An introduction to CBD oil: Benefits and Potential Side Effects

The increase in research about the effects of marijuana, especially the specific compounds on the human body, has led to the discovery of CBD, which has been used to make a wide range of products. One of the CBD products is CBD oil which is an active ingredient in the Cannabis plant and is classified as a non-psychoactive component as opposed to THC, among other features which have mind-altering characteristics. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and diluting it with different types of carrier oils like hemp seed oil or coconut oil. The Cannabis plant has over 100 compounds, with THC identified as the main psychoactive component, which makes Cannabis associated with getting high. However, CBD is not psychoactive, which is why it is used to make products like CBD oil, which are safe for human consumption without the ‘high’ effect associated with marijuana and its consequences. 

An introduction to CBD oil

What is CBD oil? CBD oil is one of the most common products made from CBD extracted from Cannabis. It is available in different products, which can be found in online stores or retail shops, and can be used for various purposes like in foods and drinks, bath soaks, and dietary supplements. The identified health benefits of using CBD oil, among other CBD products, have seen an increase in the appreciation in the wellness and health programs in the world, especially from the discovery that it can help with anxiety and the treatment of specific chronic pain conditions. The following are the benefits of using CBD alongside the potential side effects. 

The benefits of CBD 

Can be used to relieve pain- The use of Cannabis to treat pain has been in practice since 2900 B.C., with more research identifying the ability of CBD as one of the components contributing to the healing power of Cannabis. The human body has a specialized endocannabinoid system responsible for sleep, immune system response, and pain sensation. The use of CBD helps in the reduction of pain by binding with the endocannabinoid receptors to reduce pain. Some common types of pain that can be cured using CBD include back pain and nerve pain, some of the most severe. 

Can reduce specific symptoms associated with mental health disorders- Anxiety, alongside other mental disorders, has been identified to have a devastating impact on individuals’ well-being and overall health. The latter calls for using CBD oil as a natural way of dealing with the disorders instead of using pharmaceutical drugs, which can lead to substance use disorder or cause a potential dependence. Other mental health issues identified to be treated through CBD include insomnia or anxiety alongside post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children. 

Application in cancer treatment- The increased prevalence of cancer among the population has seen the increased use of CBD oil in treating cancer-related symptoms like pain, vomiting, or nausea. The use of CBD is alongside the use of THC extracts known for reducing pain, with the need for further research to identify the impacts of CBD in treating and managing symptoms related to cancer and other areas of application. 

Potential side effects of CBD oil

CBD has been classified as safe, which has seen deregulation and increased use in many states over the USA. There are, however, associated side effects like changes in weight and appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue. Furthermore, additional side effects like sedation, pneumonia, abnormal liver functions, and drowsiness, among other effects, call for more profound research to identify how the use affects several aspects of well-being, including the strategies for safe use.