The Science Behind CBD Oil
With CBD oil having the moment, chances are you’ve heard of it, if not tried it yourself. You likely have family or friends who use it regularly. But what is CBD oil, and what does it do? How is it made? Lastly, is it worth all the hype?
Understanding CBD Oil
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many active compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another active compound which is known for its psychoactive properties. However, unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive but has several medical benefits. It is used in products like oils to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm.
Making CBD oil is a multi-phase process that involves specialized equipment and challenging procedures. Generally, how CBD oil is made can be broken down into two phases: the extraction process and the infusion process.
The raw cannabis plant is chemically treated to extract and isolate desirable cannabinoids and other compounds from undesirable plant matter like chlorophyll during the extraction phase. At the end of this process, what is left behind is a raw cannabis extract, also known as full or broad-spectrum hemp extract.
The raw cannabis extract is then combined with a carrier oil to produce the final tincture during the infusion process. Typically, manufacturers use fractionated coconut oil (MCT oil) or hemp seed oil for this process.
CBD Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil
Often the term CBD oil and hemp oil are used interchangeably. While these oils share many similarities, can you say that CBD oil and hemp oil are the same things? The answer is both yes and no.
Producers can extract CBD oil from both marijuana and hemp plants. CBD oil extracted from the industrial hemp contains no more than 0.3 percent THC and thus is considered legal at the federal level. However, CBD oil derived from the marijuana plant is illegal at the state level in many locations as it contains high concentrations of THC.
On the other hand, hemp oil is CBD oil derived from the hemp plant. It is federally legal as it contains high concentrations of CBD with little or no THC.
Why Use CBD Products?
There’s growing awareness about the potential health benefits of CBD oil. Studies suggest that CBD oil could help you manage anxiety by changing the way your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin. Early studies conducted on animals show that CBD may relieve anxiety by improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, reducing stress, and inducing sleep in case of insomnia.
Also, due to its effect on your brain’s receptors, CBD oil may be able to help manage pain. The Journal of Clinical Investigation published a study where CBD oil prevented the activity of sebaceous glands, thus reducing overall inflammation in the body.
Though CBD oil doesn’t pose any significant risks to most users, side effects are possible, including dizziness, low blood pressure, depression, hallucinations, and withdrawal symptoms. More studies are required to thoroughly understand the possible risks and side effects of CBD oil.
How to Use CBD Oils
CBD can enter your bloodstream in multiple ways. You can use it topically or orally. The fastest way to get CBD absorbed into your bloodstream is through capillary-rich areas like along the gums, cheek, or underneath the tongue. Generally, using CBD oil under the tongue works quicker than against the cheek.
Experts recommend keeping CBD oil in your mouth for one to two minutes before swallowing. During this time, swish the oil around to increase the surface contact between your capillaries and the oil. You should talk to a professional about CBD uses and dosages to avoid potential risks.
Other CBD-Based Products
CBD comes in several forms, and there are different ways to consume it.
- Gels and Capsules – CBD capsules and gels are the discreet ways of ingesting CBD and can be considered if you are reluctant to use other CBD products. However, it takes longer for CBD capsules to have an effect.
- Gummies – Gummies are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is also convenient to consume when you want to have a quick start on your day.
- Topicals – Athletes often prefer topical due to their lifestyle. Topicals (creams, salves, balms, serums, and lotions) are applied through the skin and are known for its pain-relieving, stress-reducing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Transdermal Patches – A transdermal patch is a patch that attaches to your skin and contains CBD. It delivers the active CBD through the skin layers into your bloodstream.
The Promises of CBD Oil
More studies are necessary to definitively prove that using CBD is effective for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. However, countless people have used CBD oil for these purposes and reported improvement. If using CBD oil appeals to you, you can get started by researching local laws and regulations regarding cannabis-based products in your jurisdiction. Who knows, CBD oil might just be the remedy you’ve been looking for.
