WHAT DOES CBD MEAN?
CBD oil is a natural product derived from hemp, a selectively bred type of Cannabis sativa. The abbreviation “CBD” stands for cannabidiol, one of the dozens of organic compounds found in hemp.
Once isolated from the raw plant material, CBD is added to a carrier oil (typically olive oil or hemp seed oil) and sold as CBD oil. These oils are available in concentrations ranging from 2.5% CBD to 30%.
The ideal concentration of CBD oil depends primarily on the circumstances of a particular individual and their reason for taking CBD oil. Although there are many variables involved, this has not stopped the interest in CBD oil from reaching unprecedented numbers.
HOW DOES CBD OIL WORK?
What makes CBD oil unique is that when consumed, it interacts with the human body through the endocannabinoid system (SE).
The SE is a regulatory network that exists within all mammals. In humans, the SE is partially responsible for maintaining homeostasis – a state of biological balance. Interestingly, CBD oil is thought to encourage[1] this state of equilibrium, enhancing the effectiveness of SE as a regulatory system.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER CBD PRODUCTS?
There is no such thing as just CBD oil. Due to its versatile nature, CBD is easily incorporated into dozens of product ranges, including:
- CBD Capsules
- CBD cosmetics
- CBD medicated creams
- Liposomal CBD Oil
Again, the right CBD product for you will depend on your individual circumstances. However, for most people, CBD oil is the most popular choice. It is easy to consume and discreet, and a few drops may be enough to feel its effects.
WAYS IN WHICH CBD OIL CAN INFLUENCE THE HUMAN BODY
Below you will find a summary of how it can influence critical conditions in humans.
- CBD OIL AND PAIN
Pain is a vast and complicated mechanism. Not only for the fact that there are different types of pain, but the sensation of it is also subjective – we all feel pain differently.
In 2018, Frontiers in Pharmacology[2] published a study that highlighted the impact that cannabinoids (including CBD) had on pain. The study examined the following types of pain:
- Inflammatory pain
- Cancer pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Rheumatic pain
- Chronic abdominal pain
By examining a wide range of preclinical and animal model studies, the researchers identified several trends:
- Cannabinoid mechanisms include inhibition of neurotransmitters and nerve endings, as well as neural signaling
- Cannabinoids exhibit varied activity, particularly with regard to pain
The review concludes that there is a “moderate amount of evidence,” but that “larger, well-designed studies” are needed to help determine the appropriate dose, frequency, and combination of cannabinoids.
- CBD OIL AND ANXIETY
Anxiety affects all of us at some point in our lives. But for millions of people around the world living with anxiety disorder, the symptoms are often debilitating.
The Journal of the American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics[3] published a study in 2015 that examined the effect of cannabidiol on anxiety-related disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Parkinson’s disease
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Interestingly, the study highlighted that the impact of CBD appeared to depend on the interaction with CB1 and 5-HT1A receptors. The former is associated with the endocannabinoid system, while the latter is part of the serotonin system.
The review concluded that:
- Evidence is growing, but is limited to clinical populations
- More studies are needed to determine therapeutic efficacy
Once again, however, it appears that the impact of CBD may be dose-dependent. So far, only semi-intense doses have been studied. Investigate this site for more info on the effects of CBD.
