CBD oil’s legality is a bit complicated in the United States and varies from state to state, depending on the type of CBD oil. We’ll do our best to tell you about CBD oil’s legality in this blog, but first, let’s take a look at CBD and CBD oil.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, the other one being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Technically, CBD and THC are both psychoactive because both interact with the brain and alter its normal function, but unlike THC, CBD does not intoxicate or give that high feeling to the user. Manufacturers are using CBD these days to make all kinds of products, from CBD oil to CBD edibles, all of which are used for specific purposes.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is the most popular CBD based product made by mixing CBD extract into a carrier oil like hemp, olive, or coconut. The main reason behind the popularity of CBD oil is because people can use it in any way they want; they can drink it, eat it, apply it on their skin, and even inhale it using a vape pen. Furthermore, CBD oil provides a number of benefits to the user, which we’ll discuss later in this blog, but first, let’s take a look at the three main types of CBD oil.
Isolate CBD oil
Isolate CBD oil is best for those who can’t tolerate or don’t want to consume other cannabinoids of the cannabis plant as it only includes CBD. To produce isolate CBD oil, the cannabis plant is processed to the extent that only pure CBD is left behind, which is then added to carrier oil.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil
Broad spectrum CBD oil is best for those who don’t want to consume THC or can’t tolerate its effects. It contains 112 of the 113 cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, except for THC.
Full spectrum CBD oil
Full spectrum CBD oil is the richest type of CBD oil and contains all the 113 cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including THC. Full spectrum hemp-derived CBD oil, more commonly referred to as hemp oil, contains 0.3% or less THC. All the components in full spectrum CBD oil work together, enhancing each other’s effects, and creating the entourage effect. The level of THC isn’t enough in full-spectrum CBD oil to cause intoxication; however, it is enough to set off a THC drug test. When used together, CBD and THC provide an enhanced experience to the user, and products containing both are considered to be more effective than other types of CBD products.
Is CBD oil legal?
Now that we’ve covered the basics about CBD oil, let’s talk about our main topic; is CBD oil legal? The answer to that question is a little complicated, but we’ll try to answer it as clearly as we can. The federal government of the U.S. legalized hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC in 2018 under the Farm Bill. Other forms of CBD are legal in a few states where medical and recreational use of marijuana is legal; other states only allow medicinal use, while some don’t allow both medicinal and recreational use. You can buy CBD oil with higher THC levels without a prescription in the states that allow both recreational and medicinal use, but you’ll need a prescription in states that only allow medicinal use. Even if you have a prescription, you can’t legally buy CBD products with higher levels of THC in states that don’t allow both medicinal and recreational use.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
CBD oil may provide the following benefits to the user:
May reduce seizure frequency
One of the major benefits of CBD and CBD oil is that it may reduce seizure frequency when used alongside the standard treatment of epilepsy. Treating epilepsy is the only FDA-approved use of a CBD based drug named Epidiolex; it is the only CBD-based medication that the Food and Drug Administration has approved. According to a study conducted in 2016 and published by The Lancet Neurology, daily oral administration of 2-5 mg of CBD is effective for reducing seizure frequency. The participants of the study received CBD for 12 weeks and saw a reduction of 36.5% in their seizure frequency and around 12% of the participants reported side effects after using CBD.
May relieve anxiety
Research published in the National Library of Medicine suggested CBD to be effective for relieving anxiety and suggests that it changes the way our brain reacts serotonin, a chemical considered to affect mental health. CBD interacts with our brain receptors that are tiny proteins attached to the cells and these cells receive chemical messages. The interaction between the CBD and the receptors alters the way our cells react to different stimuli and enhances its effects. A Neuropsychopharmacology study found out the patients with social anxiety disorder found relief from anxiety after taking one 600 mg dose of CBD.
May provide neuroprotection
Neurodegenerative diseases cause the nerves and the brain to deteriorate over time. Researchers believe that one of our brain receptors, CB1, may help patients with neurodegenerative disorders; these neurodegenerative issues get worse due to increased inflammation. There is clear data about CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation and researchers now believe that CBD may interact with CB1 and provide neuroprotection to patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers are still studying the effects of CBD for various neurodegenerative diseases, including:
May relieve pain
According to research, CBD interacts with brain receptors and helps manage and reduce multiple types of pain, including MS, muscle, chronic, arthritis, and injury. Several countries, including Canada, have approved the use of a CBD and THC based drug called Sativex (Nabiximols) to treat MS pain. According to research, instead of directly acting upon pain, CBD targets inflammation, which then leads to reduced pain.
May reduce acne
CBD helps reduce inflammation that causes acne by interacting with the receptors of the immune system. A study by the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that CBD alters sebum production by interacting with the sebaceous glands. Sebum is a natural oily substance that our body produces to keep the skin moisturized; however, excess sebum production leads to acne. So, by altering the production of sebum and reducing inflammation, CBD may help reduce acne.
May help in managing cancer symptoms
Vomiting, nausea, and pain are common symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, CBD may be able to effectively reduce or treat the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of common cancer treatments, including nausea and vomiting.
May benefit heart health
New research is shedding light on the circulatory and heart health benefits of CBD, most prominently its ability to lower high blood pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to several other health issues, including metabolic syndrome, stroke, and even heart health. There are several studies that tell about the ability of CBD to help manage hypertension. One small scale study with nine participants suggests that CBD is more effective for reducing hypertension compared to a placebo. The participants received a 600 mg – single dose of CBD and experienced lower than usual increase in their blood pressure levels during the stress test. Experts suggest that CBD’s ability to manage hypertension is because of its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Animal studies suggest that CBD may reduce cell death and inflammation linked with heart diseases due to its stress-reducing and anti-oxidative properties. An animal study shows that CBD may prevent heart damage and reduces oxidative stress in diabetic mice with heart diseases.
Side effects of CBD oil
The World Health Organization says that CBD is safe and doesn’t cause any harmful side effects. High-quality products containing CBD are also safe to use, but there are a couple of instances in which a user can experience the side effects of CBD and CBD oil.
- They may be using an excessive amount of CBD oil, which their body is unable to process.
- They may be using a substandard product containing harmful elements.
- They may have a sensitivity to oils.
The side effects they may experience due to these instances include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Appetite changes
- Weight changes
Takeaway
CBD oil is good for several things and provides multiple benefits to the user but before using it, be sure to research the legality of CBD oil in the state you live. Dose your CBD oil properly to avoid any side effects; the best way to do that is by starting at the lowest dose and then increasing it on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Always buy CBD products that are tested and approved by an independent lab and make sure that you consult with a healthcare professional before using any CBD product to make sure that it’s good for you.