Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil - Uses and Health Benefits

What Is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of phytocannabinoid, which is a group of chemical compounds found in Cannabis plants (also called Marijuana or Hemp) that act on receptors in the brain and alter the release of neurotransmitters. There are around 113 phytocannabinoids identified in cannabis plants so far. It is being used for medical purposes in the form of hemp extract oil, capsules, dried cannabis, and liquid solution. These preparations have CBD as the active ingredient and it does not contain delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (D-9 THC). D-9 THC is the main psychoactive agent found in Cannabis plants, which causes altered sensory and time perception "the high." The cannabidiol drug Epidiolex was approved in the US in 2018 for the treatment of epilepsy disorders. All other CBD formulations are still illegal to prescribe for medical use except special epilepsy syndrome like Lennox Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.

What Is Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is extracted from the Cannabis plant and is said to have many therapeutic health benefits. It is believed to relieve symptoms commonly seen in anxiety, epilepsy, pain, spasticity, and cancer.

CBD oil is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains a higher concentration of CBD than marijuana. CBD levels are affected by how the plant is breed. Different methods are used to extract this compound. This extract is added to a carrier oil, which makes it CBD oil. This oil comes in different strengths for various uses. Always consult your doctor before using it.

CBD oils will not make you feel high, as they do not contain high amounts of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (D-9 THC). Everyone reacts to these oils differently, so it is best to try it yourself to see how effective it is.

What Is the Difference Between CBD and THC?

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both found in marijuana, but they have very different effects. THC when inhaled or cooked with, makes a person high. It is a powerful psychoactive agent. CBD, on the other hand, is not a psychoactive agent, so it does not cause high. It is being used to manage the symptoms of many health conditions.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD attaches to certain receptors e.g. CB 1 and 2, 5 HT1 alpha, etc., and produces specific effects in the body. Some cannabinoids are produced by the human body itself, and the body has two main receptors called CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors for cannabinoids.

CB1 receptors are majorly present in the brain, and some are present throughout the body. In the brain, these receptors help in coordination, movement, pain, mood, emotions, appetite, and memory. The agent THC attaches to these receptors.

CB2 receptors are commonly present in the immune system and affect pain and inflammation. It was believed that CBD attaches to these receptors, but now it has been agreed that it does not directly attach to the receptor. It is said to assist the body in using more of the naturally occurring cannabinoids.

Other receptors are GPR55 antagonist has some anti-cancer effect, TPVR 1, and 5HT alpha and Adenosine A2A agonist produces anti-inflammatory effect and pain relieving effect.

Can CBD Oil Make You High?

An endocannabinoid system (ECS) is present in the human body, which receives and translates signals from cannabinoids. The body also produces some cannabinoids naturally called endocannabinoids. This ECS regulates functions like sleep, pain, and immune response.

THC makes a person high when it enters the body, as it affects the brain's endocannabinoid receptors. This activates the pleasure center in the brain, which releases dopamine.

CBD does not affect the brain but influences the body to use its endocannabinoids more effectively. Instead of affecting the ECS, it induces or blocks some compounds in this system. CBD helps in relieving pain by preventing the body from absorbing anandamide, which is a compound that regulates pain. This increases the levels of anandamide in the bloodstream, which reduces pain. It also controls inflammation in the brain and nervous system.

What Are the Health Benefits of CBD Oil?

CBD is believed to help relieve symptoms in the following health conditions:

• Epilepsy (seizure) disorders - The CBD drug Epidiolex has shown to reduce seizures in adults and children. It is a prescription drug used for treating and reducing seizures seen in Dravet syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, Sturge-Weber syndrome, epileptic encephalopathy, and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES).

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) - A prescription nasal spray called Sativex is said to be effective in reducing pain, muscle tightness, and frequent urination in people with MS. It is only effective when CBD is combined with 9-delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

• Painkiller and anti-inflammatory properties - CBD is believed to be a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory agent. It was found to significantly reduce chronic inflammation and pain in test animals. These studies showed promising results for the use of CBD as a new treatment for chronic pain.

• Quitting smoking - Some studies indicate that CBD may be used to help people quit smoking. It was found that smokers who inhaled smoke containing CBD, smoked fewer cigarettes. It also controlled nicotine cravings.

• Drug withdrawals - Some studies also showed promising treatment for people with Opioid, Morphine, and Heroin addictions. CBD helps reduce symptoms of drug withdrawal like anxiety, pain, insomnia, and mood swings.

• Cancer - It was found that CBD suppresses the growth of cancer cells and destroys them. There is some evidence that also prevents the spread of cancer.

• Anxiety disorders - Generally, people with chronic anxiety are advised against using cannabis, as it can cause anxiousness and paranoia. But recent studies have shown to reduce anxiety in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

• Type 1 diabetes - CBD might reduce inflammation in the pancreas, which might prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.

• Acne - Acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous gland. CBD has found to lower sebum production and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

• Alzheimer's disease - Initial studies found that CBD was able to prevent the development of social recognition deficits in Alzheimer’s patients. These deficits make patients unable to recognize the faces of people they already know. CBD might also slow the progression of this disease.

• Parkinson's disease - Taking CBD daily for 4 weeks showed to reduce the incidence of psychosis in Parkinson’s patients.

• Dystonia - Dystonia is a muscle disorder that results in involuntary muscle contractions. Taking CBD for 6 weeks helped improve dystonia in 20 to 50 % of patients.

• Insomnia - Some studies show that taking 160 mg of Cannabidiol before going to bed helps people with insomnia sleep better.

• GVHD (Graft-versus-host disease) - It is a complication of bone marrow transplantation. Using CBD 7 days before and 30 days after bone marrow transplant increases the time it takes for GVHD to develop.

• Other conditions - More studies are required to understand how CBD is helpful in conditions like bipolar disorder, Crohn’s disease, type 2 diabetes, dystonia, Huntington's disease, Schizophrenia, etc.

How to Choose the Right CBD Oil?

Always go for a full-spectrum CBD oil, as it contains cannabinoids and other compounds present in the hemp plant. It might have more therapeutic effects than an isolate CBD oil. A full-spectrum CBD oil contains proteins, fatty acids, fiber, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and terpenes.

Epidiolex is the only approved CBD drug, which is used for epilepsy. Always consult your doctor before you try any CBD oil, as it might result in adverse side effects.

Are CBD and Hempseed Oil the Same?

No, they are not the same. CBD or hemp oil is made from the flower, bud, stems, and leaves of the Cannabis plant, and hempseed oil is made from hemp seeds. Hemp Seed oil is normally used as a topical skin product or a food additive.

How Is CBD Oil Used?

Always shake the bottle properly before use. Most drugs are kept under the tongue for 30 seconds to a few minutes before swallowing. For the proper dose, consult your doctor. It is best to start with a smaller dose, which can be increased after consulting your doctor. The dosage depends on the use, weight, metabolism, and body chemistry.

You should not take consecutive doses before 4 to 6 hours. It can be taken at any time of the day. CBD usually starts acting within 30 to 90 minutes, but it might take several weeks to achieve long term effects.

Is CBD Oil Safe?

CBD oil is tolerated well in adults. It has no significant side effects on the central nervous system, vital signs, or mood. The common side effects include:

• Tiredness.

• Diarrhea.

• Changes in appetite.

• Liver problems.

• Irritability.

• Infections.

• Rashes.

• Reduced urination.

• Breathing difficulties.

Is CBD Legal?

Currently, Epidiolex is the only approved CBD drug. Hemp and hemp-derived products are legal in the US if the THC content is less than 0.3 %. FDA has not approved the use of marijuana, but only approved a purified version of one CBD medication.

More studies are required to understand the therapeutic and side effects of CBD oil. For more information, consult a doctor online.