More and more people believe in the power of medical marijuana. Despite its battle in being legalized in other countries, many people can stand as a witness in proving its benefits to the majority.
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids produced by the Cannabis Sativa, the marijuana plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main component of the cannabis sativa plant that is responsible for the sensation of getting euphoric. Though, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This quality makes CBD as an appealing opportunity for people who are seeking relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana.
How do I choose the right product?
Because the FDA does not regulate CBD, it’s not impossible to accidentally purchase a product that’s more or less potent than advertised. CBD products don’t contain THC. It falls outside the scope of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s Controlled Substance Act, thus making it legal to sell and buy. Some even contain small amounts of THC. Because of this, it’s necessary to choose products that are third-party-tested.
How do I use it?
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and is combined with a carrier oil. There are several forms of CBD oil, including soft gel capsules, tinctures, and under-the-tongue sprays. There are also forms available that can be directly applied to the skin as topicals. The concentration of CBD varies from product to product.
Is it worth trying?
Although CBD oil is utilized in different health-related purposes, there’s still a lack of research for the oils’ benefits. Here are some takes on CBD’s benefits:
1. Anxiety
According to a report published by Neurotherapeutics in 2015, CBD shows promise in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The author’s report found evidence that CBD may help treat different kinds of anxiety disorders. However, human-based research is still limited at this point.
2. Addiction
According to a review published in a journal entitled Substance Abuse in 2015, CBD oil may be beneficial to those who have an addiction. A study featured in WebMD included 42 men and women with a history of heroin abuse. For the study, a number of men and women were given oral CBD or an inactive placebo. Afterward, they were shown videos that contain neutral and drug-related cues. Neutral cues include images of sceneries while drug-related cues shown pictures of syringes, pills, etc. The researchers found that CBD reduced drug cue-induced craving and anxiety in the participants.
These are just a few of the numerous benefits of CBD oil. If you are considering using it, it is imperative to discuss it first with your doctor to help prevent drug interaction.