Superior Self With KJ Landis / What is the Deal with CBD Oil?

This week's blog is by a guest blogger named Amelia Noble. She really enjoys diving into the research of CBD for health.
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CBD oil has gotten a fair amount of attention in alternative and mainstream health. It's been touted for offering the therapeutic capabilities of marijuana without the high. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is derived from hemp and could offer a host of health benefits. CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates your mood, motor control, sleep, digestion, pain, and inflammation. CBD makes it easier for your endocannabinoid system to communicate with the other systems. CBD can offer therapeutic properties, with many CBD users reporting they experience positive health effects. Some of the conditions CBD oil can offer relief for include chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, migraines, inflammation, PTSD, depression, nausea, low appetite, and epilepsy. In fact, CBD has been FDA approved to treat epilepsy in the form of Epidiolex, which treats two severe forms of epilepsy.


Most CBD comes from hemp. Typically, CBD comes from hemp, which contains a very small amount of THC and a higher concentration of CBD. It doesn't get you high, because CBD isn't the same as THC. THC offers psychoactive effects, and while some CBD oils have trace amounts of THC, CBD doesn't have the same effect. That means CBD can offer some of the health benefits of marijuana, but it won't make you feel stoned. However, you may experience a feeling of relaxation when using CBD. That makes it a good choice for people who are seeking the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, but don’t want to experience the high of THC. Cannabis is illegal at a federal level, but CBD contains only trace amounts of THC, which should make it legal in most states. Generally, CBD oil is legal in states with legal medical or recreational marijuana. Of course, it's a good idea to make sure.


CBD is considered safe overall. Side effects from CBD are rare, and the drug shows little risk of dependency. It's well tolerated by most people, though some may experience tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, appetite or weight changes, or low blood pressure. Though CBD is typically considered safe, it's important to work with a trusted vendor. Be aware of drug interactions if you're taking other medications, because CBD can interact with them. Make sure to check with your doctor if you're taking other medications. It's also a good idea to avoid CBD if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and avoid giving CBD to children unless recommended by a pediatrician. You can take CBD oil directly on your tongue, or added to food or drink. Vape oil can be heated and inhaled. You can rub it into your skin with lotions or creams. Or, CBD capsules and edibles are available. Generally, inhalation or topical application will offer effects quickly, while oral or sublingual ingestion can take a big longer. Start out with a light dose, then increase as needed.
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​Written by Amelia Noble. Amelia is a researcher with the CBD Awareness Project. When she's not studying CBD, you can find her playing board games.

Read here.