WHAT IS CBD OIL, AND SHOULD YOU USE IT?

WHAT IS CBD OIL, AND SHOULD YOU USE IT?

CBD is one of the most popular and versatile compounds in the world. Manufacturers in different sectors, health and wellness, and the beauty industry creatively incorporate it into their products.

Moreover, research on CBD is ongoing, with studies aiming at different benefits, effectiveness, dosage, and side effects. One of the products of CBD is CBD oil, which you can take directly by placing it under your tongue, then swallow, add to foods or drinks, and so on. However, what exactly is CBD oil, and should you use it? Find out.

WHAT IS CBD OIL?

CBD oil is a product derived from the hemp plant. It is then combined with a base oil such as coconut or hemp seed oil. Hemp, from which CBD is obtained, is in the form of cannabis Sativa with low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol and THC. This means that the CBD does not cause the “high” effects as the amounts of THC are usually as low as 0.3%. You don’t have to worry about being intoxicated when you take CBD.

Once the CBD oil is obtained, it can be incorporated into creams or gel and then made into capsules for oral consumption. They can be applied directly and topically on the skin. Furthermore, you can directly place it under the tongue or add it to food, drink, or cooked food. The method of taking CBD will depend on the need.

The FDA does not regulate CBD oil nor approve of its use for medicinal purposes. Talk to your doctor before incorporating CBD oil.

The use of CBD oil is widespread due to its potential health benefits. It is no wonder beauty product manufacturers, together with health and fitness manufacturers, have it as one of the ingredients for their products. Should you use CBD oil?

SHOULD YOU USE CBD OIL?

This is probably one of the numerous questions you may have about CBD oil. The following are some of the cases when you should use CBD oil;

WHEN IN NEED OF PAIN RELIEF

Mücke et al. (2018) found that CBD proponents appreciate its pain-relieving properties. Therefore, if you have pains and aches, you can apply CBD oil topically to the affected area and get pain-relieving benefits.

WHEN ADDRESSING CONDITIONS LIKE ANXIETY, STRESS, AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE

De Faria et al. (2020) linked CBD usage to treat the above conditions. Besides, there is a CBD prescription medication that aids with epilepsy treatment.

WHEN DEALING WITH SKIN CONDITIONS

According to Martinelli et al. (2021), you can topically apply CBD oil to handle skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. This is because of the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD. According to research, CBD may help reduce inflammation and thus treat certain conditions of your skin.

WHEN ENHANCING HEART HEALTH

CBD can help lower high blood pressure in certain individuals. This way, such a user can improve their heart health.

WHEN YOU NEED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR SLEEP

Moltke & Hindocha (2021) discovered that taking CBD oil may aid in improving your sleep patterns and even address certain sleep disorders. However, more research is still necessary to reach a conclusive conclusion on its effectiveness.

Therefore, there are cases when you can use CBD oil. However, are there others when you should not use it?

WHEN IS IT SAFE NOT TO USE CBD OIL?

Individuals with certain conditions should avoid using CBD oil for their safety. These groups of people include;

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women; At times, the CBD oil you bought may have contaminants that harm your unborn baby or infant. It is, therefore, safe to avoid using CBD oil altogether.
  • Children; The only CBD product that is approved for use by children of at least a year old is the prescription drug; Epidiolex. Children can take up to 25mg of this drug daily. Besides this drug, it is unclear how safe CBD is for children.
  • Individuals with Parkinson’s and liver disease; If you have any of these conditions, it would be best to keep your CBD oil dosage as low as possible. What’s more, you may avoid it altogether. This is because the CBD may worsen your condition or even interact with the medication you are already under.

It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before you start using CBD oil or any other CBD product. This way, you will get the right advice on the perfect dosage and understand whether or not it will interact with the medication you are already under.

IS CBD OIL LEGAL?

If you are a newbie, you may be wondering about the legality of CBD oil before you begin using it. Different lands have different laws regarding the consumption of several things. It is not surprising that CBD oil is not legal everywhere. In certain states in the US, it is legal for medicinal use. Therefore, before using CBD oil, ensure you check whether or not it is legal in your state.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD OIL

Generally, using the appropriate dosage of CBD oil is safe. However, when taken in extremely high amounts, it can cause certain side effects, including;

  • Lightheadedness
  • Dry mouth
  • Hallucinations
  • Low blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Signs of liver injury, especially in extremely high doses
  • Interactions with medications such as blood thinners.

Available information on the side effects of CBD oil is still insufficient. This calls for more studies and research on the same for more evidence.

CONCLUSION

CBD oil is a product from the hemp plant and is very versatile. Many manufacturers in the health and beauty industries are incorporating it into their products. Moreover, the available research links CBD with relieving pain and treating conditions like anxiety and stress. If you are suffering from skin conditions, CBD oil can come in handy. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver conditions, you should avoid CBD oil. Nonetheless, children should avoid it. On matters of legality, CBD oil is not legal in all states.

REFERENCES

De Faria, S. M., De Morais Fabrício, D., Tumas, V., Castro, P. C., Ponti, M. A., Hallak, J. E., … & Chagas, M. H. N. (2020). Effects Of Acute Cannabidiol Administration On Anxiety And Tremors Induced By A Simulated Public Speaking Test In Patients With Parkinson’s Disease. Journal Of Psychopharmacology, 34(2), 189-196.

Martinelli, G., Magnavacca, A., Fumagalli, M., DellʼAgli, M., Piazza, S., & Sangiovanni, E. (2021). Cannabis Sativa And Skin Health: Dissecting The Role Of Phytocannabinoids. Planta Medica.

Moltke, J., & Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons For Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study Of CBD Users, Focusing On Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, And Sleep Problems. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 3(1), 1-12.

Mücke, M., Phillips, T., Radbruch, L., Petzke, F., & Häuser, W. (2018). Cannabis‐Based Medicines For Chronic Neuropathic Pain In Adults. Cochrane Database Of Systematic Reviews, (3).

Anastasia Filipenko

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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