What is CBD Oil? Benefits and Uses of CBD

Using marijuana compounds, most notably Cannabidiol, for medical purposes is something that is gaining quite a coverage with many health departments around the world. Because studies prove the effectiveness of cannabis in treating certain health conditions, it is something that a lot of people use today! However, not all countries and places legalize the use of CBD, let alone cannabis, so make sure to first familiarize yourself with the laws of your area and discover what CBD oil can do for you.

Now, what exactly is CBD oil? If you have been around the cannabis community for quite some time, then you have surely come across this term before. In this article, we are going to discuss how CBD oil affects the body as well as the different benefits that it can give! With cannabis surely taking monumental steps towards its eventual worldwide legalization, it will be a good idea to start learning how it works.   

The Basics: Marijuana Compounds

Before jumping into more complex topics, let us first learn the basics of cannabis compounds ad where to buy vietnam kratom. Now, as many of you may know, the compound structure of cannabis is compose of cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes are primarily responsible for the smell and fragrance that cannabis produces. On the other hand, cannabinoids generally act as the main driver for the effects and highs of weed. There are well over a hundred cannabinoids present in a cannabis plant, all of which act together with terpenes through the entourage effect. 

 Studies classify cannabinoids into three main types: the endocannabinoids (produced by the body), phytocannabinoids (produced by plants), and synthetic cannabinoids. Out of all the cannabinoids present, the two main ones are the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the Cannabidiol (CBD) compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the compound that induces the psychotropic effects when consuming cannabis. Cannabidiol, on the other hand, focuses more on the medical and physical impact that marijuana is usually link with! 

CBD Oil: What is it?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid present in marijuana. You can find it in practically any kind of cannabis plant, including hemp. As stated above, it is one of the two primary components that are responsible for the way cannabis affects users. However, studies show that cannabidiol is actually a non-psychoactive compound that leans more towards providing health benefits and medical value to users. CBD oil, on the other hand, can be obtain from the cannabis plant. It is a form of CBD extract which many people use for a wide range of health and leisure purposes.

Because of the less adverse effects that CBD brings, many places where cannabis is illegal have resorted to instead legalizing the regulated use of CBD oils. This allows patients who have a varying list of conditions to benefit from CBD oils. 

Is CBD better than THC?

This is a question that many people have asked themselves. For a long time, THC has been the main attraction and driver for cannabis consumption everywhere you would go. However, with the rise of CBD strains and the easier access to CBD oil, there are many people that would instead opt for CBD rather than THC. But does that really make it better?

To be honest, the answer to that question will depend largely on what you will use cannabis for. While it is entirely possible for people to use pure THC or pure CBD products, they often work best hand in hand! Of course, there may be times when patients will want to make use of CBD oils without having to experience any psychoactive effects. On the other, the majority of high THC strains (most especially sativa strains) will generally contain much lower CBD levels. It is also important to remember that CBD can help cause some subtle physical effects. On the contrary, many THC-induced effects are quite effective in treating certain illnesses.

CBD Oil: All You Need to Know

If you are wondering what CBD oil looks like, it will primarily look similar to any other clear vegetable oil that you might use for cooking. The hype around CBD oil has led it to be one of the highest sellers in the cannabis market in recent memory. While there are still a lot of people that disagree with its use, there is no question that CBD oils help lessen the negative stigma surrounding cannabis and other marijuana products.

How does CBD work?

  CBD, along with the other cannabinoids found in marijuana, works its effects through the interaction with a person’s endocannabinoid system. In our bodies, we can find various signal-receivers, namely:

• CB1 Receptors – These receptors are generally all over the body but can be mainly found in the brain. CB1 Receptors are in charge of body responses that deal with motor movements, pain tolerance, memory, appetite, logical reasoning, behavior, and mood.
• CB2 Receptors – Unlike CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors only deal with a person’s immune system.

Cannabidiol (CBD) will enter the body through various ways. Once it comes into contact with these receptors, CBD will start providing users with all the benefits that come with it. 

Uses and Effects of Cannabidiol and CBD Oil:

Cannabidiol and other products that are derive from it generally lean more towards providing medical value and promoting a healthier lifestyle. As such, people have come up with a number of ways on how to actually derive the cannabis plant of CBD. Here are some of the most common ways of using Cannabidiol and CBD oil:

• First off, we have the most common method: Smoking. As we have said, there are many different kinds of CBD strains out there. These are germinated, grown, and cultivated just like all the other marijuana plants! The buds of these CBD strains will contain some relatively high  CBD levels as compared to the THC found in it. Smoking the buds won’t be as mind-altering. Instead, users will have a more soothing body high that helps treat various health conditions. 
• CBD oil may also be mixed into different kinds of food and drinks through the use of edibles. But unlike the typical marijuana edibles that people usually make, the CBD oil in it won’t get you high. These edibles usually come in the form of pastries, pastas, tea, and even juices. There are a bunch of recipes on the Internet which helps you make use of CBD oil through food! 
• CBD oil may also be taking orally in its pure form. By simply taking a medicine dropper or pipette, fill it with CBD oil and consume it just like any other medicine. 
• CBD oil and CBD can also be found in certain pills and capsules. Epidiolex is, by far, the most famous CBD drug approved by the FDA. Sativex, on the other hand, is another cannabis byproduct that contains concentrated amounts of both CBD and THC. These are sold and distributed only in countries and places which allow and legalize its use.
• Lastly, CBD oil is often used via skin application in order to produce some relieving effects. CBD oils is one of the main ingredients found in numerous potions, topicals, and tinctures. Many people view this as the safest and most practical way of CBD oil use.

What is CBD and CBD oil used for?

Cannabidiol-based products such as CBD oil are an up and coming alternative source of medical value. With numerous places already offering CBD-based medications, patients who suffer from many kinds of diseases. Here are some of the most common uses of CBD:

Epilepsy and Seizures

Perhaps the most frequently cited use of CBD oil is for the treatment of epilepsy and other seizure conditions. Well before CBD around the world was legal, the use of CBD for seizure treatment was a big speculation for many health departments. The use of CBD oil for seizure treatment significantly impacts the amount of seizures that a patient experiences during a given period of time. A recent study in 2016 shows that a dose of around 3mg of CBD daily may reduce the amount of seizures that a person experiences by up to 37%.

Of course, this may also cause some adverse side effects to people whose bodies may react negatively to the compound.   

Pain Relief

One of the cannabis plant’s most valuable medical values is the ability to treat and mitigate levels of pain and discomfort. This is largely thanks to the presence of CBD in certain marijuana strains. The CB1 Receptors found all around a person’s body is responsible for coordinating the pain tolerance that a person feels. When CBD enters the body through a number of ways, it comes into contact with these receptors and significantly increases the pain tolerance of a user. Sativex and Epidiolex are two medications that are often prescribed to people who experience debilitating conditions of muscle pain and discomfort.

CBD oil may treat various pain-related conditions such as: migraines, muscle spasms, chronic pain, joint inflammations, and even spinal cord damages. This often works by preventing certain pain-triggering compounds from being released in the body. 

Improves Neurocognitive Functions

CBD oil plays a significant part in the way your brain and other cognitive functions operate. Because of this, it has constantly been used to help alleviate many conditions concerning the brain. CBD is used in order to treat:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Ataxia
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Strokes (Reduce symptoms and frequency)
• Dementia     

Like in any part of the body, inflammation may occur in the brain. The use of CBD oils can help slow down any development of neuro-related diseases. 

Anxiety, Depression, and other Mental Conditions

Another main function of CBD that gives marijuana a tremendous upside in the medical sector is its ability to help stimulate a person’s mind. This gives it the ability to treat mental illnesses such as: anxiety, depression, ADHD, high stress levels, insomnia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), and schizophrenia among others.

This is mainly due to the calming and relaxing sensations that come with CBD and cannabis consumption. CBD is known to help patients relax and feel less pressured. The decrease in heart rate and increase in psychological calmness definitely works for a number of patients. Studies and surveys have shown that more than 85% of people who use CBD oil for mental stimulation report a significant improvement in their moods and behavior.    

Other Purposes

While the ones listed above are the main uses of CBD and CBD oil, the list of its medical and therapeutic benefits goes on and on! For one, CBD is also the main driver of a cannabis plant’s ability to combat cancer. In addition to slowing down the development of cancer cells, CBD also treats nausea and vomiting which is a direct side effect of chemotherapy.

Additionally, CBD oil also improves the way your respiratory system works. While this may sound quite contradictory to some, studies have shown that CBD oil use helps allow people to breathe easier and feel more refreshed when inhaling. Incidentally, CBD has actually been able to help a number of smokers quit their habits!

Many researches have been carried out to further study the other benefits that CBD can give. Cases of diabetes and reduces risk of heart attack are some of the breakthroughs that look to be surfacing in the medical sector. Moreover, the use of CBD oils and topicals has proven to produce clearer and smoother skin!

Where can you Get CBD Oil?

CBD oil and other byproducts of the substance is quite accessible in today’s market. Depending on where you are living, CBD oils and products can actually be found in certain shops and open markets. This is because CBD is already FDA-approved in many places including the United States and Canada. Moreover, drugs and other medications of CBD are made available in certain pharmacies and clinics. Whether you choose to order them online or locally in your area, CBD oils are definitely somewhat of a trend today.

However, what if you couldn’t find any shops that offer it? Well, it is entirely possible to make your own! We will be teaching you an oil-based method that allows people to come up with their very own homemade CBD oil! Let’s start off:

How to Make Your Own CBD Oil

Requirements:

For this method, you will only need some everyday household items that you will typically use (apart from the marijuana buds, of course). While it is possible to extract the cannabis oils through the use of alcohol, using pure oil as a catalyst gives you a larger volume, purer solution, and quicker method for CBD extraction. Here are the things that you will need:

• High-CBD marijuana buds – The strain must be high in CBD. Otherwise, you will be extracting THC instead.
• Oil of your choice – The best option would be to use hemp oil or coconut oil due to the natural compounds in them. However, olive oil or any other vegetable-based carrier will work as great substitutes.
• For Decarboxylation:
  • 1st Option: Pressure cooker
  • 2nd Option: Baking tray, parchment paper, oven
• For Extraction:
  • Double boiler/ Saucepan with stainless steel or glass bowl
  • Coffee filter or cheesecloth

Step #1: The first thing you will have to do is activate the compounds of cannabis through decarboxylation. This generally means heating the buds until the active ingredients of marijuana are able to produce its desired effects. To do so, simply grind up your high-CBD buds and place them into the pressure cooker at 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposing the heat for up to 30 minutes will cause the oils to pop out. 

Alternate method: If you do not have a pressure cooker, simply heat the oven up to 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a piece of parchment paper and lay onto the baking tray. Scatter your ground up buds all over the paper and bake for about an hour. After decarbing your buds, allow them to cool down.

Step #2: Next comes the extraction part. Take your steel or glass bowl and pour in the finely ground and decarbed buds. Afterwards, take around ¾ cup or 450g of your chosen oil and mix with the buds. 

Step #3: Take your double boiler or saucepan and fill with an ample amount of water. Place the bowl containing the buds on top of the double boiler. Keep in mind that the water should not be hitting the bowl’s base! Bring the water to a boil and subsequently simmer.

Step #4: The extraction process will take roughly around 2 to 3 hours. During this time, regularly mix the solution from time to time. The end product will look like a brownish-green liquid concentrate that has the same consistency of oil. 

Step #5: Once you are happy with the consistency and outcome of the CBD oil, then you are done. Voilà! You now have your own CBD oil. The next step is to let the solution cool down before storing. Once cool, simply take your jar or container and place the cheesecloth/coffee filter in the opening. Pour your solution into the jar and discard the extracted weed buds in the process.

CBD oil is definitely a useful commodity to have in this day and age. With so many people who are advocating for the open use of cannabis, it is no surprise that CBD products such as CBD oil have high demand by users. So if you wish to try it out, simply head over to the nearest store that offers it! You can also make your own homemade CBD oil with just a few simple ingredients!