CBD is one of the most abundant active components in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive isomer of THC, which means it will not give rise to the intoxicating and “high” sensation. It is derived from the leaves, stems and flowers of hemp and cannabis plants, but as the legality of cannabis is still controversial in some places, most CBD oils are extracted from hemp plants.
“CBD is a plant compound found in hemp sativa, both hemp and cannabis,” says Yvonne Perez Emerson, an herbalist and founder of Make and Mary, a CBD store in Portland, Oregon. It is believed that there are at least 100 unique compounds found in hemp known as cannabinoids, of which CBD is the second most abundant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the body’s central regulatory system (endocannabinoid system), which manages the body’s homeostasis (physiological balance) between bodily processes such as appetite, mood, memory, sleep. and immune system functions, Emerson adds.
They can be consumed as phytocannabinoids that are intrinsically found in CBD products or produced naturally by the body (endocannabinoids). When ingested, CBD oil can help the brain and body interact with the endocannabinoid system and neurotransmitters that affect inflammation, pain, mood regulation and stress response.
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How is it done?
CBD oil is made from an extraction, often using carbon dioxide, which creates nutrient-dense products with a high cannabinoid content.
“CBD oil is made by adding hemp extract to a carrier oil,” says Emerson. The most common carrier oil used with CBD is medium chain triglyceride oil (MCT), which is made with coconut. Vegetable oil, sunflower oil, almond oil and olive oil can also be used as carriers.
Once a carrier oil has been combined, the focus shifts to power, which determines the strength of the product based on the amount of CBD content present. “A formulation has to be calculated in what percentage you want the final product’s dose or potency to be. It depends first on the potency of the raw material,” Emerson continues.
When the desired potency is reached, additional ingredients can be added to the oil depending on the intended use. For example, Emerson’s products include other plant-based materials, such as rosehip seed oil and jojoba oil, which address specific issues such as inflammation or skin hydration.
How is it used?
Many products contain CBD oil, from topical pain relievers to tinctures or jelly beans used to improve sleep or anxiety. Even bubble drinks, pet products and beauty products are jumping on the CBD wave.
Potential benefits
Experts find that CBD oil has a wide variety of health benefits. “Simply put, CBD restores homeostasis (the body’s natural balance),” says Emerson. “It works in the endocannabinoid system by activating two of its basic receptors (known as CB1 and CB2), which regulate mood, temperature, cognitive function, and muscle repair.”
Although more research is needed, preliminary studies show that CBD oil can also be used to treat or improve the following areas:
- Acute and chronic pain
- Seizures due to epilepsy and related conditions
- Anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychiatric and neurological conditions and illnesses
- Inflammation
- Digestive health
- Weight management
- Oxidative stress
- Cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke
- Stress-induced cardiovascular conditions
- Skin health
- Insomnia
- Cancer
Potential risks and side effects
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns of several potential risks when using CBD in any form, such as:
- Potential liver injury
- Negative drug interactions that can cause serious side effects
- Increased risk of sedation and drowsiness when used with alcohol or drugs that slow down brain activity
- Alert changes during use
- Gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea and / or decreased appetite
- Mood swings, such as irritability and agitation
More research is needed on the possible side effects of CBD, especially with regard to the long-term impacts of use over a sustained period of time, what dose causes the risks, such as methods of consumption (food, smoking or topical application). ) affect the effects, the effect of CBD on a developing fetus or breastfed newborn, and how CBD affects a developing brain, as in children.
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Bottom line
The sativa cannabis plant species is used to obtain a wide variety of benefits and by-products, which vary depending on the plant variety and what specific part of the plant is used. If you are looking for ways to increase your physical health and omega intake, consider hemp seed oil and its research-supported benefits. If you need to relieve pain or something that is helping you with anxiety or depression, talk to your healthcare provider about whether CBD oil is the right choice for your health needs.
Forbes Health covers CBD and cannabis products in accordance with FTC guidelines. Learn more about Forbes Health’s practices and policies on how we cover CBD and cannabis as a publisher.
