What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a dietary supplement and not a drug. It is therefore available over the counter. It can be purchased without a prescription at specialty stores or ordered online.
This oil is made from hemp. This is why it is sometimes called "hemp oil". You have probably already heard about medical cannabis (or therapeutic cannabis). In the United States, it has been receiving a great deal of attention in recent years as strict policies on (soft) drugs are becoming more flexible and more and more states are allowing the sale of (medical) cannabis. Today, CBD Oil is legal in all 50 states in the United States.
We know the therapeutic effects of cannabis for a long time already. Cannabis, however, has the disadvantage of causing side effects. It has psychoactive effects: it makes you "high". Of course, it is often the purpose of the recreational use of cannabis. Nevertheless, these effects are hardly desirable when working and it is simply dangerous and irresponsible when driving. Not to mention that cannabis remains an illicit substance in the US.
It is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) present in cannabis that is responsible for the sensation of "high". Cannabis grown for recreational use has an extremely high THC content.
CBD is a substance chemically similar to THC (cannabidiol). CBD has medicinal properties, but unlike THC, it does not have any psychoactive effect. CBD oil is extracted from industrial hemp. This hemp is grown for its fiber and has a minimum THC content. Therefore, it is not correct to call CBD oil "cannabis oil". The term "cannabis" refers to high THC hemp (marijuana) that is grown (usually) for its psychotropic effects.
The term "cannabis oil" refers to THC oil. The sale of any product containing THC (including THC oil) is illegal in the US.
CBD Oil for anxiety disorders
Researchers suspect that CBD influences how brain receptors respond to serotonin.
Serotonin plays an important role in brain chemistry. This neurotransmitter is involved in the regulation of mood and behavior and is important for mental health.
One study found that CBD helped people diagnosed with DSM-5 social anxiety disorder to speak to a group of people.
Other studies have been done on animals. Here are the effects that we observed:
· Decrease of stress
· Reduced symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
· Decreased physiological effects of stress (e.g. increased heart rate)
· Improved sleep in case of insomnia
In 2017, researchers examined the results of studies on the treatment of mental disorders using CBD. It involved the treatment of disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
They found inconsistencies and concluded that there was still little evidence of the effectiveness of CBD on mental disorders. More research is needed to determine the safety and appropriate dosage.
CBD Oil and Pain Relief
Many people use CBD oil to relieve chronic pain. CBD soothes pain because of its effect on brain pain receptors.
This is why in some countries, a drug called Nabiximols is prescribed to people with multiple sclerosis. The active compounds of Nabiximols are THC and CBD. It is supposed to ease pain in people with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have differing views on how CBD helps people with multiple sclerosis. Some believe that the action of CBD is based on its effect on brain receptors, while others question its anti-inflammatory properties. In all cases, many patients with multiple sclerosis benefit from this drug.
Studies have shown that CBD is effective in soothing the following pain:
· Arthritis pain
· Chronic pain
· Lesions in the spine
· Muscle aches
· Pain in multiple sclerosis