A Closer Look: Benefits of CBD Oil?
It may have been niche knowledge at one time, limited only to those with a close relationship with cannabis. Today, CBD, or cannabidiol, is a well-known cannabinoid, taking a starring role in the wellness routines of millions of consumers.
Among the vast array of CBD products available today is arguably one of the most prominent, CBD oil. Its popularity is self-explanatory: CBD oil is fast acting, easy to dose, won’t get in the way of dietary restrictions, can be added to foods and drinks and can even be used to make your own edibles.
With countless CBD oil options online and in stores throughout the country, it begs the question, “How is CBD oil made?”
The answer is dependent on a number of factors, namely that different CBD providers use different methods at all production stages to create CBD oil. Moreso, the ins and outs of the CBD extraction process and the type of CBD used in tinctures can be huge when deciding which CBD brands to turn to in the first place.
So, let’s dive in to explore the world of CBD oil and how it’s made!
What is CBD?
Before we really get into CBD oil, let’s talk more about the special compound that makes this product so desirable.
CBD is often considered the most popular cannabis compound behind THC. The main difference is that CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that it does not create the “high” of THC. CBD and THC are cannabinoids, compounds that act on our bodies’ own endocannabinoid system. This system works to help our bodies with functions around appetite, stress and anxiety, learning and memory, metabolism and more.
THC acts on both CB1 (in the brain) and CB2 (in body and immune system) receptors, so it can affect your system both cognitively and physically. CBD only acts on CB2 receptors, so it does not create the same intoxicating effect.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
On its own, CBD is locked up inside of cannabis or hemp plants in an inactive form, along with a number of other naturally occurring compounds like fiber, waxes, chlorophyll and terpenes. When CBD is extracted from hemp or cannabis, it’s highly concentrated and does not mix with water, so it must be diluted into a carrier oil, what we call CBD oil!
So, why bother? What potential benefits does CBD have to offer?
One of the most studied uses for CBD oil is in regard to neurological diseases, like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and other ailments that cause muscle spasticity and seizures in the human body. CBD could also aid in the cessation of anxiety and drug-related cravings, decrease blood pressure, counteract inflammation, relieve pain, assist with sleep, and more.
A number of studies have also shown CBD’s promise in cancer patients, namely initiating programmed cell death in breast cancer cells and slowing tumor growth.
Research is still catching up, but the available information is promising. With a number of CBD products on the market already, anecdotal evidence shows consumers already collectively enjoy what CBD has to offer.