CBD Oil: What You Should Know About Benefits, Uses, and More!
Finding the best CBD oils in the market doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you take into consideration the experiences of people who have tried them before. Here MiisterCBD will give you an overview of the best rated CBD oil and the top options available according to customers.
Best Shops To Buy CBD Oil On The Internet
CBD oil is a natural remedy that is used in many holistic treatments. It has gained popularity within health and beauty routines for its potential wellness benefits. You might be considering adding CBD oil to your diet but before making a purchase, learn more about the nature of CBD oil below.
CBD Oil Overview
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the many compounds derived from the cannabis hemp plant. Most of the compounds in the Cannabis plant have varying effects on the human body. Therefore, they can be used for different health purposes. However, CBD and THC are the main compounds in the Cannabis plants for medicinal and recreational use.
Although CBD may have some psychoactive effects, it doesn't cause any mind-altering sensation or highness, unlike THC. In addition, the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp products with less than 0.3% THC legal in the United States. Likewise, CBD oil products with less than 0.3 THC are legal and accessible to buyers in most US states.
Additionally, recent research has shown CBD's significant impact on humans and animals. Therefore, it is often used as a natural remedy for certain mental and physical health conditions. First, however, you can learn more about what's in CBD oil in the different sections below.
How is CBD Oil Made?
Since the 2018 Farm Bill CBD passage has been legal in most US states, it is available over the counter at many local pharmacies. The law allows hemp plants to be harvested for personal and commercial purposes. CBD oil is extracted from raw hemp flowers, but the creation process depends on the manufacturer.
CBD oil is the final product that derives from extracting cannabidiol from the hemp plant, also known as Cannabis Sativa.
The hemp plant is a herbaceous and flowering plant that is made up of hundreds of phytocannabinoids, of which CBD amounts to around 40%.
Different parts of the plant can undergo extraction methods to obtain CBD oil, however, the most commonly used parts are the flowers or buds.
This extraction can be made through different processes:
- CO2 extraction;
- Solvent extraction;
- Vegetable oil extraction.
Once the CBD has been extracted from the plant, it is mixed with a carrier oil which is commonly coconut oil, although it can also be jojoba oil, olive oil, or any other vegetable oil.
CO2 extraction is the most common way of making CBD oil, and it uses a closed-loop extractor where the hemp is placed in a chamber filled with carbon dioxide. When pressure is applied to the chamber, the CO2 dissolves into liquid which absorbs the hemp's oil and flavor. Then the mixture is pumped into the final chamber where the carbon dioxide turns into gas.
Carbon dioxide is generally considered one of the safest extraction methods. However, this method is only sometimes alcohol-free. Therefore, you may need to use an alcohol solvent to get a pure CBD isolate. Another method of extracting CBD is using liquid solvents like ethanol and butane.
Different Types of CBD Extracts
Researchers believe there can be more than a hundred CBD oil types depending on the cannabinoid content and extraction method. However, there are three distinct types of CBD extracts that you're likely to find in the market, and they include, CBD isolate, Full Spectrum CBD Oil and Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
CBD isolate does not contain other cannabinoid compounds apart from CBD alone. Therefore, it is often regarded as the purest form of CBD oil since all the plant's natural compounds are stripped down except for CBD. In addition, high-quality CBD isolates are about 99% pure, offering more benefits for your CBD intake.
On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD is rich in CBD, terpenes, small amounts of THC, and other cannabinoid compounds. As a result, it provides an entourage effect and may be more effective than taking CBD alone. Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD contains mainly cannabidiol with little amounts of other cannabis compounds and less than 0.3% THC.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
Cannabidiol was discovered more than half a century ago in medical practice. However, there are limited studies and research on the potential health effects of CBD on the human body. Still, people are turning to CBD as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for treating many health issues.
Scientific evidence has shown that CBD works by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system to regulate immune response. It has been found to impact the central nervous system positively and may help ensure homeostasis. In addition, researchers also believe that CBD can have different effects on the body.
Depending on your weight, metabolism, age, and health issues, CBD oil can interact with you in different ways. In addition, CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective for pain management. Some people also report that moderate amounts of CBD can produce stimulating effects. However, at the same time, high CBD oil dosages have a sedating effect.
Since CBD is mainly unregulated, doctors are skeptical about recommending CBD oil to their patients. In addition, many products are unreliable regarding CBD potency and suitable dosage for consumers. However, CBD is legal in most states and isn't associated with the sensational high that THC produces.
How do CBD oils interact with the human body?
The human body is composed of a series of systems that regulate how it operates. Some examples include the central nervous system or the digestive system. When it comes to CBD, the most important system is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The purpose of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis, which is keeping the body in balance. To do so, it interacts with endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids that are naturally made by the human body.
CBD is a phytocannabinoid, which is a cannabinoid made by plants. When ingesting CBD, the endocannabinoid will benefit from its properties and ensure that the body maintains homeostasis.
Potential Benefits of CBD Oil
Many people use CBD oil to treat symptoms of underlying health issues. It has been said to be effective in regulating mental and physical health. Some potential benefits and uses of CBD oil may include pain management, anxiety, insomnia and some neurological disorders.
Scientists believe CBD can interact with the neurotransmitters that bind your nervous system to reduce chronic pain. It may be used for nerve pain, back pain, and reducing inflammation. Many people use full-spectrum CBD oil for pain relief. CBD oil is well known for its anxiety-relieving effects.
It offers the mind-boosting effects of THC without the negative responses of nausea or paranoia. CBD oil may offer stress relief and reduce feelings of depression, fatigue and anxiety. Studies have also shown that CBD can be useful in treating insomnia-related symptoms in both children and adults. In addition, researchers believe that CBD oil can help to manage seizures and general symptoms of epilepsy.
It may provide health benefits for people with neurological disorders and faster results than regular medication. Many people prefer to use CBD oil as an alternative to OTC sleeping pills which may cause grogginess and other side effects. It can help to manage sleeping disorders like insomnia and ensure calm, restful sleep.
Nevertheless, over the past decades there have been a series of reports that have shed some positive light on what we can expect from using cannabidiol:
- May help decrease inflammation;
- Can reduce the symptoms associated with chronic pain;
- Decreases nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy;
- May reduce anxiety levels;
- Decreases the frequency of epilepsy fits in people who suffer from the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome;
- May decrease pain and stiffness caused by arthritis;
- May have neuroprotective properties.
Along with the scientific studies that have been published, there is also anecdotal evidence shared by people who have consumed CBD for some time:
- Helps to fall asleep and staying asleep;
- Aids with feelings of relaxation and calmness;
- Helps with muscular and joint pains;
- Reduces inflammation in skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
It’s important to note that many studies have been inconclusive and there is still much more research to be done, however, from the reports that have been published it’s safe to say that there are some benefits to the consumption of CBD.
Precautions To Take Before CBD Oil (Side Effects)
Even though there are raving reports about the potential health benefits of CBD oil, only a few people talk about the side effects. CBD is generally well-tolerated, but it may cause some harsh adverse effects in many people. As a result, many doctors advise against mixing CBD oil with prescription medication as this can cause dire health impacts.
Some severe symptoms of CBD oil usage may include liver problems and low blood pressure. However, limited studies show how much CBD oil can cause liver or kidney-related issues. But it is best to avoid mixing CBD oil with pain, antidepressants, seizure, and diabetes medications.
Although you can't overdose on CBD, taking too much of your CBD oil can be bad news for your body. It may cause dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea, or drowsiness, so watch out for any of these symptoms after using CBD oil. In addition, CBD is not recommended for pregnant women and can affect child development in the womb.
Meanwhile, there are many unregulated CBD products in the market. This is dangerous because you never know what exactly is in the container. Therefore, you should be careful with using CBD products, and it's always best to start small with CBD oil and watch how your body reacts to the product.
In 2018, the World Health Organization issued a report about Cannabidiol and its effects. In this report, it’s stated that consuming CBD doesn’t cause dependence and that the compound has relatively low levels of toxicity.
That same report indicates that CBD is generally well tolerated by those who consume it, and it has a good safety profile.
The World Health Organization also mentions that certain prescription drugs may interact negatively with CBD. Due to this, it’s recommended that you always consult your doctor before purchasing and consuming CBD. Your doctor knows your medical history and any medication you may be taking and can guide you on whether CBD is the right option.
Some publications have shared lists of the prescription medications that may have a negative reaction to CBD, and these include:
- Antidepressants;
- Opioids;
- Benzodiazépines;
- Antipsychotics;
People who take medications that are contraindicated to be taken with grapefruit should also avoid consuming CBD.
Some studies have also reported that people who consume high quantities of CBD might feel the following side effects, which severity may vary from person to person:
- Anxiety;
- Mood swings;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Dry mouth;
- Diarrhea;
- Dizziness;
- Drowsiness
Please contact your doctor immediately if you feel any type of negative side effect after consuming CBD.
Scientific Research About CBD Oil
A Forbes health survey by OnePoll showed that about 60% of 2,000 participants have tried a CBD product and believe it has medicinal benefits. In addition, 64% said that they consider CBD safer than alcohol. However, most scientific results on CBD oil are inconclusive since many different kinds of CBD oil products exist.
However, recent studies have shown that CBD Oil may effectively treat rare types of seizures. For example, Epidolex, a CBD-based medication, was approved in 2018 to treat people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, rare forms of epilepsy. In addition, scientists claim that CBD oil can help to suppress seizures by reducing inflammation in the brain.
Meanwhile, CBD oil use for pets has also gained popularity, and more pet owners are giving their dogs and cats CBD products. It has been shown to have positive effects on dogs with osteoarthritis by reducing lethargy and providing pain relief. Most of these animal studies on CBD oil may also suggest that CBD is equally safe for adults.
A small study for drug-abstinent individuals showed that participants using CBD oil experienced fewer cravings for up to a week after using CBD. However, there is still much ongoing research on CBD oil, and most current studies apply to only a small group. In the near future, we expect more data on how CBD oil affects human beings.
How are CBD oils lab-tested?
The requirements for a CBD oil to be considered legal and proper for human or animal consumption varies from one country to the other.
In the United States, for instance, these requirements are established through a partnership between the FDA and the USDA, which have stated that for a product to be considered legal it must contain no more than 0.3% THC. In the EU, the maximum THC content is 0.2%.
Regardless of these measures, reputable companies always test their CBD batches and final products and display the test results for customers to see.
These tests are made by third-party laboratories, which test the hemp extracts for the cannabinoids’ content. The two main concerns in these tests are the CBD and THC contents, however, the certificates usually report on eleven different cannabinoids and the quantity present in the extract.
Another compound that is analyzed by these tests is the terpene profile of the hemp extract. There are hundreds of terpenes in a hemp plant, and each offers different properties.
The plant’s chlorophyll, harmful toxins, pesticides, or heavy metals are also tested.
Some companies have their laboratories and issue their own tests, however, you should always give preference to products that are tested by third-party laboratories.
How can you use CBD oil?
CBD oil is popular with consumers because it’s very easy to use. Better yet, there are different ways to ingest CBD oil, and surely you’ll find a method that works for you. This section will explain the different uses you can give to your CBD oil and the varied means of consumption available.
Swallow CBD oil
The most practical method is to absorb CBD oil orally by placing it under the tongue. When you buy a CBD oil bottle, it often comes with a pipette. All you have to do is fill it with the desired amount of oil, place it under your tongue, and squeeze it. Controlling the dosage is simple, however, it might be tricky to get it right in the first few tries.
Through this method, there’s a part of the CBD that is absorbed by the tongue while the rest is swallowed and diffused into the digestive system. Swallowing CBD oil is a discreet and very fast method of daily use, but make sure to keep the oil in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing it for greater efficiency.
Cooking your CBD oil
CBD oil can also be added to your food or drinks as a food supplement. All you have to do is fill in your dropper with the desired amount of oil and add it to the dish you’re eating.
Alternatively, you can mix CBD oil with cooking oil or butter to make your own creations. There are plenty of recipes online that guide on how to use CBD oil as an ingredient, and there are many types of food to choose from: cookies, teas, brownies, pesto sauce…
It’s important to note that when heating the CBD oil, it might lose some of its properties, so try to use it in cooking that doesn’t require heating the food above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius.
Using as a topical on your skin
Those who bought CBD oil with the intent of using it for muscular or joint pain, or who want to see whether it might work in skin inflammation, can also use CBD oil directly on the skin.
Although there are CBD topical products that were formulated specifically for this purpose and have additional ingredients to help soothe achy muscles or skin conditions, CBD oil on itself may also work.
All you have to do is add some drops of CBD oil to the area of your body where you want to see results and massage it into the skin for a few minutes.
Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Taking CBD Oil
The wellness industry has openly supported the use of CBD oil, and there are currently many vendors in the market. CBD oil has been shown to be effective in managing a variety of health symptoms. However, the FDA has not regulated it for medicinal purposes, so doctors cannot prescribe CBD oil to their patients.
Nevertheless, CBD oil is available OTC in many local dispensaries, and it is important to note that there are specific pros and cons to using CBD oil. In addition, depending on the application method, you may feel different effects after taking CBD oil. However, the best way to use CBD oil is through oral or topical application.
It can also be mixed with food and beverages if you want to avoid the raw taste of hemp oil. You can also mix CBD oil with your balm or salve to create a quick muscle reliever.
Ultimately, you should also be aware that there are cons to taking CBD oil. First, it is hard to determine the right CBD oil dosage. There is always a risk that you may take too little or too much. However, you can always start with a smaller dose and up your dosage as your CBD tolerance increases.
I've been writing for MiisterCBD.com since its inception in 2019, particularly for the French market. I was searching for a trustworthy brand to help me follow a regular treatment based on cannabidiol. While I particularly enjoy reading about science and researching the latest technologies, my curiosity also leads me to discover many CBD shops worldwide.
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