Canabidiols, also known as CBD seems to offer many health benefits, if taken within limited dosage or in recommended quantity. Though many forms and combinations are available on the market, hemp oil with CBD is one of the most popular forms of this compound. Among its health benefits are pain relief, anxiety control or even managing depression under expert guidance.
What exactly is CBD, and is it legal?
That is a valid question because, CBD is a compound derived from marijuana, which is often known only to produce the ‘high’. However, what many people don’t know is that there is one more compound, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is also derived from marijuana, and THC is what gets you the ‘high’. CBD does not give you the ‘high’ marijuana is infamous for. However, it changes your consciousness and brings down your pain, which make you comfortable. Hence it is often recommended for medical use under various conditions, and in limited quantities. CBD without THC is used for medical reasons, but there are many CBD products that contain some amount of THC, because of which it can be illegal. You must check the label of the product before buying or ordering.
Is CBD legal?
Before answering this question, it will be logical to talk about hemp. Hemp or industrial hemp is one of the fastest growing plants of the Cannabis Sativa family of plants. Hemp is used for producing various types of industrial products such as clothing, fabrics, insulation materials, bio-fuel, paints and more. CBD is also derived from hemp plant. Hemp-derived CBD has less than 0.3 % of THC. As mentioned above, hemp is mainly produced for industrial use, it has been allowed in many states, therefore hemp-derived CBD is also legal in those states. Similarly marijuana is legal in many states for medical and recreational purposes, but legality of marijuana derived CBD is unclear. You must consult your state health department for a clear answer. Or to be on the safer side, you can consider marijuana derived CBD illegal for now, and hemp derived CBD legal in allowed states, if it has 0.3% or less THC.
Hemp Oil with CBD-5 Health Benefits
Without getting too much into its legal aspects, we’ll focus on its health benefits and medical uses. CBD requires a carrier oil, and hemp oil, coconut oil are often the most popular choices. Its controlled use in treating anxiety disorder is one of the most talked about health benefits. Here is the complete list.
- Possible treatment of epilepsy. Research is on to find out more about its anti-seizure capabilities and related safe use.
- Pain relief: Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can provide relief in arthritic pain, muscle pain, MS pain and many other types of pain.
- Acne management: CBD oil prevents activity in sebaceous glands, which results in anti-acne effect. Read full report
- Helpful in cancer treatment side-effects: CBD helps in reducing some types of tumor cell growth. This makes it a possible cancer treatment compound. However, more research is required to confirm this.
- Substance abuse treatment: CBD can be considered for many substance addiction treatment programs, because of its positive effects. Want to quit marijuana?
- Stress Relief: In addition to trying CBD on humans for stress relief, it is also being considered for using as a stress reliever in animals. In Warsaw zoo, CBD is going to be used for treating stress related behavioural issues in elephants. Read the full BBC report on it.
Hemp oil, hemp seed oil or CBD Oil, are they same?
Though it is common to refer to hemp oil or CBD oil interchangeably, they are not same. Hemp oil in everyday language refers to hemp seed oil which is used for cooking, food and skincare products. CBD oil on the other hand is extracted from leaves, stems, buds, and flowers of the Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% THC. That is what we are discussing and not the hemp seed oil.
Dosage CBD oil, capsules or spray
Also known as CBD tincture, its oil is delivered under the tongue with a dropper. The exact dosage of CBD oil depends upon its concentration. Usually it is available 1500 mg in a 30 ml bottle. So one drop will contain approximately 2.5 mg of CBD. Depending on your exact requirements, the dosage can vary from 5 mg to 25 mg per day. So 2 to 10 drops per day approx. Just 1 or 2 drops can be put under the tongue for 30-60 seconds without swallowing. Dosage of capsules and gummies are simpler and must be as per your physician’s prescription.
Check before you buy CBD
- Check the amount of THC, it must be equal to or less than 0.3%
- Organic products are better than those not certificated by USDA
- Check if it is hemp-derived or marijuana-derived. Decide accordingly
- Does it have third-party lab report? Go for it only if has an approved report not more than 8 months old. Read more about what you must look for before buying CBD.
Possible Side-effects of CBD
Though CBD is limited quantity is safe for adults, there can be some side-effects in some people such as
- Change in mood and appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness or Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
Precaution of CBD Use
If you have reached this paragraph after going through the rest of the post, then I need not tell you that if you are on any kind of medication, then you must take medical advice before using CBD. In fact, to be on the safer side, I’d suggest get in touch with your GP even if you are not on any medication. Correct dosage, frequency of doses and total period of using CBD for any specific health condition, can be best suggested by a medical professional.
The Bottom Line
Though I agree we have proof that marijuana has been used for pain relief as far back as 2900 B.C, in my personal opinion, there are natural ways and methods to treat various types of health issues. Whether it is anxiety, depression, arthritic pain or acne management, why not go for other proven natural treatments than try something that is still being studied or researched? Yoga practice for lean body, changing diet for overall health or using meditation for stress relief and mental clarity provide long-term or you can say permanent for best health benefits at no cost.
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