Wondering about the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) oil and why it is so popular? Continue reading this blog to learn all about CBD oil.
Benefits of CBD oil over other CBD products
CBD oil is easier to consume
There are a lot of ways you can consume CBD, but in our opinion, CBD oil is one of the easiest and probably the healthiest method of taking CBD. You don’t need any additional tools or equipment when using this method except for a dropper, which usually comes with the tincture bottle. When using this method, all you have to do is to put a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue, hold the drops in your mouth and then swallow them after one or two minutes. This is the sublingual method of using CBD oil; there are plenty more ways to use it. You can use it as a topical and apply it directly on your skin, or you can add it to your food to make delicious edibles.
CBD oil absorbs fast
If you don’t want to wait for a long time in order to experience the effects of CBD, then you should choose CBD oil over other products. When used sublingually, the CBD oil enters your bloodstream by getting absorbed through the tissues present under your tongue, mainly though the mucous glands. Meaning that when you hold the oil under your tongue for a while, the oil reaches the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) more quickly, enabling you to experience the effects of CBD faster.
CBD oil’s dosage can be altered
Although the dosage of CBD in capsules and gummies is pre-defined, it can still be difficult for people to get the dosage they need. The reason is that if they need more or less CBD than the amount present in a single gummy, then there’s no way of getting the dosage right. That isn’t the case with CBD oil; the dropper that comes with the bottle usually includes a scale so you can accurately measure the quantity of CBD and alter the dosage according to your needs.
CBD oil is more potent
Another benefit of CBD oil is that it comes in a variety of potencies and it is very easy to find CBD oil with higher CBD content. From 300 mg to 2,000 mg of CBD in a single bottle, CBD oil can be as potent as you want. Other CBD products usually don’t have the same quality.
CBD oil comes in a variety of options
Apart from varying potencies, there are three different types of CBD oil for you to choose from, including:
CBD full-spectrum
There are over 113 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and full-spectrum CBD oil contains all of them, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). One cannabis variation commonly referred to as hemp oil, the legal percentage of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil is 0.3%. The percentage of THC is so low that it can’t cause the euphoric effect it is known to cause, but it is still enough to enhance the effects of CBD by creating the entourage effect.
CBD isolate
CBD isolate oil contains CBD only and does not contain any other cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. If you are sensitive to THC and other cannabinoids, then CBD isolate is perfect for you.
CBD broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is almost similar to full-spectrum CBD oil; the only difference is that it doesn’t contain any THC. So if you want to experience the effects of all the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant but don’t want to consume any THC, then broad-spectrum CBD oil is perfect for you.
Health benefits of CBD oil
Now that we’ve looked at the general benefits of CBD oil let’s take a look at the potential health benefits of CBD oil.
May reduce epileptic seizures
A pharmaceutical-grade CBD-based medication called Epidiolex was approved by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy. Doctors prescribe it to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in patients over the age of two years. During the clinical trials of Epidiolex, the researchers combined it with other seizure medication and concluded that the combination of the two was more effective in reducing the frequency of seizures than the placebo. Scientists aren’t sure how CBD reduces seizures, but research is underway, so we may get the answer soon enough.
May relieve chronic pain
People have been using cannabis for pain relief since 2900 BC. But back then, due to a lack of technology and research, there was no way of determining the components of cannabis that provide relief from pain. That isn’t the case anymore, as research suggests that cannabinoids of the cannabis plant are responsible for relieving pain. According to a literature review of 47 studies and 4,743 participants using cannabinoids and cannabis for treating chronic pain and cancer-related pain, cannabinoids are more effective for reducing pain when compared with a placebo. The review also concludes that the participants receiving the placebo didn’t experience any side effects, but that wasn’t the case with cannabinoids.
The Journal of Central Nervous System Disease published a review of observational studies, which suggests that using an oral spray containing CBD and THC along with the standard pain management treatment may be effective for treating pain caused by multiple sclerosis. The oral spray they used was Nabiximols (Sativex), which is approved in several countries.
There is evidence that supports the use of CBD to relieve the pain from peripheral neuropathy. Several clinical trials are still underway for testing the effects of CBD on chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is currently funding several new pieces of research to determine the effects of CBD on pain and to find out other capabilities of cannabinoids.
Might reduce anxiety
Cannabis and the cannabinoids found within the plant are considered to have anxiety-relieving effects. According to a study published by Neuropsychopharmacology, several users taking cannabidiol experienced a significant reduction in their anxiety levels. Few users, however, experienced increased anxiety and pain, which are believed to be caused by THC. Lowers levels of THC in CBD oil is considered to be effective for reducing anxiety, but when you consume high doses of THC, you may experience increased anxiety. The study also suggests that CBD has the ability to cancel out the effects of THC and that it has the same anxiety-relieving effects as the traditional anti-anxiety drugs.
Another Neuropsychopharmacology study of 24 participants with generalized social disorder reports that after taking 600 mg of CBD, the participants experienced a reduction in their anxiety levels during a simulated public speaking test. The study also consisted of a control group receiving placebo who did not feel similar effects.
Could ease chemotherapy side effects
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, can cause serious side effects, including nausea and vomiting. These side effects are usually treated with antiemetic drugs, but for some people, these drugs don’t work. Those people can try CBD oil. According to a study, a combination of CBD and THC, along with conventional antiemetic treatment, provides enhanced protection against delayed cancer-induced nausea and vomiting. The placebo didn’t have the same effects.
An animal study conducted in 2018 gave CBD to rats for treating nausea after injecting a nauseating chemical compound; the researchers found out that the serotonin levels did not increase in the rats’ interoceptive insular cortex. In humans, the interoceptive insular cortex region of the brain is responsible for nausea. If the findings for this study are also true for humans, then it won’t be wrong to say that CBD may reduce nausea and vomiting.
Future Oncology published a report in 2019, which suggests that cannabinoids may be effective for preventing the side effects of cancer treatments and chemotherapy, including appetite loss, organ toxicity, and pain. The studies examining the use of CBD as an anti-nausea treatment are relatively new, but research is underway to know for sure if CBD can prevent the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments of cancer.
May help treat substance use disorder
Substance abuse disorder prevents patients from controlling their minds and behavior when it comes to seeking and using drugs. According to a systemic review conducted in 2015, CBD may partially influence the brain circuits that control drug-seeking behaviors, regulate compulsive behaviors, and manage the stress that causes people to seek drugs. Another animal study conducted in 2018 with the goal to see if CBD prevents relapse suggests that CBD is effective for reducing relapse for five months. It also reports that CBD is effective for reducing stress, impulsivity, and anxiety, all of which can cause a person to seek drugs.
May treat PTSD
Studies suggest that CBD can reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when used alongside psychiatric treatment. The study also reports that people were able to sleep more peacefully and had fewer nightmares after regular use of CBD. The participants also did not experience any side effects.
Wrap up
As you can see, there are several benefits of using CBD oil, which is why it’s become so popular. Before you start using CBD oil, make sure that you consult with a healthcare expert to know if it’s best for you. Furthermore, always buy certified products and don’t go for cheap CBD oil as they may contain harmful elements that may damage your health.