CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. CBD and THC are the primary cannabinoids from these plants and while THC is known to produce psychoactive effects, CBD does not have the same psychoactive properties. This can make it much more appealing to some people for medical purposes as it does not have the same mind alternating side effects as marijuana and its THC component.
THC is often used for both medicinal and recreational purposes but CBD oil is mainly used for its medicinal effects. It reacts with receptors in the brain and body to provide a wide range of therapeutic uses involving mood, sleep, pain, and numerous other ailments.
What Is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
CBD and THC are both found in the cannabis plant and both cannabinoids are known to have medicinal benefits. These cannabinoids can bind to receptors in your endocannabinoid system or they can impact them indirectly, creating a variety of results.
CB1 receptors are receptors which are highly concentrated in the brain and are involved in a number of psychological processes. These receptors can bind with THC and can create the psychoactive highs that THC provides. CBD doesn’t bind with CB1 or CB2 receptors in the same way as THC but instead affects them in a number of other ways, providing non-psychoactive results.
Where Does CBD Come From?
Cannabis plants can be bred to produce varying levels of THC and CBD. Traditionally, hemp plants have much lower THC levels (under 0.3%) and have been used primarily for industrial purposes. Marijuana plants, on the other hand, have been bred to have higher THC levels which makes them more valuable for recreational use. The hemp plant has been commonly used for the production of various items such as paper, fabrics, food, and body oils.
Both hemp and marijuana plants can be used to create CBD oil.
CBD oils made from hemp plants will usually have a hemp extract indication on the label and will contain little to no THC, always under 0.3%. This should not be confused with hemp seed oil, which is extracted from hemp seeds rather than whole plant, and contains no CBD or THC. Hemp oil contains a number of fatty acids and comes with its own beneficial uses.
Oils made from marijuana plants may contain both THC and CDB, and these oils will have the amounts of both chemicals listed on the label. CBD can lower or counteract the psychoactive properties of THC when taken in equal doses, so paying attention to the ratios of these cannabinoids will help you when deciding which CBD product is right for you.
What Are the Medicinal Uses for CBD Oil?
The benefits of CBD are still being researched and while some of the therapeutic properties have been well established, many are still being explored. CBD oil has been known to help with an incredibly wide range of issues involving sleep, pain relief, anxiety, epilepsy, acne, substance abuse, nausea, depression, inflammation, weight loss, and appetite.
The effects of CBD oil can vary between different strains of the plant the oil was made from and may have different effects on certain individuals. Your doctor may not prescribe CBD oil for an ailment but they can still be consulted if you intend to use it for some of these issues.
Are There Negative Side Effects With Using CBD Oil?
CBD has been found to be non-toxic, with no fatal overdose level ever recorded. It is also a non-addictive substance and because it has no intoxicating effects, there is little, if any, potential for substance abuse.
In some cases, regularly taking CBD oil can cause drowsiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, and can affect appetite. In some instances, it’s possible that regular use of CBD oil could affect enzyme production in the liver. Some people may also develop an allergic reaction to CBD.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
When taking CBD oil you would not feel any of the psychoactive effects that can come with the use of marijuana or THC. It can ease anxiety and alleviate symptoms of other ailments but does not give you a high. CBD oil is a great option for anyone who wants the medicinal benefits of cannabis without any of the mind altering effects.
How Is CBD Oil Taken?
CBD oil can be taken in a number of different methods. It can be ingested orally, either by means of a capsule or sublingually with drops. It can be sprayed into the mouth as an aerosol spray, inhaled from smoking or vaping, and absorbed topically with creams and oils. It can also be added to food or chewing gum and ingested as edibles. The method you choose for taking CBD oil can affect how quickly the oil with get to work and how long the effects will last.
If you want more details on the different ways to consume CBD, we cover the topic in more detail here:
What Are the Best Ways to Consume CBD?
What’s the Difference Between a CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
CBD oil can be purchased as a CBD isolate or as full spectrum CBD oil. A CBD isolate is purified CBD that has been isolated from the other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
Full spectrum CBD oil is an extract taken from the full plant and will contain various other cannabinoids found in the plant, including THC in varying levels. In a hemp extract, the THC levels would be very low, measuring at 0.3% and under.
CBD oil is becoming more widely used and accepted as a medicinal substance. In areas where marijuana is illegal, CBD is often accepted and legal for use when the THC levels are under 0.3%. The benefits of CBD oil are becoming more fully understood and increasingly more accepted among the medical community.
Before You Buy Your CBD Oil...
There are many options to choose from when it comes to CBD oil so it’s important to fully understand the methods and materials used by different manufacturers to ensure the oil you purchase is properly suited to your specific needs.
Check out our article on How to Choose the Right CBD Product for You
