Scientific studies support CBD oil’s effectiveness to varying degrees, with more research needed to verify most benefits.
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What Is CBD Oil and How Does It Work?
The cannabinoids in CBD oil interact with the bodys naturalendocannabinoidsystem (ECS).
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What Is CBD Used For?
CBD use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist or healthcare provider.
OTC CBD oil products are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Proponents of CBD oil claim that it benefits people with various health problems.
Here’s a deeper dive into CBD oil’s more compelling health benefits.
Note that CBD oil is different from hemp oil.
Hemp oil is processed differently (pressing hemp seeds) and typically contains no CBD.
CBD oil is made from the leaves, stems, buds, and flowers of theCannabis indicaorCannabis sativaplant.
It should contain less than 0.3% THC.
Hemp oil is made from the seeds ofCannabis sativaand does not have TCH in it.
Epidiolex is used to treat two rare forms ofepilepsyin children under 2 years:Dravet syndromeandLennox-Gastautsyndrome.
These rare genetic disorders cause lifelong seizures in the first year of life.
CBD has also been studied for the following:
While promising, further research is needed for these conditions.
Note that OTC CBD products are not regulated or standardized like prescription medications such as Epidiolex.
The researchers also used a reliable test for mood states called the Visual Analog Mood Scale.
While the preliminary research is promising, more is needed to confirm results.
Products with significant amounts of THC may worsen symptoms of psychosis, schizophrenia, and paranoia.
May Support Sleep
There is conflicting evidence to support the use of cannabinoids to treat sleep disorders.
Although some study outcomes have been favorable, most have not.
A 2017 study found that CBD products containing THC may decrease the time needed to fall asleep.
May Lower High Blood Pressure
CBD may produce favorable outcomes for people attempting to lower their blood pressure.
Multiple recent studies have shown CBD’s effectiveness in reducing blood pressure in those withhypertension.
Side Effects
Clinical research has shown that CBD oil can cause side effects.
These include:
Also, consider that CBD products are not regulated and may be adulterated or labeled misleadingly.
Adolescent users are at increased risk of psychological disorders from THC.These include an increased risk of psychosis and schizophrenia.
Remember that some products do contain THC, even in small amounts.
There are no dosing standards for CBD products.
Additionally, the dose you may need varies depending on the reason for using CBD oil and your age.
However, there are no guarantees that they contain the ingredients and doses stated on the label.
The potential danger is that you might’t know if you’re getting more or less CBD.
Taking too much CBD may cause mild to severe side effects that need immediate medical attention.
One of the reasons for this has to do with how the body breaks down (metabolizes) drugs.
Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) is a liver enzyme your body uses to break down some drugs.
CBD oil is broken down by and can also affect CYP450.
Alcohol or other recreational drugs that cause drowsiness may have increased side effects if used with CBD oil.
Never change or stop medication without talking to your provider.
Is CBD oil legal in all states?
However, each state can regulate these products as it wishes.
For example, some states may not allow it to be sold to minors.
Remember that CBD oils are unregulated.
There’s no guarantee that a product is what it claims to be on its packaging.
You also can’t know for sure that it’s safe and effective.
How can I verify CBD oil quality?
Verifying the quality of CBD oil is essential.
A 2017 study reported that only 31% of CBD products sold online were correctly labeled.
Most had less CBD in them than was advertised, and 21% had significant amounts of THC.
The oil contains active ingredients that cause biochemical responses in your body, leading to many potential health benefits.
A prescription medication containing CBD is used to treat epilepsy.
The amount of THC in CBD oil is limited, so you wont get high.
However, CBD can cause side effects, including fatigue, diarrhea, and a change in your appetite.
Consult with your healthcare provider to avoid potentially serious side effects triggered by these interactions.
Children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use CBD oil products.
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