What is CBD Oil…
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating extract from the Cannabis sativa family of plants (which includes hemp and marijuana). CBD is just one of a family of chemicals known as the cannabinoids, shown to have anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, anti-anxiety, and anticonvulsant properties as well as homeostatic properties (meaning it maintains healthy balance in cells).
Even though CBD oil is from the cannabis plant, it is not psychoactive and doesn’t create a “high”—an effect caused rather by THC (9-tetrahydrocannabinol), another cannabinoid.
What Are Cannabinoids?
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cannabinoids are active chemicals in Cannabis that cause drug-like effects throughout the body, including the central nervous system and the immune system.
Cannabinoids are made in small amounts in the human body—in breast milk, for example. Every cell in the body has receptors for cannabinoids, and they modulate expression of the genes involved with homeostasis (healthy balance) and metabolism (turning food into energy). In turn, this impacts inflammation, immune function, appetite, pain-sensation, mood, memory, and brain function and development.
Unlike the diet of our ancestors, the modern diet is lacking in cannabinoids; the result is that most people are deficient, a condition known as “endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome.”
CBD Oil: Legality
In 2017, the World Health Organization urged that CBD not be considered a drug. In the United States, cannabidiol is not listed on the United States Controlled Substances Act. THC and marijuana, however, are listed. Cannabis is legal (medicinal or recreational use) in several but not all states.
Over the past few years, several CBD companies have run into legal problems with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). When looking for a CBD company, check that it is locally and federally legal. The DEA rules that product derived from the “sterilized seeds, oil or cake made from the seeds, and mature stalks”, but not from the leaves, is federally legal.
The Cannabis Family of Plants
There are two strains of the cannabis plant:
Hemp is a tall, sturdy plant grown for thousands of years for the production of seeds, food, oils, and fibers to make textiles like rope and fabric. Hemp contains low levels of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which enhances its psychoactive properties.
Marijuana has been bred for generations to increase THC levels for religious, medical, and recreational settings.
Potential Benefits of Cannabinoids and CBD Oil Products
Emerging research shows potential benefits of cannabinoids in a wide range of conditions. Much of this research is early stage, but results are promising..
Cancer: The National Cancer Institute explains that cannabinoids may inhibit tumor growth, while protecting normal cells, and improve effectiveness of chemotherapy. CBD oil products containing THC can be useful in reducing nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite, and improving weight gain in patients with cancer.
Epilepsy and neurological disorders: A 2017 study in The New England Journal of Medicine looked at patients with a severe form of drug-resistant epilepsy (Dravet syndrome) and found that CBD decreased the frequency of seizures, but increased the risk of sleepiness and increased liver enzymes. Other studies have found the risks to be minimal in comparison to anti-epileptic drugs.
Anxiety: While CBD oil products high in THC can exacerbate anxiety and trigger paranoia, one study in Neurotherapeutics showed that “preclinical evidence conclusively demonstrates CBD’s efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors…including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)… with a lack of anxiogenic (anxiety-producing) effects, minimal sedative effects, and an excellent safety profile.”
Diabetes: A 2016 animal study found that CBD oil reduced inflammation in Type 1 diabetes.
Acne: Some manufacturers produce creams and lotions containing CBD. Research shows that CBD oil products have numerous skin benefits, which may include anti-acne benefits.
Pain relief: The National Institutes of Health are researching the role of cannabinoids in pain management, in a variety of conditions including: arthritis, cancer, chronic pain syndromes, MS, muscle pain, and spinal cord injuries and may utilize vaporization and oral mucosal delivery for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil
Research has shown that CBD is well tolerated across a wide range of doses. Most common symptoms include tiredness, diarrhea, and a change in appetite or weight. Side effects are more common with higher THC levels.
Drug interactions may occur, so always check with your doctor or pharmacy before starting CBD.
How to Use CBD Oil
CBD is extracted from hemp or marijuana plants. It is then formulated into an oil, powder, paste, creams or capsules and taken orally, or applied to skin. It can also be taken as an inhaler or via vaping. Warning: Anyone who may be drug tested (athletes, some jobs) should opt for pure CBD products containing no THC. A recent ruling states that all active military should avoid CBD products.
CBD oil production is not standardized, so look for products that have high farming and manufacturing standards.
—Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN (adapted from www.universityhealthnews.com)
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