CBD is only one of the numerous chemical components found in the marijuana plant, also known as Cannabis sativa. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or as you all know it, THC, is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for producing the famous “high” effect that marijuana is mainly known for. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive and does not cause mind-altering effects. That’s why many people enjoy using CBD oil and other CBD-based products, as it’s an appealing choice for those who want to relieve their pain without experiencing the “high” effect.
Before using a CBD product, make sure it’s legal in the state you reside in. As in states such as Maryland, marijuana derivatives (including CBD) containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal without a prescription from a certified marijuana doctor in Maryland and approval from the state program.
If you’ve been contemplating on trying CBD out, read this complete guide to learn all about the benefits.
Helps Treat Epilepsy
There have been studies that reveal the positive effects of CBD on epileptic patients. However, scientists are still unsure as to how CBD helps reduce or control seizures. Yet, many completed clinical trials point to the fact that adding CBD to antiepileptic drugs will prove to be effective.
Actually, the Food and Drug Administration has approved its first CBD-based medication called Epidiolex.
Relieves Pain and Inflammation
Your body contains a system known as the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate certain functions, such as appetite, pain, and sleep. Your body also produces neurotransmitters that are connected to the cannabinoid receptors found in your nervous system, called endocannabinoids. And studies have shown that the medicinal effects of CBD oil on endocannabinoid receptor activity helps in reducing chronic pain and inflammation.
Helps With Addiction
CBD oil helps reduce the activation of the amygdala, which is the area of your brain that is connected to addiction. Cravings for certain drugs occur when the addict is exposed to a specific cue. Studies have explored the effect CBD has on cue-inducing cravings, which revealed that people who took CBD had lower cravings.
Relieve Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy can cause several side effects, and the most common ones are vomiting and nausea. Theories suggest that CBD oil helps relieve these side effects due to the CBD’s interaction with the serotonin receptors.
Helps Reduce Depression and Anxiety
The World Health Organization (WHO) released that over 280 million people worldwide are coping with depression and anxiety. Both mental disorders impact the quality of life, affecting both emotional and behavioral aspects.
Usually, both mental disorders are treated with pharmaceutical drugs. However, most of these drugs can cause several unpleasant side effects, such as:
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
Other medications, like benzodiazepines, can lead to substance abuse as it’s an addictive drug. On the other hand, CBD oil has become a great option to treat both anxiety and depression.
As it’s completely natural, it rarely causes any side effects. It’s also considered a safe approach in treating children with these mental disorders.
Helps Treat Skin Conditions
Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-itch components, CBD oil has proven to help treat certain skin conditions. This is due to the way CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system that is on your skin. Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, itchy skin, and atopic dermatitis can be effectively treated with CBD oil. That said, topical CBD products are often more desirable when it comes to combatting skin issues. This is because it gets to work far quicker locally, and they often come with added ingredients that provide further benefits to the skin. Cannacares offer a vegan-friendly CBD balm packed with 150mg of CBD that can be purchased from https://www.cannacares.co.uk/products/cbd-balm.
Helps with Diabetes
Some tests on human cells have revealed that CBD reduces the effects of high glucose levels on other body cells, which leads to the development of diabetes and other medical conditions. CBD can highly benefit patients with diabetes, plaque buildup in artery walls, and other complications related to diabetes.
Offers Protection Against Neurological Diseases
As mentioned above, CBD contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant components. These properties can offer neuroprotection against various pathological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Does CBD Oil Cause Side Effects?
CBD oil is usually safe and well-tolerated, as it’s completely natural. Yet, CBD oil can provoke some minor side effects in people, such as the following:
- Changes in appetite
- Weight changes
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
CBD oil can also interact with other medications. Therefore, before taking it, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure it won’t interfere with your meds and cause any unwanted interactions.
What to Look For in CBD Products?
If you want to purchase a CBD oil or other CBD products, make sure they’re either full or broad-spectrum. Full and broad-spectrum allows you to enjoy the full benefits of CBD, as they’re less processed and more organic than other products.
Other Forms to Take CBD
Another great way to try CBD is by purchasing edibles, such as truffles, mints, and gummies that disguise or hide the weed-like taste. However, the downside of CBD edibles is that the effects can kick in about 2-3 hours after consumption.
Topicals are also an excellent way to use CBD, especially when you want to treat skin conditions. There are creams, infused lotions, and balms that are great in treating localized pain.
A common way to consume CBD is by means of vaping or smoking. Smoking makes the CBD enter directly into your bloodstream, which will make you experience effects in less than 10 minutes. However, you will be exposed to carcinogens if you smoke, so it’s not considered the safest option.
What About CBN?
If you’ve been contemplating on introducing CBD oil into your day-to-day routine, then you’ve most likely heard of another popular component called CBN. CBN is found in the breakdown of THC, which makes it mildly psychoactive but nowhere near THC.
The exploration of this component is fairly new, and there’s been very little research. However, what has been revealed is that CBN has helped improve sleep quality. However, you may be wondering, “Is CBN stronger than CBD?”
Start Enjoying the Benefits of CBD Oil!
Now that you know the benefits of CBD oil, it’s time to enjoy its health benefits! Even though CBD oil is the most common way to take CBD, there isn’t a right or wrong form of consumption. It’s all up to you as well as your preferences.
Before making a decision, be sure to check in with your doctor and make sure it’ll be safe for you. And, if you’ve enjoyed learning the benefits of CBD, be sure to keep reading through our blog for more health-related articles!