CBD Oil is Cannabidiol. It is one of the natural chemical compounds, collectively known as phytocannabinoids, that are specific to cannabis plants, either marijuana or hemp.
A cannabis plant has more than 80 phytocannabinoids, accounting for 40% of the plant extract. CBD is most abundant in the flower resin glands of the plant.
Another major active phytocannabinoids present in marijuana is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol.
What Makes Cannabinoids Beneficial?
Phytocannabinoids have the ability to interact with an electro-chemical signaling system of the body, which is known as the “endocannabinoid system.” This system makes the human body very receptive to phytocannabinoids.
Once ingested, the phytocannabinoids bind to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This occurrence triggers many chemical interactions that result in varied responses from different parts of the body.
The endocannabinoid system links phytocannabinoids to all major systems in the body. Therefore, you can expect CBD to cause changes in appetite, pain, mood, etc. The positive side of this is that most of these changes are beneficial.
CBD Does Not Lead to Feeling “High”
Phytocannabinoid that is present in marijuana, which provides the mood change known as a “high,” is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not cause that feeling of getting high. However, some cannabidiol products that are sold do contain THC.
A report from the World Health Organization stated that taking high doses of cannabis oil will not cause the mood change that is often associated with products that have high THC content.
One study of healthy participants showed that taking 200mg of oral CBD did not cause any motor functioning impairment. It also did not affect the study participants’ psychomotor performance.
Another World Health Organization review showed that taking CBD will not cause a tendency for an individual to become addicted to or dependent on the substance.
The participants reported that CBD helped them to feel calmer. It also led to a reduction of anxiety symptoms - all these benefits without getting high. Some studies also showed that CBD possesses neuroprotective and antioxidant properties.
Where to Obtain CBD Oil
CBD oil can be sourced from either hemp or marijuana. These two plants belong to the Cannabis Sativa family.
If you’re planning to buy CBD, be careful in choosing your sources. Make sure that your CBD oil has undergone proper testing in an accredited lab. This must be indicated on the product label.
Look for a licensed medical cannabis dispensary if you want to obtain the highest quality CBD oil. Some oil offered may not contain the amount of CBD claimed. Some CBD products sold online are hemp-derived and may be less likely to undergo quality control.
Hemp contains nil or negligible amounts of THC (as opposed to marijuana), which could make it less subject to scrutiny. Much hemp has been cultivated for industrial use, for the fiber; and CBD oil may be only a by-product.
Methods of Using CBD
CBD oil can be administered in different ways. In clinical settings, a CBD tincture is administered orally. Some people choose to use sprays, analgesics, and creams that contain CBD. You may also use it sublingually, which means you put a few drops under your tongue. Medicinal cannabis can also be obtained from herbal drinks and edibles.
Knowing the Right Dosage
The right amount of CBD will vary largely for each person. Depending upon the condition being treated, some people are required to take only 5 milligrams.
Others are advised to take 200 milligrams or more. The World Health Organization says there have been no reported cases of CBD overdose.