CBD Oil: What It Is, Effects, Where To Buy It

CBD and THC appear among the main active ingredients that distinguish cannabis or hemp sativa: the cannabinoids. THC or tetracannabidiol is the psychotropic and psychoactive component, i.e. the chemical element responsible for the euphoric effect typically given by taking marijuana, while CBD or cannabidiol, a metabolite of cannabis sativa which is still the subject of scientific studies and research, is already widely used in the medical/therapeutic field, by virtue of the many properties that contribute to making it a true "natural alternative medicine".

CBD oil is an alternative to smoking that provides the body with all the therapeutic and medical benefits of cannabidiol. It is a fat-soluble oily substance obtained from the inflorescences of cannabis through special extraction processes aimed at preserving its characteristic purity. This essence is then diluted in oil, generally hemp oil, in order to accentuate and promote its characteristic effects. Available in different concentrations and for a variety of applications, this guide will outline all the peculiarities of CBD oil, the areas of application and the main methods of intake and effects on the body.

What is CBD oil and how is it obtained?

CBD oil is to all intents and purposes a derivative of cannabis sativa, obtained by different extraction methods applied to the female inflorescences, where the concentration of CBD is highest, but often also to the seeds and branches that make up the plant. Highly concentrated and particularly effective for medical and therapeutic purposes, CBD oil requires specific manufacturing processes that involve first extracting the cannabidiol, which is then integrated into a so-called carrier oil.

CBD is therefore extracted either through techniques involving the use of food grade alcoholic solvents, which can produce high purity, fully decarboxylated CBD crystals, or through the use of carbon dioxide, which does not involve the use of chemical or synthetic solvents that would inevitably affect the integrity and purity of the product obtained. In both cases, the resulting filtered essence is added to a so-called carrier oil, as pure CBD extract does not have a pleasant taste and is not fully bioavailable to the body. Consequently, carrier oil, usually olive or hemp seed oil, not only makes CDB fully bioavailable, facilitating its metabolisation by the liver, but also promotes the most common effects of cannabidiol intake.

Where to buy CBD oil

High-quality CBD oil is not always easy to come by: it is a cannabis derivative that is considered a 'niche' product, and therefore very expensive. Often, physical outlets do not have it available due to its high price, which makes it difficult to sell, except for 'purity enthusiasts' who usually prefer to invest a few euros more, knowing that they are buying an excellent product with high quality standards. In addition to this, there is the discretion factor: buying from a physical shop means that the consumer has to put their face to the transaction, which can lead to embarrassment or simply the fear of being labelled as a 'cannabis user', something that many people prefer to hide for privacy. Buying CBD oil online provides the privacy we often seek.

To buy cbd oil in Europe, it is certainly preferable to go to an online shop, where the wide choice of cannabidiol concentrations gives the derivative a greater versatility of use, with the advantage of being able to dispose of very high quality products at significantly reduced prices compared to the typical standards of offline sales, which inevitably involve management costs and possible mark-ups, all while respecting one's privacy.

How to use and main effects of CBD oil

CBD oil can be taken mainly by sublingual application or alternatively by vaporization using an electronic vaporizer. Although vaporisation allows the beneficial properties of cannabidiol to be enjoyed, sublingual use is undoubtedly the most effective. Applying a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue activates the cannabinoid receptors more quickly through the membranes of the oral mucous membranes, which are more receptive to the active ingredient than anywhere else in the body. In this way, the typical effects of CBD are almost instantaneous, allowing the full benefits to be enjoyed.

In recent years, the scientific community has focused its attention on CBD, and studies and research have confirmed its benefits for the body, above all its analgesic, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. CBD oil has therefore been shown to be effective in the treatment of many disorders, from headaches to anxiety and depression, from insomnia to muscular pain, to name but a few.

CBD oil as a dietary supplement

Regular use of CBD oil fulfils the function of a natural food supplement, thanks to its high content of essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6 and vitamin E, which the Mediterranean diet often lacks. Although CBD is proverbially known for its distinctly relaxing action, it also has an energising effect on the body, due to its ability to promote cell regeneration and boost immunity. This is because cannabidiol is able to interact with the endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 receptors, which regulate the perception of pain, memory, appetite and mood, as well as CB2 receptors, which are responsible for the conduct of the immune system.

CBD oil for pain and inflammation

A large number of scientific studies and investigations have highlighted the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of CBD, making it particularly suitable for treating chronic pain, which tends to recur cyclically and more or less frequently. By interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors that regulate pain perception, CBD oil has an important relaxing effect on the muscular system, bringing relief and well-being. It is therefore effective in relieving all kinds of muscle pain, joint inflammation, migraines and menstrual pain.

CBD oil with antioxidant effect

CBD has multiple antioxidant properties: cannabidiol  inhibits oxidative processes, chemical reactions responsible for the formation of free radicals that damage cells and cause premature ageing. Using a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue on a daily basis allows you to benefit from the antioxidant properties of cannabidiol by acting on a systemic level.

CBD oil against anxiety, depression and insomnia

Taking CBD oil not only invigorates the body but also improves mood. By improving the quality of sleep and rest, it is particularly effective in treating anxiety and depression and reducing panic attacks. Sleep-related disorders can cause significant discomfort, ranging from feelings of exhaustion to difficulty concentrating and constant nervousness. This cannabis derivative can therefore alleviate such problems, significantly improving quality of life.

English How to find the right CBD oil dosage

As the cannabinoid system varies from person to person, it goes without saying that the dosage of CBD oil needed to alleviate certain problems may also vary. The best way to determine the dosage of CBD oil best suited to one's needs is to start treatment with a lower concentration and then gradually increase it until the desired effects are achieved.

It is therefore preferable for people who have never used cannabis to begin treatment with a dosage of CBD of 5mg several times a day, in order to understand the body's response. If the effects are not as expected, the dose can be increased to 10mg, gradually increasing until relief and well-being are achieved. If you are a regular user, you can proceed with a higher dose of about 25mg, adjusting the amounts later.

The body tends to respond differently to such a stimulus, which is why it is important to be aware that patience plays a key role in this type of therapy: testing the dosage and noting the effects over a relatively long period of time makes it easy to find the solution best suited to your body, thus benefiting from all the advantages of the therapy.

Depending on the problem to be treated, the dosage of CBD oil can vary considerably, but there are CBD concentrations that, although indicative, can alleviate many disorders:

•  Chronic pain: can be treated with a dosage of 2.5 to 20mg for a duration of about 25 days;
•  Epilepsy: requires 200 to 300mg taken for at least 4.5 months;
•  Motor problems related to Huntington's disease: here the recommended dosage is 10mg/kg for 6 weeks;
•  Sleep disorders: requires 40 to 160mg depending on the extent of the problem;
•  Symptoms of multiple sclerosis: 2.5 to 120mg for 2 to 15 weeks in combination with THC;
•  Glaucoma: 20 to 40mg maximum, as excessive dosing may adversely affect eye pressure, worsening the problem.

How to vaporize CBD oil

One of the most popular methods of taking CBD oil is vaporization. Using a vaporizer, the cannabidiol reaches the lungs directly, diffusing into the bloodstream without passing through the liver or intestines, achieving a bioavailability of around 50 to 60%.

This means that the same effects can be achieved by vaporization as by oral intake, but with a significantly lower concentration of CBD. A further advantage of vaporization is the so-called 'time of action', which is shorter than with any digestive process: when vaporized, the CBD oil starts to act 30 to 60 minutes earlier than when taken orally, a factor that should not be underestimated and which makes this method particularly popular, often to a greater extent than sublingual oil application.

The vaporizer is relatively simple to use: the oil is introduced into a small tank by means of cotton and heated at low, perfectly adjustable temperatures so that its characteristics and properties are preserved. A light vapour is then generated, ready to be inhaled, with a light consistency and a characteristic flavour, making the "smoke" even more pleasant.

It is therefore a versatile, discreet device that can be used anywhere and with the utmost discretion because the delivery does not cause any kind of odour, allowing the benefits of marijuana to be enjoyed in peace and quiet, significantly amplifying its effects.

Today, it is vaporizers that have revolutionised the way we interact with cannabis: simple to use, fast, cheap and affordable devices that make up for the typical disadvantages of conventional smoking.