CBD oil is all the rage right now and rightfully so!
According to my favorite pilates guru Kym Byrnes (she’s awesome if you’re here in NYC and an equinox member), and if you’ve been reading anything in natural news lately you may have heard about Cannabidiol oil or CBD oil as it’s more frequently referred to.
There’s a lot of confusion about what it is, how it’s different than traditional marijuana, and how it may be able to help you. So, to clear up some your questions, let’s talk everything to know about CBD oil!
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil comes from hemp- which is part of the cannabis plant, and is not marijuana- as marijuana contains both THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD. THC and CBD have different effects- the THC component of marijuana causes the mind high- and has an effect on the brain; whereas, the CBD does not have an effect on the brain and does not cause someone to feel high.
How does CBD oil work?
Our bodies produce some cannabinoids, which are called endocannabinoids. Everybody has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates signals we receive from cannabinoids. Our ECS helps regulate functions like sleep, immune-system responses, and pain.
There are two main receptors in this system : CB1 receptors, which are found mostly in the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, which are a part of the immune system. CBD does not stimulate these two receptors; instead, it activates other receptors that help the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively.
All Cannabidiols
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
There are many potential benefits, and it is becoming more and more popular as a natural air for many ailments including :
Inflammation and Pain :
- Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. In 2012 a study by the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD decreased the presence of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rodents.
- Several studies also showed a combination of CBD and THC in the oral spray Sativex, is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
Anxiety and Depression:
- CBD oil has shown promise as a natural alternative for both depression and anxiety, leading to new research on the topic. According one study, CBD oil was shown affective at mitigating anxiety symptoms of individuals with social anxiety disorder before they had speak publicly.
- Overall, current evidence indicates CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders including: PTSD, general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and OCD.
- Research has show that CBD can have an antidepressant-like effects according to studies on mice.
Cancer:
- A study by the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics showed that CBD was able to inhibit the growth of different breast tumor cells.
- British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology noted that CBD may block cancer cells from spreading and potentially invading an area entirely.
Acne:
- CBD oil may help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production.One study found that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, provided anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines.
Neurodegenerative:
- Because of CBD’s ability impact the ECS of the body, researchers believe it may provide help for those with neurological disorders. Initial research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that CBD was able to prevent the development of social recognition deficit in subjects.
- Sativex has been proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis. One more study found that CBD oil the amount of seizures in children with Dravet syndrome (an epilepsy disorder) when compared to a placebo.
It is important to note that in both studies there were adverse reactions to the treatment.
What are the risks of CBD oil?
CBD oil’s relative newness means there is very little information regarding long-term safety. With any new or alternative treatment option, a patient should discuss CBD with a qualified healthcare practitioner before use.
Some reported side effects of cannabidiol include dry mouth, low blood pressure, light headedness, and drowsiness.
When you use it, does it make you feel high?
The short answer to the original question is no, CBD does not get you high.CBD is not psychoactive, so unlike THC, CBD does not change the state of mind of the person who uses it.
How to choose a great product:
Choosing a CBD product can be overwhelming, because the oils come in different strengths, packages and concentrations- so really, all are not created equal. When it comes to looking for a product,
Products we love:
We have a lot to learn about CBD, but the research seems very very promising. I hope this helped to clear up all the information floating around and if you decide you want to try out CBD oil, please make sure to talk to your health care provider before!
