What is CBD Oil & What Are The Benefits?
These days, there is a big hype around hemp. Many people have no idea what it is and how to integrate it into their life. Despite how popular it is, there are still many misconception surrounding the humble green plant. Let's take time to address the issues and understand the facts.
What is CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance found in hemp, or more precisely, Cannabis plants of the Sativa variety.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another substance found in hemp plants, is psychoactive and responsible for the state of the narcotic effect. CBD, on the other hand, is not a psychoactive substance and it carries a lot of therapeutic benefits. These properties are different from medical cannabis, which is used as a pain reliever and to alleviate symptoms in patients. CBD oil is a hemp extract collected from legitimate hemp varieties.
Due to our methods of extraction at Kmt Organics our CBD has 0% THC content.
There is some controversy surrounding hemp products, such as CBD oil, over the use of marijuana to create drugs. But also, there’s a growing awareness of the benefits of CBD oils for health.
Benefits of using CBD
CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive. This quality makes CBD a great option for those who are looking for pain treatment and relief of other symptoms, without causing harm to the mental health of the person.
It is steadily increasing in popularity, in the field of health and well-being; many studies confirm its beneficial properties. Here are some of the main benefits of CBD oil that are backed by scientific evidence.
Pain Management
Several systematic reviews covering dozens of trials and studies conclude that there is strong evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.
Preclinical studies have showed that CBD reduces pain and inflammation. Now, a lot of people are using CBD as alternative pain relief.
CBD can help people with arthritis as it shows a positive effect on such pain. A study, which was published in the journal Pain in 2017 analysed whether CBD could reduce osteoarthritis pain and joint neuropathy. Based on their results, researchers proved that it did both because it served as a protectant to the nerves and also decreased joint inflammation.
Sleep and Anxiety Management
Strong evidence suggests that CBD oil has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system. Interest in CBD as a treatment for a wide range of disorders has increased dramatically, but there are only a small number of clinical studies of CBD in psychiatry.
A scientific experiment was carried out in which monthly documentation of Anxiety cases and sleep quality data were collected in 103 adult patients. During the study, sleep and anxiety were evaluated using proven agents and after treatment of the same symptoms with CBD.
The results of this experiment were impressive. The final sample consisted of 72 adults who had problems with anxiety or poor sleep. As a result of using CBD oil, anxiety attacks decreased during the first month in 57 patients (79.2%) and remained so throughout the study period. Sleep indicators improved during the first month of the study in 48 patients (66.7%) but fluctuated slightly during the observation. In this review, CBD was well tolerated in all patients except for 3 participants.
Neuroprotection
Researchers believe that CBD can act as a neuroprotective compound. It can help reduce damage to the nervous system and brain and also stimulate the development and growth of neurons. Temporary or permanent damage to the nervous system may be caused by several factors such as:
- Genetic disorders;
- Autoimmune disorders;
- Traumatic shock;
- Oxidative stress.
The benefits of using CBD to repair and protect from such damage have not gone unnoticed. CBD has a number of therapeutic properties that are useful for strokes, head injuries and diseases and injuries of the spinal cord. The neuroprotective properties of CBD have also shown promising results in treating and limiting the progression of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic sclerosis. There is evidence that CBD can also be used to prevent damage of cells and the nervous system, as well as to heal them.
Several studies have shown that CBD treatment has improved the quality of life and sleep of people with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, animal and test-tube studies have shown that CBD can also reduce inflammation and help prevent neurodegeneration caused by Alzheimer's disease. It is important to note that some people in these studies experienced adverse reactions associated with treatment that used CBD, such as fever, cramps, and fatigue.
Cancer control
Some studies have found that CBD may also be useful in the fight against Cancer. The authors of the review published by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found evidence that CBD can significantly reduce and prevent the spread of cancer. Researchers also noted that the compound can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
It was discovered that CBD has a low level of toxicity which encourages them to continue studying its properties in order to use it as an addition to standard cancer treatment further.
Heart diseases
Various heart diseases are some of the most common health problems of our time. They are the main cause of deaths in the United States. Of course, a healthy lifestyle and following specific diets are a top priority for people prone to cardiovascular diseases, though CBD can also be beneficial.
A small study published by JCI Insight in 2017 found that CBD can prevent fluctuations in blood pressure as a result of stress. During a scientific experiment, nine healthy male volunteers received a single dose of either CBD or a placebo. It was discovered that participants treated with CBD had a lower blood pressure than those who took a placebo, both before and after stress. According to researchers, cannabidiol helps to:
- Reduce the risk of clogged arteries;
- Prevent processes that subsequently cause heart attacks;
- Reduce and stabilize blood pressure;
- Reduce blood cholesterol.
Acne treatment
Acne is a very common skin disease that affects 9% of the population. Usually, it is caused by a number of factors, such as genetics, bacteria, excess oil production by the sebaceous glands, dirt, and dead skin cells that clog pores. Propionibacterium acnes bacteria can accumulate, causing red spots. Treating acne involves hygiene and reduction of excess oil produced by the skin.
Most studies on the subject of how CBD can be used to treat acne highlight the ability of the compound to prevent major processes that cause inflammation.
In one of the studies published by The Journal of Clinical Investigation scientists measured the effects of CBD compounds on the skin in a laboratory.
As a result, it was discovered that CBD inhibits the production of sebum, and, importantly, has an anti-inflammatory effect on the glands that produce it. They noted that CBD is an “effective therapeutic tool” for preventing and treating inflammation and acne.
However, despite promising results, the amount of research on this subject is still limited.
CBD oil for Migraine
Migraine is a common headache disorder that affects up to 38 million people in the United States. It refers to recurrent, debilitating, moderate to severe headaches. Migraine can be chronic or acute. Pharmaceuticals, tablets, nasal sprays are a classic method of combating migraines. However, CBD oil is also known to help relieve headaches and reduce migraine symptoms. Pure CBD oil can be used to alleviate conditions that can lead to migraines in the future.
Pros & Cons
The more people are discovering CBD infused products in recent years, the more questions arise regarding its use. Let us consider the pros and cons of using CBD to simplify the task of finding the answers.
CBD Advantages
A wide range of benefits
One of the most interesting features of CBD is that it has a wide range of applications in medicine and everyday life.
Various concentration options
Everyone has their own needs, and the fact that products come in different concentration is a big plus.
Suitable for long-term use
It is possible to use CBD, both short-term and for a long time. It contains exclusively natural components that do not harm the body.
CBD Disadvantages
Products can be expensive
Many people complain about the high price of CBD products. However, it is important to understand that the process of creating them is very laborious and complicated. This makes the products rather expensive.
Bad taste
Some people need to get used to the taste of CBD oil, although it is very specific and bitter. But there is an alternative: you can buy oil in capsules that have neither taste nor smell, which will appeal to those who do not like the natural taste of CBD oil.
CBD may become less effective over time
If you feel that CBD is no longer as effective as before, you should take a week break. The good news is that immediately after the break, all its beneficial effects return to their prior strength.
Many CBD brands are unreliable
There are many unreliable CBD brands and products that are advertised constantly and, unfortunately, often contain far less CBD than they claim.
Side effects
Everything we take to relieve pain, reduce unpleasant symptoms or lift our spirit can have side effects, and CBD is no exception. Despite the fact that not a single case has been reported where CBD had a strong toxic effect on the body, according to some researchers, it is worth paying attention to some side effects after using CBD oil. They include:
- Changes in appetite;
- Diarrhoea;
- Dizziness and drowsiness;
- Dry mouth;
- Nausea and anxiety;
- Bloating and vomiting.
All of the above symptoms are usually mild and depend on the used dose of CBD oil. They also usually disappear within 2-4 hours; however, if any of these symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor.
CBD for pets
CBD pet products come in the same forms that you are likely to see for people, including edibles (chewing goodies), oils that can be added to food or under the tongue, and topical creams and balms that should be rubbed directly into the skin. It is worth considering that each of the CBD products for animals, equivalently as for humans, can have a different effect on different pets.
According to the 2017 World Health Organization report, CBD in its purest form is safe and well-tolerated by animals. However, in two subsequent dog studies in 2018, an increase in liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity was noted in the treatment of CBD. Veterinarian McGrath was one of the first researchers to use cannabis in veterinary practice. In the course of her research, she performed a liver function test to make sure that the dog’s liver works as it should and is gradually returning to normal.
“I would definitely be a little worried about giving CBD for dogs that have liver problems,” says McGrath. Similarly, since CBD appears to be metabolised by the liver, McGrath says that you also need to be careful when prescribing CBD to a dog that is already taking medications that are metabolised by the liver. “We really don’t know that these things are interacting now,” she says.
Legally, CBD products should contain no more than 0.2% THC, which is safe for animals. It is advised to stick to CBD pet care products, where the THC content is 0.0%, and, most importantly, watch for possible symptoms of THC poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or anxiety.
Bottom line: “We did not find anything that would be alarming in connection with the use of CBD for animals,” says McGrath. “But, on the other hand, we still know very little about this product, and it is really important for the owners to know this and use it with caution until we have more information.”
The question of legality
Currently, CBD is legal in many countries, so despite some confusion around it, it will not be detected on a drug test. Legalised countries include Argentina, the USA, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom.
Although in the UK, almost all cannabinoids are treated in accordance with the law on drug abuse (1971), CBD is not. In the UK, CBD is legal as long as it does not contain more than 0.2% of THC. Bulgaria was the first country in Europe to sell CBD products, and at the moment the UK is also the leader in mass sales of CBD in popular healthcare networks Holland & Barrett. All CBD products are sold legally in accordance with strict rules and regulations.
What about all the CBD pills, oils and edibles products on the market that claim to fight anxiety, decrease pain and curb the spread of cancer? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to give CBD the green light and the agency is currently considering whether they should go with it.
Is CBD oil suitable for everyone?
According to the World Health Organization report, CBD products are generally safe for everyone. However, it is strongly advised to refrain from using CBD if you are pregnant or lactating. Also, if you are currently taking any medications, you should consult a doctor before using any CBD infused products. This will help you avoid the adverse effects of mixing the components.
How to use CBD oil
In order for CBD oil to benefit your body, you need to know how to use it correctly.
CBD oil can be used for various purposes. If it has been prescribed by the doctor, it is very important to follow the instructions and recommended dosage.
CBD-based products come in many forms: they can be mixed with other substances in oil form (such as coconut oil), foods and drinks. Some are sold in the form of capsules or available in thick gels and ointments designed for massage.
Edibles
Edibles are a great way to try CBD for the first time. You can find many edible products that contain CBD. The variety of products can suit any taste, such as chewing sweets, chocolates and even peppermint flavoured products.
Keep in mind that CBD infused food takes about 2 hours to be digested, so be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Sublingual Products
Many products contain other additive elements, such as sugar and various preservatives, so if you want to try pure CBD, a sublingual product is right for you.
They are designed to be put under the tongue. They can be tinctures or solutions that were prepared by soaking a hemp flower in oil or alcohol, as well as some sprays, and lozenges. Thus, more CBD is absorbed by your body, which allows you to feel the relief of symptoms for longer.
Sublingual products give an effect faster than edible ones. Keep this in mind when choosing your preferred option.
Topicals
Nowadays, CBD products that must be applied directly to the skin are becoming more popular. You can find many different types, such as lotions, balms, creams and even plasters. Such topical products are an excellent option for treating localised pain or skin diseases such as eczema.
In 2015, a study was conducted on rats showing that applying CBD gel directly on the skin significantly reduced joint swelling. This is a great option for people with diseases such as arthritis.
Vaping and Smoking
You can also smoke a vape juice containing CBD oils by using a vape pen or another vaping device.
Smoking allows CBD to enter your bloodstream right away, which makes you feel the effect much faster than with other methods.
Keep in mind that when using this method, you may be exposed to carcinogens. Vaping oil heats to a temperature just below the combustion point, which helps to circumvent the possibility of negative consequences. However, the researchers still do not know if it is 100% safe because there is proof that this method may cause damage to lung functions.
Consultation with a doctor
Even though there are many different options for using CBD, there is no one perfect way, since everything is very individual. So before you try CBD, you should talk to your doctor. Dosages recommended by specialists depend solely on factors such as body weight, the concentration of the product and the severity of health problems.
DOSAGE INFORMATION
It can be tricky to calculate the correct dosage of CBD oil for an inexperienced user, mainly because the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not established official guidelines for the use of CBD.
So how much CBD oil should I use?
The answer depends on the purpose you want to use it for, your body weight and the CBD concentration in the product.
It is recommended to consult a doctor with experience working with CBD to calculate the exact individual dosages.
In order to treat and reduce anxiety, CBD products are recommended with a ratio of 20:1 or higher, which can be consumed in the form of drops or edibles. High CBD concentration can help improve chronic anxiety, treat stress, and protect the body from the effects of both distresses.
It is very essential to start with a small dose to check your sensitivity. Then, based on your feelings, gradually increase the dose by a quarter each week until the symptoms disappear. A minimal dose is recommended for treating stress and anxiety. In order to alleviate immediate symptoms, such as panic attacks, it is recommended to consume CBD through inhalation. Sublingual sprays, as well as various tinctures that can be taken in the form of drops, also have a fast impact but last longer than inhaled products.
Is CBD oil addictive?
Everyone knows that marijuana addiction exists. But what about CBD oil?
What is drug addiction?
Dependence is a chronic condition that forces people to consume a product.
With the regular use of an addictive product, the body and brain adapt to the constant supply of dopamine, gradually ceasing to produce it accordingly. This makes a person continuously consume this product to supplement the level of dopamine that it needs. CBD does not cause dependence.
The body cannot build a high tolerance to CBD, because the substance in the cannabis or marijuana plant that has addictive properties is THC, and CBD oils do not contain enough THC to get someone high or cause someone to be addicted to CBD.
In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that CBD is not addictive: "CBD people do not have any effects that could be addictive. CBD is well-tolerated and safe for human consumption.
CBD is not addictive, but can an overdose happen?
The use of CBD products is considered safe and non-toxic, even in large quantities. Side effects that can occur with a high dose of CBD are mild and often disappear immediately (for example, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and drowsiness). No cases of CBD overdose have been reported that could lead to serious health consequences.
WHO also reported: “It is important to know that even large doses of CBD are safe for people”. In 2011, scientists studying the use of CBD in humans came to the conclusion that even regular consumption of large doses, namely up to 1,500 mg CBD per day, was well-tolerated.
From History
Although CBD may be a new term for you, it has been around for a long time. The very first reported case of using CBD occurred around 2727 BC when the Chinese emperor Sheng Neng used cannabis-based tea to cope with various diseases.
Later, in 1940, a team from the University of Illinois first discovered and shared the products inside hemp. They prove that there are two different substances and one of which is not responsible for psychoactive properties, on the contrary, has a lot of useful compounds.
In the 1970s, after the adoption of the law on controlled substances, marijuana became challenging to access for many fields of study, for doctors, scientists and any other people.
The law established some groups in which certain substances were listed based on their potential properties, benefits, as well as abuse and health hazards. Marijuana fell into the first group - the most limited in use.
After a while, CBD began to gain momentum as an anaesthetic without side effects that are usually associated with THC. In 1998, British pharmaceutical company GW
Pharmaceuticals began conducting official medical trials to learn more about CBD's capabilities.
This was the first step that they began to take around the world. Thus began international research in this area. After success in the first experiments, Israeli researcher Rafael Meshulam started to uncover the chemistry that underlies the many cannabinoids, namely, how to isolate individual cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, from the plant itself.
This allowed for additional research. Meshulam received many international awards for his achievements, which helped bring CBD to a new international level. Thanks to his work, trials began to appear that clarified the benefits of using CBD in medicine and beyond. On a small scale, the cultivation of crops with a low THC content and a high CBD content has begun.
In addition, evidence of how useful CBD can be in treating many disorders and diseases has emerged.
With the development of technology, CBD began to be used by entire families in order to treat chronic diseases, people became interested in the tests and, over time, CBD became a popular remedy for many ailments around the world.
The verdict
CBD is a universal product for treating various diseases, reducing symptoms and improving overall well-being. There are many ways to use it that have been repeatedly studied. However, like any other medicine, it has a number of side effects. Medical practices of CBD continue to be investigated and introduced into many areas of health and wellbeing.