CBD is among the several compounds of about a hundred known as cannabinoids. It is a chemical that is naturally derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD oil comprises a CBD extract infused with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil. Read on to learn more about CBD oil and its benefits.
CBD is currently gaining popularity due to its tolerance in humans. It has minimal side effects and does not result in intoxicating effects. While in the pure form of this chemical, CBD seems to have no potential abuse as well as causing any harm. CBD has been discovered to be able to self-medicate children suffering from Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. Due to these effects, CBD is being sold and used to treat several medical conditions and lifestyle infections. For example, it relieves anxiety and stress, reduces pain and inflammation, and improves cognitive function and skin health.
WHAT IS CBD OIL?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a cannabis flower or a leaf that has been dissolved in natural carrier oils such as hemp oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil to make a concentrated extract. Some of the solvents used here include organic solvents, for instance, isopropyl alcohol and ethanol, and supercritical fluids such as butane and CO2. The solvents and the conditions applied during its extraction play critical roles in its taste, viscosity, and color at the end of its extraction.
According to Rostami (2021), CBD oil, during its extraction, is accompanied by several essential cannabinoid components that are usually eliminated through a process known as winterization. The process involves placing the extract into a freezer of about -20 to -80 degrees Celsius for at least eight to twenty-four hours. Under these conditions, essential components with low melting points, such as triglycerides, waxes, and chlorophyll, are precipitated either by filtration or centrifugation processes. The processes help in improving the product’s final color and taste.
WHY CBD OIL CONSUMPTION?
Depending on the type of cannabis used during extraction, there might be other variable concentrations of the cannabis oil, for instance, CBD oil, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and traces of cannabinoids. However, the dominant product is mainly CBD oil though cannabigerol (CBG) can be found within the contents of the extract.
CBD oil is one of the most preferred modes of consuming cannabis and cannabinoids; several users have opted for it for numerous reasons.
The main reason is that CBD oil is easily consumed in considerable quantities in this form since it is elementary and is a practical ingestible. The action is achievable since CBD has no intoxicating effects that lead to high sensations. Therefore, quantities may be taken, unlike THC-containing products.
According to Abazia et al. (2017), CBD oil has no stigma linked to THC products that result from smoking or vaporizing it. The smell of CBD may not be identified to an individual who has consumed it. This makes it preferable to many users. It is also an efficient compound that can be used in any social setting, for instance, within the family or at work. Counting the number of drops during its consumption elevates it further to be the best option for consuming CBD products.
The fiber-type of CBD found in cannabis (hemp) is used to extract the oil in CBD and many other products. It contains vast contents of the products to be extracted naturally than the marijuana type, a plant strain of cannabis. Though it has been banned for many years, hemp farming has been legalized in many countries globally but is usually under strict regulations.
CBD may be consumed in the following ways;
- Swallowing capsules.
- Infused-CBD drinks or foods.
- Tinctures are administered sublingually.
- Paste-rubbing into the skin.
For the above manner of consuming CBD, an individual should adhere to the following factors: product concentration, reasons for consumption, and body weight.
USES OF CBD OIL
Most CBD users have reported using it to relieve several health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and pain. However, the FDA has not fully authorized CBD to treat these conditions. Still, there are possibilities that CBD may be able to control these symptoms.
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
There has been insufficient evidence from clinical trials supporting CBD as a remedy for various anxiety disorders, for instance, generalized, social anxiety disorders, and phobias. However, some research provides promising results in treating the condition. Some people may be advised not to use CBD to relieve anxiety due to its interaction with other medications, such as blood thinners and antihistamines. According to Leszko (2021), more evidence is required to determine CBD’s efficacy in relieving anxiety since a lot of research is conducted on animals.
PAIN
Though conventional drugs may cure pain and muscle stiffness, most people prefer using CBD as an alternative since it is much more natural. In recent studies, CBD oil has been found to possess several potentials in treating chronic pain.
According to Zehra (2018), CBD treats addiction by reducing the amygdala activation when processing negative emotions. It also can reduce the behavior of heroin-seeking by modulating dopamine and serotonin. Therefore, CBD oil is an effective option in treating chronic pain when an individual abuses opioids. This is achievable because of its potential efficacy, scarce misuse, and the variety of potentials with its safe profiles.
However, more studies are required since a small population sample was used for the above results to have been captured. This can also provide an overview of future dealings on cannabinoid appliances in the clinical treatment of pain as well as the abuse of opioids.
An excellent sample of CBD oil can be used to self-medicate cancer that aims to treat it. However, this is done under some conditions that work to stop the growth of cancer cells in vivo vitro. For example, several action mechanisms include induction of apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and curbing the cell cycle. However, the research on this treatment is still in process worldwide. The kind of cannabinoid, either natural or artificial, may safely and effectively treat cancer within the actual human. If some cancer cells are introduced to cannabinoids, they accelerate.
DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD OIL
As it applies to many therapies, CBD oil poses several risks. It can interact with other supplements or drugs, such as heart rhythm medications and antidepressants. Furthermore, most CBD products have not yet been approved by the FDA, which indicates that thorough tests have not been conducted on the drug.
It is not usually easy to know if a product is safe or effective for usage by everyone based on its product label. Therefore, anyone who uses CBD as a prescribed drug or in any form should seek the doctor’s advice.
Some of the likely adverse effects of CBD oil include:
- Interaction with alcohol and other drugs
- Alterations in alertness
- Destruction of the liver
- Alteration of mood
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
The use of CBD during breastfeeding or pregnancy periods is intensely prohibited. The FDA advises such individuals to avoid this chemical intake while under this condition.
When prescribed CBD to treat epilepsy, it is good to adhere to the instructions.
CONCLUSION
CBD oil is a type of oil that is obtained through the extraction of cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp or cannabis plants. The extract is infused with carrier oils such as hemp seed oil to improve absorption. It has a massive content of CBD with minimal traces of THC.
The method of extraction, as well as the plant types, either cannabis or hemp, dramatically determines the medicinal character of CBD. The CO2 process of extracting CBD is the most preferred since it is a cleaner method.
Though there has been an intense growth of CBD interest as a remedy for various therapy conditions, it is only the CBD oil that FDA has ordained. Any CBD product that has not been approved is equally illegal per this agency’s regulation. The agency gives out detailed information on any issues concerning the use of CBD.
As many specifications and the dosage are beginning to grow, people should consult professional health cares for any necessary advice about the use and dosage of CBD oil and other CBD-related products.
REFERENCES
Bridgeman, M. B., & Abazia, D. T. (2017). Medicinal cannabis: history, pharmacology, and implications for the acute care setting. Pharmacy and therapeutics, 42(3), 180.
Leszko, M., & Meenrajan, S. (2021). Attitudes, beliefs, and changing cannabidiol (CBD) oil use trends among caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 57, 102660.
Valizadehderakhshan, M., Shahbazi, A., Kazem-Rostami, M., Todd, M. S., Bhowmik, A., & Wang, L. (2021). Recent Advances in Cannabinoid Extraction from Hemp. Prime Archives in Agricultural Research, 2, 1-43.
Zehra, A., Burns, J., Liu, C. K., Manza, P., Wiers, C. E., Volkow, N. D., & Wang, G. J. (2018). Cannabis addiction and the brain: a review. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, 13(4), 438-452.
MS, University of Latvia
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
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