Characteristics And Use Of CBD Oil

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

CBD oil (cannabidiol) is one of the predominant 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 is derived 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 as oil, capsules, chewing gum and spray. Below we describe its main uses and possible side effects.

Use and health properties of CBD oil

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

There are even soaps and beauty products, although the only type 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 how it is different from THC.

They also believe that it may affect the opioid receptors that regulate pain. Similarly, it also appears to interfere with glycine receptors, which are related to “happiness” hormones.

What are its benefits? What do the scientific studies say? The ban on cannabis has greatly 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

There has been research on the analgesic properties of cannabidiol. 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 involved in the regulation of several functions, such as appetite, pain, and immune system response.

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

We need more comprehensive human studies to evaluate CBD as an ally for different types of pain. To date, most studies involve THC, and we do not know the exact effects of CBD per se.

Reduction of anxiety and depression

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

In this regard, a study reported in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry has also also come to some interesting findings. For example , men who took oral CBD before a simulated speech test 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. In turn, 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. Specifically, researchers suggest that the drug acts on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems. Thus, it may be helpful for people with epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.

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

Heart health

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

Research in JCI Insight describes that it helps reduce high blood pressure, especially when 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 to the development of new drugs 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 activation of inflammatory cytokines, which are factors associated with acne.
Cancer patients also seem to benefit greatly from CBD oil. In fact, there are signs that this drug helps relieve 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 behaviors. According to researchers , this drug alters the brain circuits involved in addiction.

Studies in animals reveal the potential of CBD as a remedy for diabetes. 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. According to clinical research divided into Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research , the reactions actually vary from person to person.

In any case, they include:

Drowsiness.
Dry mouth.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Anxiety.
Changes in appetite.
Dizziness.
Diarrhea.
Mood swings.

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

Interactions for CBD

Studies suggest that CBD may interact with several drugs, including antiepileptic drugs. Its concomitant consumption of drugs may increase toxicity or reduce efficacy. This is mainly because they disrupt cytochrome P450 (CYP), which are 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 medication.
Opioid analgesics.
Rifampicin-based medicine.
Anticonvulsants such as Tegretol ® (carbamazepine) and Trileptal ® (oxcarbazepine).
Antiarrhythmic drugs.
Antipsychotics.
Atypical antidepressants such as Remeron ® (mirtazapine).
Sedatives with benzodiazepines.

Also read: What is ginseng, how is it used and why?

Recommended doses of CBD oil

There are no guidelines yet for the proper use of CBD. People usually use the oil sublingually. Suggested doses usually range from five to 25 milligrams. However, one should always consult a doctor to define it based on his individual needs.

Hold the oil for 30 to 60 seconds after application under the tongue (one or more drops). Other presentations like sprays, capsules and chewing gum come with their own consumption instructions.

Final recommendations for the use of CBD oil

In addition to defining the CBD dosage with a doctor, 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 broader benefits.

Certain presentations also contain THC, such as an oral spray called Sativex®. It has been approved in some countries as a supplement to relieve pain related to multiple sclerosis. The choice of THC-containing combinations depends on medical assessment and availability according to local legislation.