CBD Oil: Everything You Need to Know
Although there is some evidence that the CBD hemp oil market is not as hot as it was a few years ago, it remains a multi-billion-dollar industry. Typing “CBD oil” into the Google search engine reveals around 151 million results, so it’s fair to say that information about the cannabinoid is easy to find.
The problem is locating GOOD information! Sadly, the Internet is rife with lies and half-truths about most things, and CBD hemp oil is no different. Go to one site, and you’ll read that the cannabinoid is a miracle drug. Visit another site, and the writer will try to convince you that the entire industry is a scam.
As usual, the truth lies somewhere in between. CBD oils don’t work on everyone, and brands are not allowed to make medical claims. However, it is equally true that products from top-rated companies can help manage symptoms of everyday stresses, promote healthier sleep cycles and possibly manage pain as a symptom of certain conditions. CBD oils by Premium Jane, for example, are among the most coveted on the market.
Rather than trying to create a CBD hemp oil compendium of data, this article will provide brief answers to a handful of FAQs that will hopefully improve your knowledge of cannabidiol.
Where Do CBD Manufacturers Get the Cannabinoid From?
Companies extract CBD hemp oil from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, any cannabis plant that contains over 0.3% THC is classified as marijuana and is, therefore, federally illegal. In contrast, cannabis plants with 0.3% THC or less are classified as hemp. Hemp cultivation is now legal in every state as long as the grower has the right license.
Sellers of CBD oils can extract the cannabinoid from marijuana but may only operate in states where MMJ or adult-use weed are legal. In contrast, brands that use hemp-derived CBD oils can sell their products in most states.
How Do CBD Brands Extract the Cannabinoid?
There are several extraction methods, although the most common are CO2 and ethanol. Supercritical CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide to pull compounds from hemp. It is a sophisticated process that leaves no residual solvent.
Ethanol extraction entails using alcohol to get compounds from the hemp plant. It involves soaking the plant in ethanol to strip it of cannabinoids and terpenes before straining the liquid and heating it in a special container. There is a danger of residual solvent remaining in the CBD hemp oil you use, but responsible companies ensure the levels are well below the FDA’s limit.
How Does CBD Work?
The cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are two main receptors affected by these compounds; CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors regulate appetite, thinking, mood, emotion, and much more. CB2 receptors impact inflammation and pain.
While CBD doesn’t directly attach to either receptor, there’s a suggestion that it stimulates receptors to help the body produce its natural cannabinoids, also known as endocannabinoids.
What Are CBD’s Potential Benefits?
Research is ongoing, but the available studies have revealed some exciting findings. There is evidence that CBD could have the following benefits:
• Pain relief
• Reduction of stress
• Decreased anxiety
• Improved relaxation
• Better sleep
• Decreases in the severity and frequency of seizures associated with epilepsy
• Neuroprotective effects
Although plenty of studies highlight the potential of CBD oils, it is important to note that there aren’t enough clinical trials to support the above claims fully. Furthermore, CBD is NOT approved by the FDA. One exception is Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical drug used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, Lennon-Gastaut syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex in children aged 12+ months.
Is CBD Safe?
Once again, further research is necessary to provide a conclusive answer. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that CBD didn’t appear to have abuse potential and recommended that the cannabinoid shouldn’t be internationally scheduled as a controlled substance.
Nonetheless, there are potential adverse effects associated with CBD hemp oil, including nausea, mood changes, and liver damage, although side effects of this nature appear very rare. It is also worth noting that CBD oil can interact with certain drugs.
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil: Use it Sensibly for the Best Results!
If you’re interested in buying CBD hemp oil, make sure you only buy it from brands that include updated third-party reports with every batch of products. When using CBD oils, it is best to use a small amount at first to gauge your tolerance. Gradually increase the dosage as necessary until you feel satisfactory effects.