CBD oil has been all the rage of late. It has been used to help insomnia, pain, anxiety, among others. But what exactly is it, and does it really work? Let’s unpack a few of the reoccurring questions concerning CBD, which are:
- The difference between CBD oil extracted from hemp and the use of marijuana
- Research that is relevant for the use of CBD for particular issues/ailments
- What brand CBD should I look into?
Cannabinoids are the active ingredients specific to the cannabis plant, and they are the compounds primarily responsible for the healing effects. The two most effective and studied cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Our bodies contain endocannabinoids in numerous organs, including multiple brain regions. The endocannabinoid system is involved in maintaining bodily homeostasis, especially with regard to the following functions:
Pleasure
Appetite
Pain
Memory
Immune system responses (i.e. inflammation)
Exercise is known to also stimulate the endocannabinoid system. Supplementation with CBD is thought to improve numerous conditions by helping to restore balance to the body and brain.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in marijuana and some hemp strains, CBD is not psychoactive and therefore does not give users a “high.” Research has focused on CBD for its wide ranging positive health effects.
There have been 70 cannabinoids identified to date, and there are several others currently being studied, such as cannabigerol (CBG) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).
It is worth noting that THC and CBD also only convert to an effective pain-relieving agent under heat, which is why smoking, vaporizing, or baking it is important.
What CBD research points toward:
- Reducing the presence of pro-inflammatory compounds in the body and brain
It may do this by repairing oxidative stress in a similar manner as antioxidants, potentially removing a major roadblock for the production of feel-good brain chemicals.
- Restores natural endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids (and even the number of endocannabinoid receptors) have been found to be severely depleted and even extinguished entirely by bad lifestyle issues (diet, drinking, etc)
- Helps relieve pain
Clinical trials have proven links to suppressing pain receptors from some of the chemical reactions caused by CBD.
Arthritis: Pain Relief Evidence
Over 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis. Arthritis, which literally means inflammation of the joints, is another condition that CBD oil may be very effective for.
There are two common categories:
· Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative disease that affects joint cartilage and bones, causing pain and stiffness. It often affects the hip, knee, and thumb joints.
· Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system attacks their joints, causing inflammation. RA commonly affects the hands and feet and leads to painful, swollen, and stiff joints.
Research published below has found a dramatic reduction in inflammation and signs of pain, without adverse side effects in rats with arthritis after the animals were given CBD:
A 2017 report concluded that there was substantial evidence that CBD cannabis-based products are effective for treating chronic pain. Another, separate study published in 2012 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, suggests that CBD use can lessen both pain and inflammation.
This human study found Sativex, a cannabis-based mouth spray, helped to relieve arthritis pain. However, the cannabis plant extracts that the company use to make the spray contain both CBD and THC.
A 2008 review of research into CBD and its possible mechanism of action suggested that CBD could play a role in chronic pain management.
Cannabidiol Oil and use as a Medical Supplement
CBD supplements can be found in the following forms; capsule, spray, or oils. The oils can be used to smoke or consumed orally.
How do I know what brand to get? Make sure the product is all natural CBD oil, and not synthetic. It should be labeled appropriately. Pure CBD oil, will contain all the proper hemp based beneficial components.
My go to brand is CBDPure, which makes CBD oil from organic hemp that contains zero THC. A friend started using this company and referred me. It was much better tasting (they can taste very earthy/grassy), quicker shipping, cheaper, and worked better than the previous companies I had tried. Additionally, they had a 90-day refund policy and a 15% off coupon (attached below).
CBDPure offers three different versions of CBD oil: 100mg, 300mg, and 600mg.
My recommendation would be to start with just 1/2 a dropper, which contains 1 gram of “full spectrum” hemp oil (no synthetics, all the benefits from the hemp plant)
Although the calming effects take to some people instantly, the anti-inflammatory responses will take longer.
*Make sure to contact your doctor before using CBD*
Additional Pro’s to going with CBDPure
- Hemp harvested in Denmark (high quality)
- Their process of C02 extraction > Butane/Ethanol (most US companies use the latter)
- High potency
- Lighter taste
- Organic (full spectrum)
- Free Shipping
- Third party tested
- Discrete shipping
- 90 day money back guarantee