In the last few years, CBD has had a massive rise in popularity. Today, a wide range of CBD products are available online and in drug stores. Many people report great experiences with CBD, but it’s always important to make an informed purchase.
If you’re curious about CBD oil, you should understand what CBD is, how it works, and what its potential benefits are.
History of Cannabis
The use of cannabis dates back thousands of years. The first documented medicinal use of the plant is from ancient China, and there is evidence that ancient civilizations in Egypt, India, and other regions used hemp to make rope.
Hemp was primarily used to make rope and textiles until the mid-19th century. When physicians discovered the medicinal properties of cannabis, people started using the plant as a sleep aid and pain reliever. However, by the 20th century, opioids became a more popular option.
The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 classified cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, which created serious obstacles for scientists who wanted to research the plant’s possible benefits.
Since the 1970s, laws have been gradually relaxing throughout the United States.
The legality of cannabis varies from state to state, but the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp across the country. As long as its production is consistent with the bill’s restrictions, hemp-derived CBD oil is federally legal.
A few states still ban all types of CBD, though, so you should research your state’s laws before making a purchase.
CBD Oil Explained
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is made up of receptors all across the body. When CBD binds to these receptors, it can cause a variety of effects.
More research is needed into the specific benefits of CBD, but many people report feeling calm, physically relaxed, and sleepy. Others say they feel focused and energized when they use CBD. The experience can be highly individualized, and the effects may vary depending on the potency of the product.
CBD oil is made by extracting the CBD compound from the cannabis plant. There are a few different extraction methods, but all result in a highly-concentrated dose of CBD. In most cases, the CBD is then diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or grape seed oil.
The most popular way to consume CBD oil is with the sublingual method. You can put a few drops under your tongue for fast absorption into your bloodstream. Some people prefer to take CBD oil capsules or mix CBD into foods or drinks.
You can also use a topical CBD cream if you’re trying to treat a specific area of your body. Another option is vaping, which provides fast effects but can be harmful for your lungs.
Unlike some cannabis products, CBD oil does not make you feel high. A different compound, THC, is responsible for the psychoactive effects people associate with cannabis.
However, not all cannabis contains THC. The two main strains of cannabis are hemp and marijuana.
Marijuana contains THC, but hemp plants have such a small amount of the compound that hemp-derived products are not psychoactive. Most CBD oils are made with hemp, so you don’t have to worry about feeling high when you use them.
Types of CBD Oil
The three most common types of CBD are full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Each one has different properties and benefits.
Full spectrum products contain other compounds from the cannabis plant in addition to CBD. Many people find that the presence of these extra compounds enhances the effects of the CBD oil. However, full spectrum products contain trace amounts of THC, so they’re not legal in every state.
Broad spectrum CBD also has extra cannabis compounds, but it doesn’t contain any THC. These products are a good option if you live in a state where THC is illegal or you’re worried about THC showing up on a drug test.
Isolate contains no other plant compounds, so it’s the purest form of CBD. It usually comes in a powder or crystal form. Some people prefer CBD isolate because it’s easy to measure the desired dosage and mix with other products.
Benefits of CBD
Because of the strict regulations on cannabis, there is not yet enough research to confirm the health benefits of CBD. User reports look promising, though, and some studies do suggest that CBD could be a powerful medicine.
Here are just a few of the reasons people consume CBD oil:
Pain
CBD may be a powerful reliever of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. A few studies suggest that CBD can ease pain in people with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that cause neuropathic pain.
Other research indicates that the compound helps with inflammatory pain associated with arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Epilepsy
There have been many studies that support the use of CBD to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people with epilepsy. The only FDA-approved CBD drug is Epidiolex, an epilepsy treatment.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people take CBD. One study found that CBD reduced the physiological symptoms of anxiety in rats.
Another study reported that CBD eased anxiety in participants who suffered from social anxiety disorder.
Sleep
According to anecdotal evidence, CBD is a powerful sleep aid. Researchers aren’t sure why, but studies have found that people tend to sleep better after taking CBD. This may be in part because CBD helps with symptoms that make it hard to sleep, like pain and anxiety.
Research has found that CBD is safe for humans to take. Side effects are very rare and are usually mild when they do occur. The industry is mostly unregulated, though, so you should carefully research products before purchasing.
A reputable CBD company will have their products tested by a third party to provide an unbiased report.
Although we are still in the early stages of understanding the benefits of CBD, countless people have reported an improvement in their quality of life after taking CBD oil. If you shop with a trustworthy, high-quality CBD company, you may have the same experience.
