CBD: Everything You Need to Know About Cannabidiol

Did you know that cannabidiol, or CBD, can be used to treat a variety of different health problems? It's now legal in the EU as well as the United States.

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of over 100 compounds, called cannabinoids, that naturally occur within the Cannabis sativa plant. This miraculous plant is also referred to as marijuana or hemp. CBD is the second most prevalent active compound in cannabis.

CBD has been shown to fight inflammation and reduce pain in many areas. It also helps relieve symptoms of seizure disorder, anxiety disorder, and chronic disease, to name a few. By reading this guide, you will learn all about CBD and how it can help you improve your quality of life.

Is Cannabidiol the Same as CBD Oil?

CBD is the metabolite that is extracted from cannabis for the production of the finished product, CBD oil. 

CBD Hemp seed oil and CBD MCT oil  are the most widely used delivery systems for CBD in a concentrated form. CBD oil is just one of the ways you can ingest the compound to enjoy its extensive list of health benefits.

Other ways of taking it include eating CBD edibles or smoking dried and cured cannabis flowers. If you want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC, choose strains that have under 0.3% THC and a high concentration of CBD, such as Amnesia Haze CBD, Big Bud CBD, OG Kush CBD, Strawberry CBD, Blueberry Kush CBD, and Charas CBD.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD?

According to the World Health Organization, CBD is safe, all-natural, and non-addictive. An overdose does not cause adverse effects. It can cause some slight drowsiness and sometimes slow the reactivity time of your muscle movement and reflexes, but most people find they are in an alert state without intoxication.

The most prevalent and well-known active compound in cannabis is the psychoactive molecule called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC). This is what's responsible for the "high" you feel after ingestion or inhalation. If you like the calm without the 'high', CBD is a non-psychoactive alternative.

Everyone's body is a bit different when it comes to a dosage range that's best for them. Just as with THC, consider trying the lowest dose available if you're worried about the effects it might have on you individually. But it has been shown that CBD, even in high doses, is non-toxic.

Drug Interactions

There are still studies being conducted on drug interactions, so always check with your doctor before combining medications.

CBD and other cannabinoids derived from plants may interact with some pharmaceutical drugs by inhibiting the activity of cytochrome P450. P450 is a family of liver enzymes and is an important enzyme group for metabolizing most of the drugs we take.

CBD temporarily deactivates these cytochrome P450 enzymes, changing the way we metabolize many compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

According to Leafly.com, you may want a small percentage of THC in your CBD oil  because THC and CBD generally work better together. These compounds, together with the plant's natural terpenes, make a full-spectrum oil. They cause what's called the "entourage effect."

There are THC-free CBD options (isolate and broad-spectrum), which you can take if you don't want full-spectrum CBD. At large dosages, CBD temporarily deactivates cytochrome P450 enzymes. This alters how the body metabolizes a large range of compounds, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the "high" that Cannabis is legendary for.

How Many Drops of CBD Oil Should I Take?

According to Medical News Today, experimenting with CBD dosage is a very safe, low-risk endeavour. Volunteers in clinical trials are given doses up to 1,500 mg per day safely, and these doses were well-tolerated.

CBD oil is going to be effective for various people at varying dosage amounts. Some people see results taking a single dose of 5-10 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day. Others might take many doses of 10-15 mg. Space them out according to what works for you.

CBD oil can be purchased in several concentrations, anywhere from 3% to 30% or more. The price will get higher as you reach higher levels of CBD concentration. The oil containing 3% is usually used for pets.

Does CBD Oil Help Sexually?

There are many CBD receptors in sexual tissue and reproductive organs. CBD increases blood flow to those areas, which increases sensitivity and activates the body’s natural lubrication.

CBD has a calming effect, which might relieve performance anxiety and help with erectile dysfunction. It promotes a warm and tingly feeling and boosts your mood by activating Anandamide — your bliss neurotransmitter. CBD increases oxytocin, your "cuddle hormone," and releases endorphins.

Many reports about CBD boosting libido are anecdotal.

Perhaps someone you know has tried it and finds it effective for improving sex. Then some other person tells you it didn't work for them in any respect. There aren't enough research studies specific to CBD's effects on libido, so we can't definitively say that it works.

What Does CBD Do to Your Brain?

CBD works on the mammalian brain and also the body in a broad sense, but scientists are starting to understand how CBD specifically affects the human brain. CBD works on the central nervous system, more specifically the endocannabinoid system, which is comprised of two receptors: CB1 and CB2.

There is still more to be discovered about CBD. No long-term study has demonstrated the changes CBD makes to brain structure itself. It'll be a long time before enough patients exist for a long-term (multi-decade) CBD clinical study to be completed.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBD, according to Dementia Care Central, has been studied for its potential healing effects on brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease. CBD has been linked to anti-inflammatory effects, reduction of oxidative stress, reduction of anxiety, neuroprotection, and more.

A lot of the damage that happens following a stroke, as an example, is caused by the body's inflammatory response itself. CBD helps to partially fight off that inflammation, leading to better results for stroke victims.

Clinical research is looking into its potential use in epilepsy, substance abuse and dependence, schizophrenia, social phobia, post-traumatic stress, depression, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and Parkinson's disease, according to Frontiers Media SA.

Antioxidant properties of CBD prevent inflammation in our brains and help to prevent damaging oxidative stress in our cells. This stress could be a result of environmental free radicals and other factors.

Does CBD Oil Help Arthritis?

Do you have arthritis? Maybe you know someone who does, and you're wondering how to help them outside of conventional medicine. Unfortunately, there's no cure for arthritis, but it is possible to alleviate your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

More than ever, people with arthritis are using topical CBD oil products to calm their symptoms. CBD salves contain CBD oil and other safe all-natural ingredients. It is without side effects or smell, so you may use it publicly without issue.

To use it overnight on your hands, apply the salve to your hands, and then put on some cotton gloves. It starts to provide relief within an hour.

There is a clinical trial currently underway (2020) studying the efficacy of CBD on knee osteoarthritis, which is very common. It'll be interesting to find out the results of that study because it could help so many people.

Does CBD Oil Affect Memory?

Evidence suggests that CBD can boost memory function in healthy adults, those with Dementia, and other brain diseases. It can even have a positive effect on your fully-formed memories, helping you replay them in an exceedingly more positive light. 

A new study out of the University College London is shedding light on how cannabidiol can increase blood flow within the hippocampus, the region of the brain where we process memory.

CBD for Dogs and Cats

It's true. Your furry friend can enjoy CBD oil in many of the same ways we can.

Does your dog suffer from anxiety when you're away? You can safely give him or her a dose before you leave for work, and they'll be more relaxed while you're gone during the day.

Try It for Yourself

Now you're equipped with the knowledge you need in order to decide if cannabidiol is right for you and your loved ones (that includes pets). Whether you have a bit of insomnia, pain, or just want to take the edge off your stress, there's a concentration that is perfect for you.

Make sure you choose a quality product from a trustworthy source and stay safe. Check out our online weed shop and also visit the CBD oil section.