The nutritional and wellness components of CBD have made it highly popular. Currently, CBD products are the most sought-after in the market. The organic components of CBD can naturally work with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote wellness. Besides that, CBD isn’t addictive; hence it can be used as a long-lasting therapy alternative.
Most CBD is found in the oil, which has a higher bioavailability rate. Besides that, it’s easier to use CBD oil and infuse it with other ingredients. This article offers a comprehensive review of the amazing benefits of CBD oil. It also highlights its potential risks and side effects, as well as its legality in the US.
What Does Research Say About CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the 2nd most-prevalent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Manufacturers usually extract CBD and then mix it with carrier oil to enhance its bioavailability. The effectiveness of CBD compound for wellness is backed by science. For instance, an animal study indicates that CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation resulting from arthritis.
Other retrospective observational reports indicate that CBD-rich alternative treatments can manage pain as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression. The compound promises to significantly improve good moods and enhance the body’s levels of happy hormones. This can minimize symptoms of stress, sleeplessness, and other wellness complications. However, its important for extensive research to be done. This will help determine the full effectiveness and benefits of CBD oil for wellness. Additionally, consumers will also be aware of the risks and potential side effects.
Popular Benefits of CBD Oil Backed by Science
CBD oil’s organic nature and many health benefits have made it popular. Scientific evidence indicates that CBD compound contains numerous beneficial properties. They include anti-anxiety, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-epileptic, and others. This implies that you may use CBD oil to manage mental health concerns like mood control as well as physical health issues. The popular benefits of CBD oil that are backed by science include:
Pain Management
The non-psychoactive cannabis compound is beneficial in providing pain relief. For decades, people have used CBD oil to manage their suffering. This is because it’s normally safer and a better option than prescription medications such as opioids. Because of its analgesic qualities, CBD oil is excellent for treating chronic pain, including migraines, multiple sclerosis, and lower back pain.
Anxiety Relief
Consumer reports and some studies indicate that using CBD oil can be good for mood disorders. According to an article published in Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers found that CBD can greatly reduce anxiety symptoms caused by public speaking. It’s worth noting that participants who used CBD before a public speaking event had fewer anxiety symptoms. This is possible because CBD can potentially increase the levels of serotonin receptors. These are hormones that influence mood regulation.
Sleep and Insomnia
The effectiveness of organic CBD in managing other medical conditions also makes it ideal for managing sleep and insomnia problems. In most cases, sleep issues are usually caused by other underlying medical issues. This can be body aches, inflammation, and also mood disorders like anxiety. By providing pain relief, calming a racing mind, and providing an overall feeling of relaxation, CBD oil can manage your insomnia and other sleep issues. Some people use it for excessive daytime sleepiness and REM sleep behavior disorders.
Other Benefits
There are some other benefits of using CBD oil, and they are:
- Boosting brain function
- Improving bone health
- Relieving effects of chemotherapy
- Promoting good heart health
- Preventing digestive disorders
How To Use CBD Oil Safely
CBD oil’s profile is quite versatile. You may find it in many forms, including tinctures, edibles, and pills for oral consumption. Topical products such as transdermal patches, lotions, balms, and creams are for external application on the skin. You can use quality CBD oil in the form of intranasal sprays. Some people opt to smoke or vape. However, vaping and smoking can cause serious lung damage.
Remember how you use CBD oil depends on the issue you want to manage. For instance, if you are dealing with an internal discomfort, you need an oral product. Topical products are ideal for muscle and joint pains. But you will need quality CBD oil for pain to get the most benefits out of it, or else you won’t get proper benefits for your pain management.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Regardless of CBD hemp’s safety profile, it can still lead to potential side effects. Most information available currently is from preliminary studies. Due to different metabolic responses, genetics, and ingredients, you can experience side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Sedation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Appetite changes
- Change in sleep patterns
- Weight changes
There are also high risks of buying a low-quality CBD product. This is because this industry is widely unregulated. Despite new brands popping up every other day, you can easily purchase fake or contaminated CBD oil. That’s why it’s important to look for reputable companies that frequently take part in independent 3rd-party lab tests.
There is also one crucial thing to note CBD oil can interact with some prescription drugs. If you consume CBD, the liver will break down this compound. Besides that, the liver also metabolizes other medications. This means that simultaneously using CBD and some of these medications can result in possible drug interactions. They include some medications such as:
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Muscle relaxers
- Respiratory drugs
- Seizure medications
- Chemotherapy medications
- High blood pressure medications
There is no comprehensive research regarding the safety of CBD for pregnant or breastfeeding women. As a result, they should refrain from using such products. This is because maternal exposure to CBD oil products can harm the young ones.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
CBD became lawful on a federal level once the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. This farm bill made it legal to grow and manufacture hemp, a cannabis plant with quite low THC levels. As a result, you don’t need a prescription to make any purchases. But even though the law is recognized at the federal level, not all states in the US have adjusted it accordingly. Regardless of the source, CBD is legal in states such as:
- Washington
- California
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Maine
- Massachusetts
CBD from hemp is legal in states such as:
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Arizona
- Texas
- Iowa
- Georgia
It should be noted that CBD oil products are still illegal in a few states, such as:
- South Dakota
- Idaho
- Nebraska
Final Thoughts
Using CBD oil comes with lots of health benefits. You can use it to manage chronic pain and inflammation. Besides that, CBD oil is effective for managing the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and other wellness issues. This works naturally with the endocannabinoid system to improve normal functions of the body.
You can use CBD oil orally in the form of tinctures, edibles, and pills. Besides that, there are those who use CBD vape oils. Topical application is also great, especially if you don’t want the compound to reach the bloodstream. Understand that CBD oil comes with risks and potential effects. For safety, always start with a lower dosage and then gradually increase the amount. Carefully do this until you find what works for you.
