Cannabidiol (CBD) is among the numerous compounds present in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, it does not cause the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. CBD oil is an extract of the plants that contain cannabidiol. It has small amounts of THC.
More people are turning to CBD oil in relieving pain, anxiety, and treatment of sleep disorders. CBD interacts with receptors such as opioids and serotonin. It is capable of increasing the amount of naturally occurring endocannabinoids.
With the widespread prohibition of cannabis and research associated with it, there are few conclusive findings to support the beneficial properties of the CBD oil. However, the ease in regulations in some parts of the world has created an enabling environment for more studies.
CBD Oil Extraction Methods
There are several extraction methods for obtaining CBD oil. They include:
1. Supercritical CO2
The method uses supercritical CO2 to obtain CBD oil from the plant matter. Supercritical means the CO2 has both properties of a gas and liquid state. It is safe and efficient, producing high CBD oil concentration.
2. Steam Distillation
Steam leads to the extraction of CBD oil from the hemp plant. The method has been used for long though it is inefficient compared to CO2 extraction. It requires a lot of hemp plant material, and it results in less CBD concentration.
3. Solvent Extraction
The process has a procedure similar to the steam distillation but uses natural solvents or hydrocarbons instead of water. Though it is more efficient than the steam distillation method, it has its downsides. A natural solvent such as ethanol may extract chlorophyll, which interferes with the taste of the resultant oil.
CBD Products
CBD oil is available in different forms. They include:
- Tinctures
- Gummies
- CBD capsules
- Vape oils
- Creams
Benefits of Using CBD Oil
1. Epilepsy
Epidiolex is the first medication containing CBD to receive FDA approval. It is a prescription to patients with rare types of epilepsy. Clinical trials indicate that blending CBD into common anti-epileptic medications is suitable in treating resilient epilepsy in young people.
2. Pain Relief
CBD impacts the activity of the endocannabinoid receptor and interacts with neurotransmitters. Due to that, CBD is effective in reducing chronic pains and inflammations.
3. Alleviation of cancer symptoms
Cancer treatment has several side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, and pain. CBD helps in reducing the symptoms. One of the most common side effects resulting from chemotherapy is vomiting and nausea.
People tend to seek CBD oil as the alternative medication to alleviate the symptoms since the drugs already available are ineffective at times.
4. Reduce acne
Acne is a common skin disorder affecting over 9% of the population. CBD oil, through its anti-inflammatory properties, assists in the treatment of the acne. Apart from that, CBD is capable of regulating the overproduction of sebum.
5. Heart health
Recent studies reveal the benefits of CBD to the blood circulatory system and the heart. It helps in reducing heart damage and lowering high blood pressure.
Risks and side effects
During the review and approval of Epidiolex as a treatment for epilepsy, the FDA noted several risks and side effects resulting from the use of CBD. They include:
- Liver injury
- Interactions with other medications leading to adverse reactions
- Reduced appetite
- Diarrhea
CBD oil is becoming increasingly popular due to its therapeutic benefits. It has also shown positive results in relieving the two common mental health problems, anxiety, and depression. The ongoing studies on CBD oil promise more benefits.
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