What is CBD and CBD oil?

What is CBD oil

CBD is one of the most prominent chemicals regarding cannabis. Generally speaking, THC is the chemical that gets you high, and CBD is the chemical that calms you down. There is much ongoing research on the topic of CBD in cannabis, and the list of ailments CBD can be used to treat is constantly growing. CBD is finding a preferable place within the MMJ market because medical users can get the health benefits of cannabis without getting high. This is particularly useful for long-term users who need MMJ to function in their everyday lives, but want to avoid feeling high. CBD can affect the whole body in terms of homeostasis, including mood, sleep, pain, and the overall immune system.

Can CBD oil help my anxiety?

CBD is currently being heavily researched as a possible drug to help combat anxiety. Other drugs often used to help reduce anxiety, like Prozac and Zoloft work by affecting serotonin re-absorption - this means serotonin is more available in the body and can, therefore, reduce anxiety and boost mood. In pre-clinical trials, CBD has been shown to have a similar effect to these other anti-anxiety drugs, and in some cases outperforms them. CBD also has been shown to affect other parts of the brain, including the hippocampus. Studies have shown CBD to be linked with neurogenesis in the hippocampus. This is important because some scientists have hypothesised that impaired neurogenesis in the hippocampus may be a significant contributing factor towards depression and suicidal thoughts.

What are the effects of CBD oil?

One of the more important revelations from CBD studies is that CBD can be used as an anti-inflammatory. Researchers from Imperial College London showed that inflammation in mice was reduced by up to 50%, dependent on dosage. CBD has been shown to affect CB2 within the body. These receptors are partly responsible for the immune system and how it reacts to external stimuli. CBD oil supplements may have intrinsic immunoregulatory effects.

Is CBD oil legal?

CBD oil is legal in much of the world, even where cannabis is considered illegal. There is somewhat of a gray area in the laws for several countries. In the EU, hemp plants are allowed to be grown, but only from approved strains. CBD oil is made from the flowers of these specific strains. The legal strains were selected for the low-THC content (0.2% - compare this to cannabis strains grown for smoking, which have THC levels of around 20-30%). Therefore, CBD oil made from these low-THC strains is perfectly legal. In the USA, laws vary from state to state. Always check your own state guidelines before purchasing any CBD product. Whilst there are still laws in place against the sale of CBD products around the US, lawmakers are considering changes to these pieces of legislation. As such, local law enforcers have been keeping CBD-related arrests a low priority. It is still not advisable to purchase or use CBD products in the eyes of the law, and any readers should look up their own state laws before taking any action with regards to the use and/or production of CBD and CBD products.

Can I give my dog CBD oil?

Yes! CBD oil can be extremely beneficial for dogs suffering from a variety of ailments. Older pets that are showing signs of arthritis, weak immune systems, and acute pain will benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD oil. CBD oil can also help relax dogs showing signs of aggression/high stress. And don’t worry, as, with humans, CBD will not get your dog high. Always use forms of CBD oil with no, or at least low, THC content. If your pet shows any adverse side-effects, consult a veterinary professional immediately.

Where can I buy CBD oil?

CBD oil is widely available on the internet, and many dispensaries have ample stocks of CBD-related products. There are many different ways to consume CBD oil, including sublingually (under the tongue), in capsules, using a vaporizer, in edibles, and topically, on the surface of the skin. Different methods will produce different effects, and as always the best way to find out which method works for you is by trying out a few different varieties. CBD oils are often sold with varying advertised strengths. Consult your local dispensary or MMJ expert to figure out what size dose is right for your medical needs.