Properties And Uses Of CBD Oil

Cannabidiol (CBD oil) has been extensively studied for its health effects. It is now considered an adjuvant for pain, anxiety and certain neurological disorders. Learn how to use it and the common recommendations in this article.

CBD oil (cannabidiol) is one of the dominant active ingredients in marijuana (cannabis). However, it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the plant’s psychoactive substance.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that pure CBD is not addictive. On the contrary, it has medicinal properties.

Note that this extract comes from the Cannabis sativa variety and its two classifications are marijuana and hemp. In general , CBD comes from hemp, as marijuana is illegal in many places. Thus, it is available in oils, capsules, wine gum and sprays. Below we describe the main use and possible side effects.

Use and health properties of CBD oil

Generally, people use CBD in the oil form by putting drops under the tongue and holding it there for about a minute.

There are even soaps and beauty products, although the only one approved by the FDA is an oil known as “Epidiolex.” Some people use it to counteract the effects of two types of epilepsy.

The exact mechanism of action of CBD is not yet clear. In any case, researchers observed that it has a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This explains the difference with THC.

They also believe that it may affect the opioid receptors that regulate pain. In the same way, it also seems to interfere with glycine receptors, related to the “happiness hormones”.

Ok, but what are the benefits? What do the scientific studies say? The ban on cannabis has largely hindered research into the effects of this plant. However, people have conducted relevant studies that support some of its medical uses. Read more about it below.

Pain relief

The analgesic properties of cannabidiol have been researched. A study in the Journal of Pain Research reveals that CBD can reduce chronic pain by affecting the activity of the endocannabinoid receptor. It is the one that is involved in the regulation of several functions such as appetite, pain and immune response.

In turn, research on rats, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology , reports that CBD injections reduced the pain response after surgery. Researchers observed similar results in another study performed on rats. They found that oral use of CBD can reduce pain and inflammation in the sciatic nerve.

Currently, we need more comprehensive human studies to assess CBD as an ally for various types of pain. To date, research mostly involves THC, and we do not know the exact effects of CBD alone.

The analgesic properties of CBD are promising, especially for intense and chronic pain.

Decrease in anxiety and depression

CBD oil is a popular adjuvant to reduce anxiety and depression. Some believe it stimulates the production of serotonin, the “happy” hormone.

In this regard, a study reported in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry has also made some interesting findings. For example , men who received oral CBD before a simulated oral exam experienced less anxiety.

Meanwhile, a case report in the Permanente Journal reported that this oil can safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder. For its part, a study in the British Journal of Pharmacology describes that this drug is an antidepressant.

Neuroprotective properties

A large number of studies link the use of CBD with improvements in people with neurological disorders. In particular, researchers believe that the drug acts on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems. Thus, it may be useful for people with epilepsy and people with multiple sclerosis.

The New England Journal of Medicine reported that CBD oil was helpful in reducing seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome, an epilepsy disorder. Similarly, an article published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology describes that it helps to improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Heart health

CBD oil seems to be good as a complementary therapy to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Why?

Research in JCI Insight describes that it helps reduce high blood pressure, especially when it is associated with excessive stress and anxiety. Thus, it helps the heart to pump more efficiently.

Other potential benefits of CBD oil

CBD continues to be the subject of numerous studies. Some believe it is relevant for the development of new medicines in the future.

Here are other possible benefits:

A study in Schizophrenia Research notes that cannabidiol helps reduce psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD helps reduce excessive sebum production and prevents the activation of inflammatory cytokines, factors associated with acne.

Cancer patients also seem to benefit greatly from CBD oil. In fact, there is evidence that this drug helps relieve the pain caused by the disease. In addition, a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology describes that it reduces chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
A review reported in substance abuse research describes that CBD reduces morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior. According to researchers , this drug alters the brain circuits involved in addiction.
Studies in animals reveal the potential of CBD as an antidiabetic agent. In particular, it seems to reduce the incidence of diabetes by up to 56%.

Risks and side effects of CBD

Remember that the use of CBD has some side effects. In fact, according to clinical research divided into Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research , reactions vary from person to person.

Regardless, they include:

Drowsiness
Dry in the mouth
Nausea
Vomiting
Anxiety
Appetite changes
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Mood swings

People with liver disease are particularly prone to side effects. This is because CBD oil increases liver enzymes and proves to be counterproductive.

CBD interactions

Studies suggest that CBD may interact with several medications, including those for epilepsy. Concomitant use of drugs may increase toxicity or reduce efficacy. This is mainly because they interfere with cytochrome P450 (CYP), enzymes that allow the metabolism of active ingredients.

Some of the identified pharmacological interactions of cannabidiol are:

Immunosuppressive drugs such as Sandimmune ® (cyclosporine)
Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin and telithromycin
Migraine medications
Opioid analgesics
Rifampicin-based medicines
Anticonvulsants such as Tegretol ® (carbamazepine) and Trileptal ® (oxcarbazepine)
Antiarrhythmic drugs
Antipsychotics
Atypical antidepressants such as Remeron ® (mirtazapine)
Sedatives with benzodiazepines

CBD can interact with epilepsy medications, so these patients need to be very careful about regulating their intake.

Also read The Shared Addiction to Cannabis and Tobacco

Recommended doses of CBD oil

There are no guidelines for proper use of CBD yet. People usually use the oil sublingually. Suggested doses usually range from five to 25 milligrams. However, a person must always consult a doctor to define it according to their individual needs.

Hold the oil for 30 to 60 seconds after applying it under the tongue (one or more drops). Other presentations such as sprays, capsules and gums come with their own consumption instructions.

Final recommendations for the use of CBD oil

In addition to defining the CBD dosage with a doctor, it is important to find a safe place to buy it and read the product label carefully. Some presentations are listed as “full spectrum”, indicating that they contain other compounds of the cannabis plant, such as proteins, flavonoids, terpenes and chlorophyll. These apparently provide greater benefits.

Some products also contain THC, such as an oral spray called Sativex®. It is approved in some countries as a supplement to relieve pain related to multiple sclerosis. The choice of combinations containing THC depends on medical assessment and availability, as well as local laws.