One of the most significant health trends going into 2020 is CBD oil. Everyone from social media influencers to wellness gurus have extolled the potential benefits of CBD oil for everything from topical use to other health benefits. Is CBD oil a beneficial additive for everyone?
As with any product, users should think carefully about their goals for taking CBD oil and the potential downfalls that could come with it. After consulting a doctor and determining your goals, it may not be the best solution for everyone.
Before you start a CBD oil regimen, it’s important to understand what it is and if it’s right for you. Here’s everything you need to know about CBD oil before you decide whether or not it’s right for you.
What is CBD Oil?
“CBD” is short for cannabinoid: a broad name from the main beneficial extract from cannabis plants. There are three main types of CBD extracts: full spectrum CBD oil, broad spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolate.
Full spectrum CBD oil – like those produced by NuLeaf Naturals – contains the full suite of cannabinoids as they naturally occur in the plant. These include cannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN). Full spectrum may also contain a trace amount of THC – the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis – but it’s impossible to get “high” off full-spectrum CBD oil.
Like full spectrum CBD oil, broad spectrum CBD is harvested from the entire hemp plant. Oils are collected from the plant, and then distilled into a concentrated format. However, because of extra distillation to remove THC from the final product, broad spectrum does not contain the full collection of cannabinoids.
As the name suggests, CBD isolate is just cannabidiol, without any of the complimentary cannabinoids with it. When plants are harvested, the extraction process isolates CBD only. The result is a fine white powder, which is often reconstituted into 99% pure CBD oil.
Why should I use CBD oil?
Over time, people have anecdotally used CBD oil for different reasons. Some claim regular use of CBD oil reduces blood pressure, while others believe it has healing properties through the skin. Is there a recognized medical use for CBD oil?
Modern studies are constantly focusing on the potential benefits of CBD oil. Many concluded that cannabidiol – the main cannabinoid found in CBD oil – has many different beneficial properties, from reducing anxiety to its use as an anti-inflammatory agent. A peer-reviewed study published in 2019 by two Canadian doctors concluded CBD might have relieved neurofibromatosis pain in one patient, giving them a better
quality of life. Other peer-reviewed studies showed CBD oil might be beneficial for other situations as well, including inflammation and anxiety.
Additionally, one FDA-approved medication lists cannabidiol as its main active ingredient. Epidiolex (cannabidiol) is the trade name for a prescription used to reduce seizures in two rare forms of epilepsy. Epidiolex is not available over the counter and must be dispensed by licensed doctors and pharmacies.
Before starting a CBD oil regimen, be sure to do some research about CBD, and if it has been tested in peer-reviewed studies for the condition, you may be considering. And as with any condition, be sure to talk to your doctor to ensure CBD oil won’t interfere with any medications you may be currently taking.
Are all CBD oils the same?
With so much attention on CBD oil, it may be easy to think that they are all the same. However, CBD oils are often very different from one another, ranging from capsules and tinctures to full spectrum and isolate.
When considering a CBD oil regimen, be sure to understand the difference between each different oil. For those who want to benefit from the complete range of cannabinoids, full spectrum CBD oil is best. Those in sensitive industries who are concerned about THC usage should consider either a broad-spectrum or CBD isolate oil.
What’s the best way to take CBD oil?
Like all personal supplements, CBD oil comes in many different forms. Capsules, flavored oils, and powders are all common. It may be overwhelming to decide which is the most palatable for your taste – but by understanding which ones are best suited for your needs, you can determine how to best approach CBD oils.
Tinctures are the most common form of CBD oil and the most versatile among them. Tinctures can be taken orally under the tongue, or mixed into other products, like baked goods and smoothies.
As the name suggests, capsules are probably the easiest to take. Just like other medications, capsules are swallowed and dissolve in your stomach.
Finally, isolate powder is not recommended for first-time users. While isolate powder may be water-soluble and included in drinks or baked items, it can be difficult to work with and find the right amount that suits your needs.
Although CBD oil offers potential for common conditions, it’s important to do your research and understand what makes the most sense for you. By using the oil and
regular serving amount that’s right for you, it’s possible to benefit from CBD and potentially live with a higher quality of life.