CBD Oil: Uses and Effects Explained
CBD oil has become a popular wellness product for people looking to incorporate it into their daily life. In this guide, we will explore the potential uses and effects of CBD oil, so you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.
Some interesting facts first, Forbes Health in recent months of 2023 presented the results of a survey conducted in the U.S., which says that 60% of adults in U.S. have used CBD products to improve their wellness. People use CBD for a variety of reasons including its potential health-promoting benefits: 60% of people use CBD products to relieve pain, 58% use them to improve their sleep and 51% use them to manage anxiety.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD for short) is one of over 100 active compounds found in the hemp plant, the most common of which is the Cannabis Sativa hemp strain, which is low in the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The difference is significant because CBD is safe to use while THC is psychoactive. That's why we say it loud and clear at the beginning of this article - CBD is legal in most countries around the world and is not addictive. In fact, CBD products are becoming a new alternative for taking care of the well-being of each of us.
CBD oil is a supplement that is extracted from the hemp plant, mainly hemp flowers as they contain the most CBD. The rest of the plant does not contain a significant amount of CBD, but we will discuss this later when we talk about the types of CBD oils.
After CBD is extracted from the plant, it is mixed with a carrier oil – often olive, coconut, or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil – to produce CBD oil, which is then consumed orally. The extraction process is very important depending on which most beneficial properties are retained, and CO2 extraction is the method number one as it improves the quality of CBD and preserves the full range of other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, nutrients, and antioxidants. Therefore, other methods (liquid solvent extraction, alcohol extraction, olive oil extraction, steam distillation) are also widely used. Different companies may choose a particular extraction method because it provides a quality product, or they may be driven by economic motives, so pay attention to the extraction methods before selecting and purchasing CBD products.
Types of CBD Oil
There are many CBD products on the market, including CBD oils. Most CBD oils are divided into a full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all extracts from the cannabis sativa plant, i.e. CBD, terpenes (aromatic compounds), flavonoids (responsible for a diverse range of colors), essential oils, and other cannabinoids present in the plant. They work together to optimize the effects of cannabinoids, known as the entourage effect.
Because this type of CBD oil is extracted from the entire hemp plant, the THC concentration naturally stays below 0.3%, which is the legal THC limit for Cannabis Sativa cultivation. But this amount of THC is not enough to create an intoxicating effect of THC.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-spectrum CBD products also contain all the extracts of the cannabis sativa plant, with the exception of a trace amount of THC. Many broad-spectrum CBD products claim to contain less than 0.01% THC or are completely THC-free.
CBD Isolate
The isolate, also known as pure CBD, is harvested from the cannabis sativa plant using extraction methods that don’t leave any other components of the plant and therefore contain zero traces of THC.
How Does CBD Work In Relation to the Body?
CBD is a compound found naturally in the hemp plant and interacts with receptors in the body called endocannabinoids, which in turn support various functions and organs in the human body. For example, studies show that CBD is effective at reducing inflammation, which can make it beneficial for conditions such as arthritis. It may also help to improve mood by interacting with serotonin receptors and regulating levels of this important neurotransmitter. Cannabidiol can help lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with feelings of stress and fear, providing relief from anxiety and chronic pain. And so, because CBD interacts directly with both the immune system and the central nervous system through the endocannabinoid system, it can bring imbalanced systems back into balance.
It should be noted that CBD is not psychoactive, unlike other compounds found in hemp, it does create the ”high" effect. This means users can enjoy calming and supportive health effects without the intoxication of THC. Many people have turned to CBD oil for its therapeutic effects, and it is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative health supplement. It is worth mentioning that CBD oil and other CBD products should not be used as a substitute for medications prescribed by a doctor.
What Are The Effects of CBD Oil?
The effect of CBD oil varies from person to person due to age, weight, and individual biochemistry. The human body is a well-created organism that has self-defense and healing mechanisms, but when these fail, the body is exhausted, overwhelmed, or otherwise needs outside help. So, CBD interacts differently depending on the problems the human body is facing. Some people experience relief from stress and anxiety, while others report improved sleep quality and relief from chronic pain. While CBD is generally considered safe and non-addictive, it's important to check with your doctor before using any form of CBD oil as it may interfere with certain medications. Research into CBD oil is also ongoing, so new benefits may be discovered in the future.
The main effects and benefits of CBD oil are:
- alleviate stress and help to relax
- reduce anxiety
- improve sleep quality
- reduce inflammation
- improve immune system function
- relieve chronic pain such as arthritis
- improve digestion
- reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms
Different doses of CBD have different effects, which is why the variety of its uses is wide.
Potential Side Effects of Using CBD Oil
According to a study by the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information Centre, adverse reactions and side effects of CBD oil can range from mild to severe. Potential side effects include drowsiness, gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, mood swings towards irritability, changes in appetite, dry mouth, low blood pressure, or fatigue. In rare cases, more serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion may occur.
If you are taking any prescription medications, or supplements, consult your healthcare professional before taking CBD oil to avoid the risk of potential drug interactions. It is not recommended to use CBD oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Uses of CBD Oil Drops
If you haven't tried CBD products yet:
- start slowly, step by step with small doses
- monitor yourself, how do you feel
- if you don't feel anything, try increasing the dose until you get the desired effect
- add CBD to your routine and use it regularly for at least 2-4 weeks to get the most benefits
Shake the dropper bottle before each dose. The average daily dose usually ranges from 10mg – 60mg, depending on individual factors. It is not recommended to exceed 70 mg of CBD per day. For beginners we recommend taking 5-10mg per day and seeing how you feel with it, the main thing is to feel comfortable while taking it. To use, put the desired number of drops under the tongue, once or twice a day. Keep these drops in your mouth for a minute and swallow. If you feel uncomfortable taking a few drops each time, consider increasing the strength of the CBD oil you buy (CBD oil 10%, CBD oil 15%, CBD oil 20%)
However, if you use high-quality CBD products, results are inevitable, it's just a matter of time and personal experience.
People often try poor-quality CBD, see no significant change, and then assume that it doesn’t work for them. So be very careful when buying CBD products online, buy only from trusted sellers, and make sure to check certificates and lab results.
