CBD Oil has been a hot topic and came up in conversation a few weeks ago when I was in Palm Springs visiting my parents and family friends. Our friends heard CBD cream is great for joint pain and bought some from the local dispensary to give it a try.
We had a bunch of questions like, What is it and how is it different than marijuana? Is it legal? Will they serve jail time if they take it over the state line? I’m half-joking on the last one. The point is we were all feeling “canna”-curious about cannabis so I decided to find out some details.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil stands for cannabidiol oil and comes from cannabis (Cannabis sativa) plant. Both CBD and THC are main components of the cannabis plant but THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) produces intoxicating effects while CBD does not.
CBD Oil vs. Hemp and Cannabis Oil
CBD, Hemp and Cannabis all come from varieties of the cannabis plant but it’s the amount of THC present in the plant that makes them different.
The big difference between CBD and THC is, CBD cannot get you “high”. Cannabidiol or CBD has less than 0.3 percent of THC). CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves and stalks of the cannabis plant and is one of the 85 substances called cannabinoids. CBD actually stands for cannabidiol is the second most abundant compound next to THC. You might find it labeled CBD/Hemp Oil because CBD is often extracted as an oil then mixed with hemp oil as a carrier oil.
Hemp oil (also called Hemp seed oil) comes from seeds and do not contain THC. Hemp is viewed more as a superfood, with its high protein content and perfect ratio of Omega 3 and 6 fats. The nutty flavor makes a great cooking oil and natural moisturizer so you’ll find it in lotions and skin creams. Hemp is also used to make paper, clothes, carpet and ropes.
Fun Fact: Thomas Jefferson wrote the draft for the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper.
Hemp Oil comes from Hemp Seeds…
What about Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil also comes the cannabis plant but a plant specifically bred for trichomes. The trichomes are tiny crystals that cover the leaves and buds and produce the cannabinoids found in marijuana that cause the “high”. Cannabis oil also has benefits, but because of the THC content (usually between 5 and 35 percent), it’s only legal in certain states.
Knowing the difference between them will help you know what to look for and whether you want to add one of these products to your health care regimen.
CBD vs. Cannabis – they are different!
Is Purchasing CBD Oil Legal?
It’s legal to buy CBD oil from the hemp plant because it contains 0.3 percent or less THC. That could change if your state’s lawmakers ban CBD oil products in the future.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
Pain and Inflammation
The use of cannabis for pain dates back to ancient China. In a report published in the May 2017 issue of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, the reason for the pain relief is cannabis reduces inflammation associated with chronic pain (like arthritis).
The Arthritis Foundation also supports and writes about studies that show CBD oil has proven effective for relieving pain in arthritis patients. According to Daniel Clauw, MD a professor at the University of Michigan, he recommends CBD oil to some of his patients and says “nearly all the potential side effects are from THC, not CBD”.
Reduces Anxiety
Other studies that have found CBD oil may help with anxiety. A small 2010 study from the Journal of Psychopharmacology revealed changes in blood flow in the area of the brain linked to anxiety. The study revealed cannabidiol helped people feel less anxious and changed the way their brain responded.
A 2011 study revealed cannabidiol reduced social anxiety in a public speaking situation. A 2016 case study revealed CBD reduced anxiety in a child with PTSD and helped her sleep better.
Natural Cancer Treatment
According to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2012, evidence in the past few years supports Cannabidiol helps reduce the growth of tumor blood vessels (neovascularization) and may help prevent cancer cells spreading and migrating (metastasizing).
Another exciting study from the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2012, CBD uses multiple mechanisms to inhibit the growth of new cancer cells (angiogenesis).
Your Cardiovascular System and CBD Oil
The cardiovascular system also gets a health boost from CBD Oil. In a 2012 study from the British Journal of Pharmacology, CBD oil was shown to reduce your cardiovascular system’s response to stress. CBD also protects your heart against vascular damage when inflammation does exist.
How to Decide If Its Right For You?
There is no right or wrong answer here, it’s personal. When I consider using a natural remedy like CBD, this is where I think of those late-night commercials that list the horrible side-effects of pharmaceutical drugs. It makes me want to know more about this plant-based oil, called CBD that already shown us some great healing power. So, what should you do next?
CBD Checklist Before Buying
Research Carefully Before Purchasing
- Read the label for the total mg CBD in the package/bottle and determine “serving size”.
- Make sure the product is tested for CBD and THC levels. If you’re looking for something completely THC free, you will want to know this.
- Ensure the company uses 3rd party lab tests to verify their product and shares results.
- The extraction method should be CO2.
- Has the product been tested for contaminants and is free from chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides?
- Look for good customer service and a money back guarantee
- Everyone is different and reacts differently. Start with a smaller dose and work your way up to the recommended amount, you might not even get there. Listen to your body and how it responds to what you’re addressing with CBD. You might need less if you’re looking to decrease anxiety and sleep better.
- Does the product have a Certificate of Analysis or COA. This means its tested for contaminants and met lab standards. The best or highest scientific standard is ISO 17025.
- Always discuss with your physician, some studies caution against CBD during pregnancy, or if epilepsy
- A helpful buyer’s guide is here and a best brands list here. I’ve heard good things about Charlotte’s Web plus, there’s a wonderful story about how CBD helped a beautiful little girl with a rare illness, so that’s the brand I bought.
Charlottes’s Web
CBD Oil
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil
- CBD is a major component in the Cannabis Sativa plant and the non-intoxicating version.
- The difference between CBD, Hemp and Cannabis oil has to do with the amount of
- Benefits include relieving pain and inflammation, anxiety, boosting the cardiovascular system and acting as a natural cancer remedy plus more.
- Forms for CBD include: tinctures, topical, edibles, concentrates, capsules, sprays and vaping.
- Consult your doctor before pursuing CBD Oil and review the buyer’s checklist above.
Be healthy!
