A Complete Guide to CBD Oil in 2020

As CBD oil explodes onto the market, a lot of people find themselves asking some important questions about its use. There are many personal reports out there about the effects of CBD on the human body. Even so, many of these accounts are not backed by actual research. This is mostly due to the lack of backing from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But a need for physical testing does not mean CBD oil isn’t safe to consume. Consumers have reported an array of health benefits they have experienced from regular use.

This comprehensive look at CBD will answer some of the most critical questions out there—things like side effects, the legality of the substance, how high quality CBD oil is made and what to use it on. Everyone should understand where a product comes from and how it’s made before consuming it. Know what it is you are putting into your body before moving ahead. 

What Is CBD Oil?

To understand what CBD oil is, you need to know where it comes from. Some have asked if CBD is made from hemp or marijuana. The answer to that is both; the marijuana plant and the hemp plant can be used to produce CBD. The difference between a marijuana and hemp plant is the amount of THC present in each plant. There have been reports that hemp and CBD oil are the same product, but that is incorrect. They may both come from the Cannabis Sativa plant, but they are two completely different products.

CBD Oil

The Cannabis Sativa plant is used in the manufacturing of CBD oil. Although there are different ways to extract cannabidiol, the final product should be strictly CBD. This substance is then combined with other oils, such as coconut or hemp seed, to allow for easy absorption by the human body.

CBD can be added to edibles, topical treatment, oils and even drinks. CBD oil is said to be more concentrated and, therefore, reputedly works better than hemp oil when it comes to effectively treating anxiety disorders, arthritis and sleep deprivation. CBD has been credited with being able to relieve many physical and mental ailments. Even so, little research has been done to back up such claims.

What Are the Effects of CBD on the Body?

As with any substance, each body is going to respond to CBD in its own way. Everyone has something called an endocannabinoid system made up of receptors (CB1 and CB2), which are located all over the body. When studies started on cannabinoids, it was found that the body makes a similar substance called endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids). These neurotransmitters affect the body in many different ways; they can regulate pain and even reduce anxiety. The role of endocannabinoids is to promote balance when it comes to mental, physical and emotional health.

There is a condition called clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) that some individuals suffer from. When the body does not create enough endocannabinoids, it can cause serious health problems. A few conditions scientists believe to be associated with CECD are:

· Multiple sclerosis (MS);

· Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);

· Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);

· Parkinson’s disease;

· Fibromyalgia;

· Neuropathy;

· Huntington’s disease;

· Seizures;

· And even autism. 

Consumers report that using CBD oil has helped reduce the effects of some disorders and diseases. It is speculated that they experience relief because of how the body uses CBD. Once introduced, CBD oil triggers the CB1 and CB2 receptors to produce more endocannabinoids. With an uptake in production, the body balances out and begins healing. Studies have been done to show that CBD helps reduce inflammation and treat pain caused by swelling.

Dravet Syndrome

A form of childhood epilepsy, those with Dravet syndrome have found CBD oil can treat symptoms in children as young as 2 years old. The FDA has recently approved a drug, Epidiolex, to be used as a treatment for epilepsy in children. Although the FDA has not said they back all CBD-related products, they do recognize a few cannabis-derived drugs. This means testing has been done on these treatments, and the CBD was found to be safe enough for children to ingest. It also shows there were positive results from using said product.

Does CBD Oil Make You High? 

Having touched on where CBD oil comes from, there is always the question of whether or not it will make a user high. The answer is no—CBD oils should not make you high. While there can be slight amounts of THC found in some oils, it is not enough to cause a high.

THC

The endogenous cannabinoids in the body are also found in the brain. The chemical THC works with these neurotransmitters just as CBD oils do. The difference is found in how the body recognizes these different substances. THC is similar to anandamide which controls brain function. Once THC enters the body, it can attach to molecules and activate receptors in the brain. This causes a disruption to different mental and physical features, resulting in a high. Because CBD oils have little to no THC, the body will not treat it like anandamide.

It is possible to find CBD products with added THC, but not all oils contain it. The oils that do offer THC should be labeled as such, because THC was likely added during production. CBD and hemp oils should not produce a high when ingested. If such effects are occurring, check the ingredients on the bottle of your product before taking more.

Where Can CBD Be Purchased?  

CBD oil can be found everywhere. Major retailers are carrying it, gas stations, corner shops and even liquor stores. Everyone is looking to get in on the CBD movement. Recent news reports have issued warnings about purchasing CBD products online. With an influx in the market, there are many great CBD-related offers on the internet; but, according to a study cited by Consumer Reports, only a fraction of CBD oil purchased online actually contained CBD. Out of the bottles tested, some were found to have no CBD at all, while others contained unreported THC.

The safest way to purchase CBD would be to shop around. Find people who have used CBD products and ask them what company they recommend. Research vendors before you buy from them. Are they reputable? The cheapest product is not the best in this situation. The cost of reliable CBD oil may be a little high, but at least there is an understanding of what you’re putting in your cart.

By Todd Dunsmore

From observer.com