with regulating pain. So, increased levels of anandamide in the bloodstream may reduce the amount of pain a person feels.Cannabidiol may also limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which may benefit people experiencing pain, insomnia, and certain immune-system responses.

Benefits

Here are some of the possible benefits of CBD:

Arthritis Pain

CBD oil is popular for easing pain associated with arthritis.A study in the European Journal of Pain used an animal model to see if CBD could help people with arthritis manage their pain. Researchers applied a topical gel containing CBD to rats with arthritis for 4 days.Their researchers note a significant drop in inflammation and signs of pain, without additional side effects.

Chronic Pain

The same report studied CBD use for general chronic pain. Researchers compiled the results of multiple systematic reviews covering dozens of trials and studies. Their research concluded that there is substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.A separate study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine supports these results. This research suggests that using CBD can reduce pain and inflammation.The researchers also found that subjects were not likely to build up a tolerance to the effects of CBD, so they would not need to increase their dose continually.They noted that cannabinoids, such as CBD, could offer helpful new treatments for people with chronic pain.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most prominent mental health conditions in the United States, affecting an estimated 31.1% of US adults.CBD interacts with the CB1 receptor, the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and other receptors in the brain that regulate fear and anxiety-induced behaviors. Studies also found preclinical and clinical evidence that established CBD as an effective treatment for numerous types of anxiety disorders; including:

• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• panic disorder (PD)
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• social anxiety disorder (SAD)

Sleep

Levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, typically peak in the morning, but people with insomnia may have high cortisol levels at night. In one study on the effects of CBD, researchers found that cortisol levels decreased more significantly when participants took CBD. These results suggest that CBD affects the release of cortisol, possibly acting as a sedative.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the entire body through the nerves and brain. Muscle spasms are one of the most common symptoms of MS. These spasms can be so great they cause constant pain in some people.One report found that short-term use of CBD oil could reduce the levels of spasticity a person feels. The results are modest, but many people reported a reduction in symptoms.

How do I take CBD and at what dosage?

CBD can be consumed in a myriad of ways: oils, capsules, powder, edibles, and even topicals.Start with a small dosage of CBD and increase slowly until you reach your desired effect. Your ideal dosage of CBD depends on a lot of factors, like your body weight, body chemistry, the condition you’re treating, and the concentration of CBD in the product you’re using. There has been no research to support taking it at a certain time of day is any better than another. The key is consistency.

Side effects

The potential side effects of CBD are few and far between.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is sometimes present due to the endocannabinoid systems inhibition of salivary secretion, which could be as a result of CBD getting involved in the system’s processes. In general, it is important to remember to drink enough water daily, so staying hydrated carries a clear advantage for a variety of reasons.

A Small Drop in Blood Pressure

Some studies have shown that higher doses of CBD have caused a small drop in blood pressure, so for those who are taking medication for low blood pressure, or who have been diagnosed with low blood pressure, it is vital and necessary for them to consult with their doctor before consuming CBD or CBD based products. Low blood pressure is often tied with a feeling of lightheadedness, which can be uncomfortable for many.

Drowsiness

CBD effects everyone a bit differently. For some, CBD is wake inducing, generating extra useable energy and a generally uplifted demeanor, but for others it can produce the opposite. In very high doses, some people have reported feeling drowsy after taking CBD.

Lightheadedness

One of CBD’s more temporary possible side effects, lightheadedness, which is linked with a drop in blood pressure, can be easily managed by consuming some sort of caffeinated beverage, which will help to regulate your body back to normal, (a cup of tea or coffee works wonders, paired up with some H2O to stay hydrated, since caffeine is dehydrating).