Cbd oil benefits, legality and potential side effects featured image.

Key Takeaways

  • CBD oil is extracted from the Cannabis Sativa plant, but it’s not intoxicating and won’t make you high.

  • Some of the most significant benefits of using CBD oil include alleviating epilepsy seizures and anxiety symptoms, combating acne, and relieving discomfort in general.

  • The most common side effects associated with using CBD are loss of appetite, drowsiness, diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, and interactions with other medications.

  • Before purchasing CBD oil, it’s important to consider factors like THC concentration, brand authenticity, third-party lab tests, and other ingredients.

  • CBD products with 0.3% or less THC are federally legal, but local restrictions may apply depending on the state.

  • Typically, CBD oil takes 20-45 minutes to work.

  • CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated, meaning you can use it on a regular basis without developing a dependency.

In 2018, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex – a purified form of CBD oil for treating two types of epilepsy.

Unsurprisingly, people are intrigued to know the potential advantages of CBD oil for skin and general well-being. 

But what exactly is CBD oil? Are the claims about its usefulness valid, or are they just another fad?

We’ll uncover the details of CBD oil below.

What Is CBD Oil? 

Photo describing how cbd oil looks like.

CBD stands for Cannabinoid. It is an extract of the Cannabis Sativa plant – also known as hemp or marijuana plants. 

Since it’s derived from marijuana, people assume it has a “high effect,” but that’s not true. The major difference between CBD and marijuana is that the former has little to no THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), while the latter is high in THC content. 

THC is the chemical that gets you high; CBD has only 0.3% or low THC. Therefore, it’s non-psychoactive and does not change your state of mind after consumption.

Possible Benefits of CBD Oil

A photo showing a chemist mixing cbd oil and testing its benefits.

CBD oil has skyrocketed in popularity, thanks to its considerable health benefits. Perhaps this explains why it’s found in a wide variety of products, including capsules, lotions, and creams. 

With increasing popularity, CBD research is growing, too. Let’s take a closer look at its benefits.

Help alleviate seizures which are common in Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that alters the brain’s activity and causes frequent seizures. 

In 2018, FDA approved Epidiolex – the first-ever CBD-infused drug – to treat the condition.

Later, in 2019, researchers noticed promising effects of CBD to alleviate seizures. It was observed that no synthetic drugs target the endocannabinoid system like CBD.

Helps with symptoms of anxiety

Though doctors do not recommend cannabis for anxiety patients as THC may worsen the feelings of anxiousness. CBD, on the flip side, may reduce anxiety symptoms. 

A 2015 study shows how CBD might alleviate symptoms of anxiety-related problems in people with the following conditions. 

Another 2019 animal study shows that CBD can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in mice.  

Can Help Ease Discomfort

Though conventional drugs are pretty effective in relieving stiffness, people find CBD as a natural alternative. 

Studies show that non-psychoactive hemp compounds like CBD can suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting glycine receptors. 

Additionally, a 2018 animal review notes that CBD reduces inflammation by inhibiting the release of compounds that trigger it. 

Helps with acne 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, “Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually.” 

If your skin also breaks out frequently, know that CBD oil might help. 

Research indicates that topical application of CBD can reduce inflammation in psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions, including acne. 

Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil

A photo showing a medical practitioner holding the side effects card.

Generally, CBD oil is well-tolerated. However, it can have a few side effects when:

  • Paired with other medications 
  • Taken in high dose

The most common side effects include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Drowsiness
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth 

Moreover, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult your health practitioner before including CBD in your diet. 

What to Look For When Purchasing CBD Oil 

Miniature cart showing cbd products to symbolize purchasing decisions.

Perhaps you cannot go on and buy CBD from ANY brand out there. A few fraudulent companies sell fake CBD products that may do more harm than good. 

Therefore, it’s essential to consider a few factors before purchasing. 

  • THC content – Read the label for THC content. Make sure the THC content is equal to or below 0.3%.

  • Ingredients – Go for CBD oil with more natural ingredients. Synthetic ingredients can have adverse reactions.

  • Brand – Make sure you purchase from a reputable brand that has been in the business for some years now. For that purpose, you can search about it online or skim through the reviews on the website to get an idea.

  • Third-Party tests. CBD oil should have the label of a third-party test. It implies that a product is checked for quality and purity and doesn’t contain contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does CBD Oil Get You High?

One of the common assumptions about CBD oil is that it gets you high. Note that the legally sold CBD products have 0.3% or low THC, so it doesn’t cause psychoactive effects. 

Yes, you’ll feel calm and relaxed after CBD oil consumption; these effects are far from what you get by consuming marijuana. 

Is CBD Oil Safe? 

CBD is pretty safe when taken in amounts recommended by the doctor. However, it can have a few side effects if you:

  • Take it alongside other medicines
  • Are pregnant or nursing
  • Consume it in a higher amount 

Since the Farm Bill legalized hemp in the US in 2018, it is impossible to keep CBD illegal. Today, CBD oil is readily available in most parts of the US. However, the legalization status comes with a few restrictions in various states. 

In essence, hemp-derived CBD oil is legal. However, CBD oil from cannabis (marijuana) is not permitted. 

But most CBD products available on the market are hemp-derived and, therefore, legal. 

How Often Should You Take CBD Oil? 

The amount of CBD oil you should take depends on the severity of your condition and your weight.

For instance, a person with severe anxiety might need a higher dose than someone with mild to moderate anxiety.

Similarly, if you weigh below 130 pounds, you can take up to 10mg of CBD oil every day. If you’re above 130 pounds, a 10-20mg dose will suit you best. However, for a person, with more than 230 pounds, a 30mg dose will do. 

For more details about this topic, check out our article about the right CBD dosage.

It’s best to consult your physician and follow the recommended dosage.

How Long Does It Take to Work? 

Typically, CBD oil takes 20-45 minutes to work. However, the amount of time varies depending on factors like weight, amount of dosage, and severity of the condition under treatment. 

CBD would take a little longer to work for someone obese. Similarly, a high dose will produce faster results than a small dose. 

Likewise, the more severe the condition, the longer it takes to work. 

Final Words

Unlike THC in marijuana, CBD oil is non-psychoactive and comes with a wealth of benefits for general well-being. 

Since it’s growing in popularity, people are eager to learn about its safety and usage. 

CBD oil is potentially safe to use but can have specific side effects in a few cases. Therefore, speaking to your doctor before incorporating it into your diet is best. 

Research Sources

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