While the use of medical marijuana is still a politically and emotionally charged topic, a lot more research is rising to support the use of CBD for its diverse and vast health benefits.
But First, What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is a compound present in marijuana. It’s part of a family of compounds called cannabinoids. For years, THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, received most of the attention. However, unlike THC, CBD does not change a person’s state of mind when they use it. According to a study published in 2013, CBD has various health benefits and no psychoactive effects.
7 Different Ways to Consume CBD
There are different ways to consume CBD and each type works differently:
1. Oils
CBD oil is the most potent and natural form of cannabidiol. It is removed directly from the flowers, stalks and seeds of the hemp plant during the extraction process.
2. Capsules
CBD capsules are a fast and simple way to digest cannabidiol. Usually, capsules will contain 10–25 milligrams of CBD.
3. Topical Solutions
There’s a vast amount of topical CBD products on the market today. Everything from lotions to lip balms. These products are meant to benefit skin, joint and muscle health, and work when they are absorbed into the skin allowing the cannabinoids to be delivered directly to your bloodstream.
4. Edibles
If you’re hoping to avoid inhaling, CBD edibles are an excellent option. CBD edibles such as chocolates, coffees, baked goods, gums and candies are becoming hugely popular.
5. Powders
CBD powders is a way to use cannabidiol internally. You can add the powder in your water, juice, tea or a smoothie.
6. Vape oil
This requires the use of an e-cigarette or vape pen, which is not always the healthiest option.
7. Sprays
This is another product to try if you want to use CBD internally. Simply spray the solution into your mouth, but make sure to read the label for the exact dosage.
7 Health Benefits of CBD
1. Relax W/O The Need For Excessive Amounts of Pain Meds
Evidence suggests that CBD oil can inhibit the neural transmission of pain. As a result, you can relax without the need for excessive amounts of pain medication. In several studies, results show that those using opioids and CBD oil simultaneously, usually reduce the number of pills they need to take with time. If you need pain relief without the psychoactive effects of marijuana, this oil can be a fantastic alternative.
2. Takes Away Anxiety & Depression
Evidence shows that cannabis has anxiolytic-like effects, which reduce anxiety and helps deal with depression. It is so beneficial for people who have social anxiety disorders. It could also help with panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and various other mental disorders that can impair the ability to function. Additionally, a study conducted in 2011 found that CBD oil could help to deal with social anxiety within just a few hours of taking it!
3. Relieves The Symptoms Of Cancer
Cancer treatment usually comes with some horrible side effects that include pain and nausea, just to name a few. In a study done on THC and CBD compounds, results showed that people who were treated using an extract that contained both compounds saw a significant reduction in pain. Besides relieving the side effects of cancer, preliminary evidence shows that CBD oil is effective in fighting the spread of cancerous cells.
4. Cheaper Alternative To Treating Acne
CBD oil might offer a cheaper alternative to treating acne. In one study, CBD oil prevented the cells in sebum glands from producing too much sebum, which is a cause of acne. Additionally, CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which prevents the productions of acne-causing agents. So far, human studies on acne treatment are quite promising.
5. Helps Deal With Common Neurological Disorders
Researchers believe that CBD can help deal with common neurological disorders such as MS and epilepsy. In one study, Sativex, which is a spray comprising of CBD and THC, was shown to be a safe and effective method of reducing muscle spasticity, so effective that it reduced muscle spasticity in 75% of people in one study.
6. CBD Can Combat Addiction
CBD not only alleviates conditions from harmful side effects from medication, but it can also help fight the dependency for that medication. Results from a 2018 study showed that CBD could actually help combat addiction by preventing relapses. In the study, researchers found that after administering CBD once a day for seven days, patients no longer displayed “addictive behaviours,” and it deterred the patient from relapsing for five months.
7. Eliminates Chronic Inflammation = # 1 cause of the worst diseases known to humanity
Anyone eating a modern diet probably suffers from inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is a HUGE risk factor for developing some of the worst diseases known to humanity, like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Ageing and disability in general
Researchers have found that CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, researchers have found that CBD reduces inflammation in a very effective way. Moreover, it does this without having psychoactive side-effects like THC. So if you want to reduce inflammation in your body, CBD oil might be worth a try.
Conclusion
In the past decade, CBD has exhibited a lot of mind-blowing health benefits for the overall human body. With that said, It might just be time for you to take advantage of what this plant has to offer. Just make sure that you get your products from reputable dispensaries and you are good to go!