CBD (short for cannabidiol) products — especially CBD oils — are all the rage these days. In fact, CBD sales are expected to reach $22 billion by the year 2022!
Lots of people are singing CBD oil’s praises, but what do we actually know about it? Is it as great as people claim it is? Is it safe to consume long-term?
Read on to learn the truth about CBD oil.
This information will answer all of your questions and help you decide whether or not CBD oil is right for you and your health needs.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid (or plant compound) found in the cannabis plant.
Up until recently, the only cannabinoid people were talking about was THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD and THC offer many of the same benefits, but they’re very different in the way they affect the body.
THC binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for the psychoactive effects of the cannabis plant. In other words, it is what gets a person “high.”
CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. It does not bind directly to the body’s cannabinoid receptors and does not get a person high. Instead, it helps to increase the availability of the body’s own, naturally produced endocannabinoids.
CBD also binds to other receptors in the body, such as the serotonin receptors, to bring about a whole host of benefits.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a solution made of CBD extract and a carrier oil like coconut oil or MCT oil. Some manufacturers also add flavorings to their oils to mask the taste of the CBD extract.
Most CBD oil sold in the U.S. is made with CBD that is extracted from the hemp plant. Hemp plants contain very little THC.
CBD oil that is made with hemp-derived CBD can also be sold legally throughout the U.S., even in states that have not legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
CBD offers a wide range of health benefits, including the following:
Pain Reduction
One of the most frequently discussed benefits of CBD and CBD oil is its ability to minimize pain and inflammation in the body. Many people who suffer from chronic pain have experienced relief after using CBD oil or other CBD products consistently.
Anxiety Reduction
There are also many studies showing that CBD oil can be beneficial to people who are struggling with anxiety disorders.
CBD helps to bring about a sense of calm and put anxious, stressed out people at ease. It seems to be especially beneficial to people who struggle with social anxiety.
Sleep Improvement
Because of its calming effects, CBD is a great sleep aid to people who experience frequent bouts of insomnia. Many people find that they get more sleep and sleep more deeply when they consume CBD oil before bed.
Improved Digestive Health
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil also appears to be a beneficial tool to those with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Seizure Frequency Reduction
CBD oil can also be a lifesaver to people who suffer from epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Many people who consume CBD report a significant reduction in the number of seizures they experience, and some see their seizures go away altogether.
Are There Risks to CBD Consumption?
A product that is this good has to have a downside, right? So far, researchers are having a hard time finding one.
CBD is not habit-forming, likely because it doesn’t bind directly to the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
Many people also find that they do not build up a tolerance to it as they do to other drugs (and even regular, THC-containing cannabis). As a result, those who consume it regularly do not have to continue increasing their dosage to experience the same effect.
There are a few mild side effects associated with CBD oil consumption, including fatigue and mild nausea. Often, these effects are brought on by consuming too much CBD at once.
Other than these minimal effects, though, CBD oil appears to be perfectly safe for most people to use.
Qualities of a Good CBD Oil
There are lots of different CBD oils and CBD products on the market these days, but they’re definitely not all created equal.
There’s currently very little regulation surrounding these products. As a result, lots of manufacturers are putting out subpar versions of them and not facing any consequences.
If you want to experience the benefits of CBD oil, it’s up to you to be a smart consumer and do your research before purchasing a particular brand.
What should you look for when shopping for CBD oil? Start by asking the following questions. These can help you figure out whether or not you’re purchasing a safe, high-quality product:
Does the CBD Come from Organic Hemp?
Look for CBD oil made with organically grown hemp. This protects you from consuming a product tainted by toxic soil or pesticides.
Was the Hemp Grown in the USA?
Look for CBD oil made from USA-grown hemp. This also helps ensure the hemp was not grown in toxic, polluted soil.
Is it a Full-Spectrum Oil?
Look for a full-spectrum CBD oil. These oils contain additional cannabinoids (no THC) that enhance the effects of CBD. This is known as the entourage effect.
How was the CBD Extracted?
Check the extraction method. The safest CBD extraction methods are CO2 extraction and ethanol extraction. Steer clear of CBD that was extracted using toxic solvents like butane or propane.
Learn More on the Truth About CBD Oil
The truth about CBD oil is that it offers a lot of great potential benefits to those who consume.
CBD oil is also a relatively low-risk supplement that is safe for almost anyone to use.
Do you want to learn more about CBD oil?
Check out the CBD archives of our site today for lots of information on its benefits and tips on how to use it for best results.
ACTUALLY there are plenty of STUDIES … if you search for clinical studies you will see that there are proven results and some of these studies go back decades. I’ve compiled them here because it’s been disconcerting to hear people say there isn’t proof it works- yet THERE IS DATA. Please see many of the studies I’ve linked for ease here: https://knockoutcbd.com/top-10-fantastic-benefits-of-cbd-and-the-studies-to-prove-it/ Thank you for your great article and I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the studies… all the best!