Unless you’ve been totally off the grid for the past few years, you’ve probably heard something about CBD at this point. I certainly have! It has generated quite the buzz in the health and wellness community, but until quite recently, I didn’t really know what it was or what it did. I knew it was related to marijuana in some way, but that was about it!
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But a couple of weeks ago, I decided that enough was enough, and that I should do some digging to figure out what CBD was all about! And I also figured I ought to share my findings with all of you, so that we can all feel a little more knowledgable the next time it comes up in a conversation or on the news. :-)
So consider today’s post to be an introduction to the subject of CBD. I’ve done my best to answer all the of the most important questions you might have, so by the end of this post, you’ll know what CBD is, where it comes from, what benefits it offers, and about the various CBD oil products that are currently available. So let’s jump in, shall we?
Everything You Need To Know About CBD
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (or CBD) is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. But CBD is far from the only chemical compound found in cannabis—it’s actually just one of 104 closely related compounds called cannabinoids.
While all cannabinoids are related, they each have different properties and effects. For instance, tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. THC is responsible for the sensation of getting “high” that is often associated with marijuana use. CBD is not psychoactive, which makes it an appealing option for those who would prefer to avoid the mind-altering effects of THC.
There are all sorts of claims out there about the various health benefits of CBD, but the research on the topic is still in its early stages. But there are at least 5 potential health benefits that are supported by the current research, which you can read about below!
5 Potential Health Benefits Of CBD
1. Alleviates Pain
The endocannabinoid system is one of many specialized systems in the human body, and it helps regulate functions like appetite, sleep, and pain. Our bodies produce endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, and research shows that this binding action has a pain relieving effect.
According to a 2018 review, cannabinoids including CBD can also bind with cannabinoid receptors and relieve pain. Animal studies also show promise for CBD as a pain reliever, such as a 2017 study that found rats who were given CBD before an incision either experienced reduced pain, or reduced sensitivity to pain.
2. Reduces Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are often treated with medications that can have negative side effects, including drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. CBD shows promise as a natural alternative for reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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A 2011 study found that participants with Social Anxiety Disorder who were given CBD experienced significantly less anxiety and discomfort during a public speaking test than those who were give a placebo.
3. Alleviates Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment is known to produce all kinds of unfortunate side effects, including nausea, vomiting, pain, and more. The therapeutic effects of CBD could be used to alleviate some of these side effects. According to a 2018 review, there is reasonable evidence that cannabinoids like CBD improve nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.
4. Fights Acne
There are two different components to acne that CBD oil could help correct: excessive sebum production and inflammation. A 2014 study found that CBD was highly effective in controlling sebum production, and a 2016 study found that CBD showed “remarkable anti-inflammatory actions” against acne.
5. Promotes Heart Health
Recent research suggest that CBD could have a variety of benefits for both the heart and circulation on the whole, including reducing high blood pressure. A 2017 study found that CBD lowered resting blood pressure and the blood pressure increase due to stress in male participants.
What Is CBD Oil?
To make CBD oil, CBD is isolated and extracted from the cannabis plant. Then it gets diluted with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil or hemp seed oil to make it easy to use and apply. (Note: While hemp seed oil is also derived from the cannabis plant, it lacks the therapeutic benefits of CBD that I mentioned previously in this post. It is a great carrier oil though!) :-)
Related: The Best Carrier Oils For Your DIY Health & Beauty Products
CBD Oil Products & Where To Buy Them
If you’re interested in purchasing a CBD oil product, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying it from a reputable source. There isn’t a lot of oversight in this area, and low quality products could easily be contaminated with additives, solvents, artificial colors, and other undesirable ingredients.
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However, lack of oversight is usually not an issue in states that have legalized cannabis. In fact, these states usually have strict safety and purity standards for all cannabis-derived products sold in licensed dispensaries. So if you have the option, buying CBD oil products from a licensed dispensary would be a good way to go!
For People:
I chose to buy my first CBD oil product online from a company called CBDPure. They extract the CBD in their products from their own hemp plants, which are grown organically in Colorado. I ended up buying CBDPure Hemp Oil 100, which contains 100 mg of CBD (and less than 0.3% THC by weight.) It was $30, which is actually a pretty reasonable price for the quality!
If you’re interested in CBD products other than just oil, check out CBDistillery. In addition to tinctures, they offer lab tested CBD products like salves, capsules, and gummies too.
For Pets:
CBD products are also gaining popularity as an option for easing anxiety and joint stiffness in pets. Our Production Manager Brittany swears by the Healthy Hemp CannaNatural dog treats she gives to her dog Scout, who struggles with occasional separation anxiety.
Are There Any Side Effects?
CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe when taken in recommended doses. But as with any therapeutic substance, some people may experience adverse reactions. Mild side effects noted in studies include diarrhea, changes in appetite, and fatigue.
CBD can also interact with certain medications. If you’re currently taking any medications, talk to your doctor before taking any CBD products to avoid potentially negative interactions.
Disclaimer: The content displayed on One Good Thing by Jillee is intended for educational purposes only. My content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read online.
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