10 Facts About CBD Oil to Know

Cannabidiol or CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid found in the hemp and cannabis plant that has a lot of buzz circulating lately because of its positive health benefits.
Even though there is a growing popularity of CBD products, there is still quite a bit of misinformation surrounding this non-intoxicating chemical compound. We’ve put together a list of 10 important facts about CBD that the average user should know before purchasing their first CBD product.

CBD is becoming legal in selective countries

In Canada, CBD is legal under the cannabis act and is sold in selective retailers. The CBD that can be found in legal retailers is derived from the cannabis plant. CBD derived from hemp, however, has been left unregulated and kept in a grey area because of its low levels of THC. CBD that is derived from hemp has below the legal limit of 0.3% THC.

CBD is psychoactive but non-intoxicating

One of the biggest selling points which have enhanced the boom of CBD products is that the cannabinoid is both therapeutic and non-psychoactive, as opposed to the popular cannabinoid THC. Yes, you might see this fact everywhere about CBD, however, CBD does contain some type of psychoactive effects. What we mean by this is CBD is psychoactive in the sense that it directly affects mental processes of cognition and mood. It is not to say that CBD will make you feel ‘high’ as THC does instead, one of the most common psychoactive effects is its calming feeling. CBD is non-intoxicating, which means that it does not produce the ‘high’ feeling mentioned before and will not leave you temporarily impaired as THC does.

CBD works well when used with other cannabinoids

There was a study in 2015 that was documented by the Hebrew University of Israel which identified the medicinal potency of the single-molecule CBD compared to that of the whole-plant, CBD-rich extract. The single molecule extracted is also known as an isolated extract or CBD isolate – which contains the cannabinoid CBD. A whole-plant extract contains a variety of cannabinoids plus the terpene profile of the original plant. The study acknowledged that the whole-plant extract had increased therapeutic value compared to the single-molecule extract. This is not to say that a CBD isolate could be beneficial as it depends on the individual and their condition or physical restrictions. Using a combination of cannabinoids allows for the molecules to work synergistically and provide increased health benefits. This is known as the entourage effect.

CBD interacts with several systems in the body

The main reason why CBD has many potential health benefits is the complex way it interacts with our body, specifically with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is made up of several endocannabinoids which are the receptors that these cannabinoids bind to and the enzymes that break them down. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many physiological processes in the body. Studies have shown that CBD may reduce the absorption of the body’s pain-regulating endocannabinoid anandamide, which can provide pain relief. Other studies have shown that CBD can reduce epileptic seizures by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters.

Not all CBD is the same

The CBD products on the current market are not all produced with the same CBD. There are three types of CBD: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate. Each extract contains different chemical compounds in it which can provide different health effects. Full Spectrum CBD is known for its variety of cannabinoids, terpene profile, and other nutrients from the hemp or cannabis plant. It also contains slight traces of THC. Broad Spectrum CBD does not contain any THC but still has a variety of cannabinoids to offer. CBD isolate is exactly as it sounds, strictly the cannabinoid CBD. Another factor that differentiates CBD is where it was extracted from – the hemp or cannabis plant. The compound remains the same but what makes it different is the content of other cannabinoids such as THC.

There is no scientific set dosing for CBD

One of the biggest questions consumers ask is what dose could be right for them. Unfortunately, there are no exact measurements or guidelines that work for everyone. All consumers absorb CBD differently because of the differentiation of receptors in our bodies. One dose may be effective for someone while it may not be the right dose for the other. It is all about experimenting with dosing to find what dose is right for you.

CBD is generally Safe

There have not been any recorded lethal side effects associated with CBD. It always goes back to dosing and finding what dose could be right for you. It is best to always start low in dosing and work your way. Studies have shown that daily doses of 1500mg daily have been tolerable in some while in others it may cause side effects such as sleepiness, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargic feelings. There have also been no studies to prove that CBD can interfere with prescription medication, but it is always highly recommended to speak to a medical professional before introducing the supplement into your daily routine.

CBD has the potential to treat anxiety

Although we are unsure of dosing, studies continuously submerge that help us understand the potential health benefits that CBD has to offer. For example, a study issued in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry in 2019, found that CBD may be useful for the treatment of social anxiety associated with public speaking. The study also indicated that a dose of around 300mg helped to relieve the anxiety-related symptoms.

CBD is safe for your pets

Just as humans, dogs, and cats contain an endocannabinoid system that CBD can interact to provide positive health benefits. CBD can provide therapeutic effects that can help to reduce anxiety, epilepsy, and inflammation. It can also improve their shiny coats, improve their immune system and reduce bad breath.

It is legal to fly with hemp-derived CBD, but risky

Now that CBD is becoming more widespread across the globe, more countries are beginning to be more welcoming when it comes to traveling with CBD. Hemp-derived CBD that contains below 0.3% THC is considered safe to travel with. What makes it tricky is that regulations are different in selective countries, and it is best to do your research before traveling with your CBD products.

We hope that these top 10 facts are helpful when understanding how CBD works and its benefits. CBD is evolving more than ever and there are a ton of products on the market that can provide health benefits. It is always best to do your research on the company you choose and the products you are trying to make sure they are reputable sources and you are getting the best out of your CBD therapy.