What is CBD Oil?

What is CBD Oil?

If you’re thinking about trying CBD oil, there are a few things you should know about it first.

Most commonly, people reject the thought of using CBD oil because of the reputation it’s gotten over the years. The first thought is “Weed? I won’t do that.”

Relax. Cannabidiol isn’t the marijuana, weed, pot, or whatever you call it you’re thinking of right now.

Marijuana and hemp plants both contain cannabinoids. You will often hear cannabinoids referred to as hemp oil, which is half of what makes up marijuana.

The Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana Plants

Hemp vs Marijuana

Cannabis is a plant family with two classifications; Indica and sativa. Hemp is part of the sativa family and marijuana is considered from both Indica and sativa families.

They look similar and share similarities, but they have vastly different biological structures and chemical compounds which make them distinct from one another.

The Differences Between THC and CBD

The two primary and dominant chemical compounds in question include Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is the compound that causes psychoactive side effects that impair judgment through mind-altering effects or hallucinations.

CBD does not promote psychoactive effects and does not promote the same side effects as THC.

The marijuana plant contains significantly more THC than the hemp plant. Marijuana contains concentrations equal to between 15 percent and 40 percent. Hemp contains only a trace concentration of 0.3 percent or less.

Breeding Cannabis

Horticulturists that breed cannabis are only breeding specific strains of cannabis that are low in THC but abundant in CBD. The CBD can then be easily isolated from the plant using special extraction methods.

CBD has been in the news and widely spread on social media because of its reported effectiveness in treating rare kinds of seizures that are otherwise untreatable. More studies and research are finding more beneficial uses for CBD for numerous health conditions.

The stigma behind marijuana has adversely affected the reputation of CBD because of the uncertainty of its legal status across the globe. Most developed countries have given the use of CBD in various forms to be used by consumers. Cannabidiol is likely to become a treatment standard among medical professionals where other conventional medications have failed.

The CBD Extraction Process

CBD Extraction

Hemp contains the highest amount of CBD and is the least processed type from the cannabis plant.

While hemp and marijuana are from the same cannabis sativa plant, the substances are noticeably different. Most commonly, farming marijuana is done with the intention to increase THC levels. However, those who farm hemp do not have the same intention, which is why hemp is more suitable for making CBD oil.

CBD is most commonly isolated from cannabis through the CO2 extraction method, though there are other effective extraction methods used. Be aware of extraction methods that engage in butane extraction know to result in harmful contaminants in the CDB oil.

When CBD oil is extracted, it will usually form a viscous (sticky, gooey) oil. Some manufacturers may extract it in a solid slab.

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What are the Types of CBD Oil?

Once CBD oil was accepted by developed countries, the market became saturated with full-spectrum and isolate oils.

Since full-spectrum CBD oil is paired with other kinds of cannabinoids (trace amounts of terpene/THC), most CBD fans prefer this type of extract. Full-spectrum extracts will be brown in color.

Isolate CBD oil extract contains only CBD and is colorless. This type of extract does not contain any trace amounts of THC.

Most governments have accepted and will allow very low amounts of THC in CBD products, but eliminating the faintest amount of this substance reduces legal liability.

Is CBD Oil Safe?

So far, it has been reported that CBD oil is usually well-tolerated in humans, that means it has nearly negligible side effects and is not inherently toxic.

Because this industry is not yet widely regulated, individual manufacturers of this oil have the freedom to sell whatever quality CBD oil products they wish. Some are created from organic, non-GMO resources that are free of toxins, but some are not.

Never assume that CBD oil is all organic and safe to use. Learn about the extraction and production processes.

The Benefits of CBD Oil

There are several health conditions for which CBD oil is considered beneficial.

Inflammation

The root of all diseases is inflammation. Therefore, being able to reduce inflammation is believed to improve quality of life and health. CBD oil may help people avoid addictive pain relievers. It is a natural approach to inflammation relief.

Epilepsy

A diverse range of studies have been performed to verify the effectiveness of CBD oil as an anti-seizure treatment. Project CBD features several studies regarding epilepsy and seizures.

Anxiety

When used without THC, CBD oil is believed to reduce anxiety, which is a huge discovery that could help patients get off harmful medications. Further research, study, and time will tell.

Schizophrenia

Because of the anti-psychotic effects of the CBD compound, it could become a natural and promising treatment for schizophrenia.

Cancer

The big “C” could be effectively treated with CBD oil. It has been found to suppress the growth of cancer cells in studies. People want another way besides chemotherapy and radiation to eradicate cancer. CBD oil is non-invasive, natural, and non-toxic. Further research and clinical trials are being done in the hopes of finding better and less harmful cancer treatments.

Addiction

CBD is believed to help make quitting smoking easier. This study in Addictive behaviors found that CBD inhalers were beneficial to those trying to quit smoking.

Chronic Pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD is believed to play a major role in reducing chronic pain.

Should You Try CBD Oil?

CBD oil isn’t a psychoactive compound and is known to be quite safe in most instances. There are very few side effects or risks associated with the use of CBD oil. It has an amazingly high safety profile.

Thus far, there have been no legal issues associated with using CBD oil in the United States, though people living there have their concerns.

While CBD is mostly safe, rare instances of allergic reactions have been reported. If you experience such a reaction, immediately stop using it.

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Overall, there is no reason not to give CBD oil a try if you are trying to reduce your use of conventional medications or over the counter pain relievers. Several scientific authorities advocate CBD as a natural and promising treatment for a plethora of medical conditions.

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Thank you for your interest in Geek Health Journal. My name is Anne. Feel free to comment on any article and I will help if I can.

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