CBD oil has become incredibly popular in recent years for its numerous health benefits. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. However, unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties, which means consumers can experience CBD’s health benefits without worrying about mental effects. CBD oils also are not subject to as many legal restrictions as other cannabis products.
How CBD Oil Is Made
CBD can be extracted from any type of cannabis plant, but CBD oils are usually made from hemp, which contains virtually no THC. To make CBD oil, manufacturers extract the CBD from the hemp plant and mix it with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or MCT oil.
There are three main categories of CBD oils. Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains no THC, but it may contain other cannabis compounds, such as CBN or CBG. Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the ingredients of the cannabis plants, including terpenes, flavonoids, and THC. However, only full-spectrum products that contain less than 0.3% THC can be sold over the counter. CBD isolate contains only CBD and no other cannabis compounds.
Health Benefits of CBD Oil
One CBD product is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product, Epidiolex, is approved to treat epilepsy. However, early research suggests that CBD oil may offer a number of other health benefits as well.
One of the most widely reported benefits of CBD oil is pain management. The endocannabinoid system expands throughout almost your entire body and plays an important role in regulating the sensation of pain. CBD may help to reduce chronic pain, especially for patients with rheumatic diseases like fibromyalgia and lupus.
CBD oil may help alleviate mental health symptoms as well. Many consumers use CBD to reduce anxiety, depression, or PTSD-related symptoms. CBD can also promote quality sleep, which plays a major role in your overall health and happiness.
Some research even suggests that CBD can help address neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Although patients should not use CBD oil in place of their existing treatments, CBD could be an effective supplement.
Ways to Use CBD Oil
CBD oil comes in many forms and can be used in a variety of ways. You could take CBD oil orally in capsule form or in a food-based edible. It usually takes one to two hours for the effects of CBD oil to set in when you ingest it orally. If you’re using CBD oil to address skin issues, you could apply the product as a topical cream. You can even use transdermal CBD patches on your skin that are designed to pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream. However, these products may not be as effective as taking CBD oil orally.
CBD oil can help to alleviate pain, improve mental health symptoms, promote good sleep, and address certain medical conditions. Although some people report side effects, CBD oil is generally safe and can be purchased over the counter. If you’re curious about how CBD oil can benefit your life, consult with your doctor about adding it to your healthcare regimen.
