Cannabidiol Oil is a draw out of Cannabis Sativa or Cannabis Indica plant. Another popular extract of this plant is Delta 9 THC, the main compound of Marijuana. While these cannabinoids are present in the same plant, they widely differ in actions.
Marijuana is more of a recreational drug. On the other hand, manufacturers like Lazarus Naturals use CBD to make products with possible therapeutic benefits. One such product is CBD oil. Through this article, you will learn some of its uses.
Possible Uses of CBD Oil
Here are some of the popular scientific-backed uses of CBD Oil.
- In Pain Management
Using Cannabis for pain management is not new. It dates back to 2900 BC. Scientists have now rediscovered that some particular cannabinoids of Cannabis, such as CBD, might have pain-relieving properties.
A study also reveals that CBD might reduce chronic pain through its action on ECS ( endocannabinoid system in the body that regulates pain, sleep, appetite, and various other metabolisms). It might also reduce inflammation through interacting with neurotransmitters.
Another research reveals the ability of CBD to deal with particular types of pain, such as back pain and nerve pain. Ironically, the effect of CBD is maximum when paired with THC.
- In Anxiety and Depression
In a study in 2017 published by the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, researchers tested the level of anxiety among 57 men in a public speaking test. In the study, men received 600 milligrams, 300 milligrams, and 150 milligrams of CBD. A set of people also received a placebo.
The researchers observed reduced anxiety among the people who received 300 mg of CBD. Ironically, it increased among 600 and 150 mg groups.
- In Epilepsy Syndromes
Three well-vetted studies made Epidiolex (a medicine containing CBD) an approved treatment for seizures caused by Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. FDA has approved this medicine for only these two rare forms of epilepsy, for people at least two years old.
- In PTSD Syndromes
A study in 2018, published by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, showed CBD as a possible treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. In the study, 11 people received CBD, for eight weeks, with regular psychiatric care.
Among them, ten people experienced a reduction in their PTSD symptoms. Also, the patients felt no extreme difficulty in consuming CBD, researchers mention.
- In Dealing with Opioid Addiction
Some human clinical trials and preclinical animal studies reveal CBD as a possible way to treat people with opioid addiction. In a study, few patients with heroin use disorder received CBD. After a week, researchers observed a reduction in heroin craving, salivary cortisol level, resting heart rate, and withdrawal anxiety.
- In Protecting from Neurological Disease
Several clinical and preclinical studies show the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD. Researchers believe these properties might protect from neurological diseases and various pathological disorders.
- In Arthritis Pain
A study in 2006 found that Sativex, a CBD-based drug, boosts the quality of sleep and reduces pain at rest and movement among people with rheumatoid arthritis. The United Kingdom approved Sativex in 2010.
So, you might use CBD oil to get rid of that unbearable arthritis pain.
- In Diabetic Complications
Several analyses on human cells reveal a decreased sugar level after CBD consumption. Researchers believe CBD might benefit people with diabetic complications, diabetes, and plaque buildup in artery walls.
However, experts want more research to understand the use of CBD oil for people with diabetes. So, these are some of the potential uses of CBD Oil.
Are there Side Effects?
CBD is a natural herb. But this does not mean that it has no side effects. Several clinical research shows that CBD might trigger some negligible side effects. They are:
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Changes in mood
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
Moreover, CBD oil might also boost liver enzymes, a symbol of digestive inflammation. So, people with any liver-related problem should avoid consuming CBD without consulting a professional.
CBD readily makes its way to the baby via the placenta. While a lot is yet unknown about its effect on the development of embryos, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests women avoid Marijuana during pregnancy. Also, a breastfeeding and pregnant lady should avoid CBD oil without asking a doctor.
CBD Oil Dosage and Consumption
The most popular way of taking this oil is by putting a few drops under your tongue, waiting for 30-60 seconds, and then swallowing. Some other ways include preparing an edible with CBD oil.
There is no official guidance for the dosage of CBD oil. However, experts suggest that regular dosage could vary from 5 mg to 25 mg, depending upon your prior interaction with CBD, the purpose of consumption, and the method of administration.
With oil, it is challenging to guess the precise amount of CBD. So, if you look for accurate dosage, go for other methods of CBD consumption, such as CBD gummies. They give you the option to consume a specific CBD dosage. You can check the label to know the amount of CBD in each gummy and accordingly consume it.
Interaction with Drugs
If you consume CBD with any other drug, they both might react to either give a strong effect or nullify their effects. They might also not go well. CYP450 (Cytochrome P450) is an enzyme present in the human body. It is responsible for the breakdown of many drugs.
It might feel surprising, but CBD oil blocks this enzyme, creating a barrier from drug decomposition in the body. Here are some drugs that might interact with CBD.
- Anticonvulsants, such as Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) and Tegretol (carbamazepine).
- Antiarrhythmic drugs, such as quinidine
- Antifungal drugs, such as Vfend (voriconazole) and Nizoral (ketoconazole).
- Atypical antidepressants, like Remeron (mirtazapine)
- Antipsychotic drugs, such as Orap (pimozide)
- Benzodiazepine sedatives, such as Halcion (triazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Macrolide antibiotics, like telithromycin and clarithromycin
- Immune-suppressive drugs, such as Sandimmune (cyclosporine)
- Opioid painkillers, such as alfentanil and Duragesic (fentanyl)
- Migraine medicine, such as Ergomar (ergotamine)
Besides these, CBD might also interact with drugs for tuberculosis. To avoid these interactions, make sure you know about the medicines you are consuming. Also, have an open conversation with your pharmacist about it.
Fortunately, most of the time, the interactions are mild and get treated at home only. But if the problem persists, consult a professional immediately.
Conclusion
CBD Oil might offer you a list of therapeutic benefits. However, try to consume accurate dosage. Also, there is no use in consuming CBD for recreational purposes because it is not a recreational drug.