If you were to search CBD online, you’d get millions of results, most of them about CBD oil. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound extracted from cannabis plants. There are claims that CBD can treat everything from anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, skin inflammations, and more.

I wanted to check how true the claims about CBD oil are, so I used different brands of CBD oil for a year. I also read the newest scientific research about CBD and talked with a health professional. Here’s everything you should know about CBD oil, including its effects, pros, and cons.

 

Quick Summary

• CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant. It’s non-intoxicating, so it won’t get you high.
• CBD oil is proven to help with various health conditions, such as insomnia, pain, skin inflammation, and many more.
• You should buy CBD oil from reputable manufacturers for the biggest health benefits.

 

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is oil derived from the cannabis plant. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of the two main chemical compounds in the cannabis sativa plant (the other being THC). 

Unlike THC, CBD can’t get you high, which means you won’t experience intoxicating effects when using CBD oil. This is what makes CBD oil an appealing product for people looking to get pain relief. You get all the benefits of CBD without the mind-altering effects of cannabis or prescription drugs.

CBD oil usually contains high levels of CBD and varying levels of THC. 

There are three different kinds of CBD oil:

• Full-spectrum CBD — Contains all compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC.
• Broad-spectrum CBD — Contains all compounds in the cannabis plant but no THC.
• CBD isolate — Only contains CBD.

CBD oil also usually contains carrier oil, such as coconut or olive, and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as beetroot and pomegranate extracts, vitamins, and more.

CBD oil is the most popular CBD-containing product. Out of 60% of US adults who say they’ve used CBD, 55% say it was in the form of CBD oil.

 

Effects of CBD Oil

CBD oil has various effects on our bodies. It affects the human endocannabinoid system (an important part of the central nervous system that has cannabinoid receptors). 

CBD can increase existing endocannabinoid levels, which can help with a variety of conditions, such as sleep issues, pain, reduced inflammation, stress and anxiety disorders, and more.

CBD also affects other receptors in our bodies, such as opioid and serotonin, so it has a wide variety of applications.

Here’s a complete list of CBD health benefits and how it affects our bodies:

Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil

• Pain Relief

CBD has pain-relieving effects. It affects endocannabinoid receptor activity and reduces inflammation. 

CBD oil can relieve inflammatory and neuropathic pain (nerve pain and back pain) on its own. However, it’s more effective when used with THC. For example, CBD and THC can treat pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

Sativex, a spray containing equal parts CBD and THC, is approved in Canada for treating MS, neuropathic pain, and cancer pain.

Also, CBD oil can be applied topically. You can rub it directly onto an area in pain. This is a more localized and direct way to use CBD oil, and it has a more pronounced effect than when CBD goes into the bloodstream.

• Anxiety and Mental Health Disorders

One study found that CBD can reduce anxiety caused by public speaking. Participants who took CBD oil before a public-speaking event were more relaxed and had a lower negative self-evaluation. 

CBD oil can also help with mood disorders, including social anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others. 

CBD in CBD oil interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain and regulates the mood of the patients. 

Overall, CBD is a better choice for treating mental disorders than pharmaceutical drugs because they can cause side effects such as agitation, insomnia, headaches, and more. It can help improve cognitive health.

• Addiction Treatment

CBD oil can also help with addiction treatment. It reduces the activation of the amygdala, which is the area of the brain involved in addiction.

People usually crave drugs when exposed to a certain cue. CBD oil can help reduce the craving during cue exposure, even with powerful drugs such as heroin.

Moreover, CBD can help treat people dependent on opioids. It reduces medical symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and pain, in patients with substance use disorders. 

CBD oil can also help users quit smoking by reducing cravings during the withdrawal period.

• Improves Heart Health

Another benefit of hemp-derived CBD products is the ability to improve heart health. CBD oil can lower high blood pressure. 

High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, and other health issues. But, a study of people treated with CBD oil found that it can reduce resting blood pressure. 

• Clears the Skin

CBD can help with acne, psoriasis, skin cancer, and skin pain. 

CBD prevents functions of the sebaceous glands that cause acne (too much sebum leads to acne).

You can apply CBD oil to the inflamed skin area and get relief from pesky acne but also conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

• Sleep Issues

Though more research is needed, some studies show that CBD oil can help people with sleep disorders.

CBD interacts with the central nervous system and can help improve sleep quality. It relaxes the body and quiets the mind. We feel less anxious, can fall asleep easier, and have a quality sleep.

People who take CBD before sleeping feel more rested and refreshed in the morning.

 

Side Effects of CBD Oil

Generally, CBD oil is well tolerated, and the medical consensus is that it’s safe to use for chronic pain, cancer treatment, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, and other health issues.

Side effects after taking CBD oil are very rare and mild and include:

• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue 
• Drowsiness

However, you should be careful if you’re taking other medications. CBD oil interacts with pain medications, antidepressants, diabetes drugs, and other medicine. You should consult your healthcare provider before taking CBD, especially if you’re already taking prescription drugs.

Where to Buy CBD Oil

Many people wonder is CBD legal. The good news is that hemp-derived CBD products are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, the market is saturated with low-quality, nonprescription CBD products, especially oils, so you should be careful where you buy your CBD oil.

I’ve tried several CBD oils, and my vote for the best one goes to Keoni CBD. This full-spectrum CBD oil can help with various health conditions and contains a low dose of THC for the best possible health benefits. You can use it for everything from an anxiety disorder to lower blood pressure, cancer pain treatment, and more.

It’s affordable, has a high CBD potency, and less than 0.3% THC, so it’s completely legal. Check it out, and get the benefits of CBD oil today.

 

Should You Use CBD Oil?

CBD oil is an excellent health aid for people of all ages. You can use it to help with anxiety attacks, depression, chronic pain, skin inflammation, and various other health conditions.

A few drops of CBD oil are enough to help with a health ailment. Most importantly, CBD oil is safe to use. Side effects are rare and, in most cases, very mild.

Make sure to buy CBD oil from a reputable source, and consult your doctor if you’re already taking drugs or other dietary supplements. 

 

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