CBD oil is a non-psychoactive, therapeutic supplement. The best cbd oil for anxiety has been reported to help with anxiety, insomnia and even cancer. Recently, the FDA approved Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. However, does this mean that there are no side effects? What’s the deal with CBD oil?
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol – one of over 60+ naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. CBD and other compounds in cannabis are basically just common molecules that activate specific receptors within the human body.
No, CBD oil is not intoxicating or psychoactive. It’s a non-psychoactive substance that comes from the cannabis plant. Although research on CBD oil has increased significantly over the last several years, most of our knowledge about CBD is derived from studies on animals rather than humans.
THC vs. CBD
Although CBD is a cannabinoid like THC, it doesn’t produce a “high” or psychoactive effect when consumed because it has little binding affinity for either CB1 or CB2 receptors in the brain.
This doesn’t mean that CBD effects are limited to the brain. For example, the cannabinoids found in whole-plant extracts like CBD can have anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties when consumed orally.
What Does It Do?
Studies suggest that cannabinoids like CBD may be effective in reducing inflammation and pain more than doubling their effectiveness compared to THC alone. In fact, many animal studies suggest that these cannabinoid chemicals have an analgesic effect – meaning they reduce pain sensation. For example, there are cannabinoid receptors at the nerve endings of our mouths, eyes and even on internal organs like the kidneys and lungs.
For this reason, CBD oil can be used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the release of immune cells in the body. This is why it’s been used for many ailments like arthritis, migraines, diabetes and depression. CBD oil is also known to promote general wellness in its users. This is one of the reasons that so many people choose to treat their anxiety with it.
Is there another kind of CBD oil?
Yes! In fact, there’s a whole range of different kinds: The majority of the world’s cannabis strains contain high levels of cannabidiol but they only contain traces of THC. CBD is also found in hemp (Cannabis Sativa) which is cultivated to produce high-quality, CBD-rich resin. The most important compounds are terpenes, a group of organic compounds. Terpenes are potent anti-inflammatories and have a balancing effect on the endocannabinoid system.
Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?
Yes, but none that have been scientifically proven at this time. Some studies have suggested that CBD oil may be unsafe for children and pregnant women when used during pregnancy. However, if you dose your CBD oil correctly, using high quality CBD oil from a trusted source, it could provide some significant health benefits for you and your family.
