CBD Oil: Uses, Advantages, Drawbacks, and More

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Cannabidiol (CBD) has finally gone mainstream, with 60% of adults in the United States using the wellness product, according to a recent Forbes Health study of 2,000 U.S. adults done by OnePoll. CBD is used for a variety of reasons, including its potential health benefits: 60% of people use CBD products to treat pain, 58% to promote sleep, and 51% to control anxiety. With so many CBD oils on the market, it can be tough to separate the wheat from the chaff and discover the ideal product for you.

The Forbes Health editorial team analysed data on more than 100 CBD oil products made from U.S.-grown plants with a certificate of analysis (COA) confirming the absence of pesticides, heavy metals, and moulds, and that have been third-party tested by ISO 17025-compliant laboratories to select the best CBD oils.

What Exactly is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol is one of over 80 active compounds known as cannabinoids that are naturally found in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD can be extracted into a thick, oily paste and combined with a carrier oil (such as hemp or coconut oil) to create CBD oil with a specific CBD content.

Is CBD Oil Harmless?

Yes, according to the medical community. According to a World Health Organization assessment released in November 2017, “there is no indication of public health-related issues linked with the use of pure CBD.” Still, it can be hazardous if labels aren’t true or if individuals start using CBD instead of medication to treat medical problems for which there is compelling evidence of efficacy from well-designed clinical studies. Poor quality CBD can induce a variety of symptoms, including headaches and nausea, as well as lethargy, diarrhoea, and changes in appetite and weight. CBD use is still in its early stages, therefore a consensus on long-term effects has yet to be established.

Where Can I Get CBD Oil Legally?

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CBD extracted from low-THC hemp is now legal in all 50 states. (CBD derived from hemp is not derived from high-THC cannabis plants.) The issue is that because CBD was approved as the active ingredient in the anti-seizure medication Epidiolex, the FDA considers it a drug, making it unlawful to sell as an over-the-counter supplement. The CBD regulatory system is still evolving at the state and federal levels.

Can CBD Oil Get You High?

CBD is not psychoactive, therefore it will not make you high. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), its chemical cousin, is the only cannabinoid that produces a high. CBD oil obtained from marijuana is derived from high-THC cannabis plants, which might contain different quantities of THC. Hemp-derived CBD oil is derived from low-THC cannabis plants; it is this nonintoxicating, hemp-derived CBD that is offered over the counter and found in a wide range of goods these days.

How Do You Make Use of CBD Oil?

CBD-infused products are classified into four types:

CBD ingested: Swallowing CBD oil allows it to travel through the digestive system and be digested by the liver, allowing its active ingredients to be distributed throughout the body over several hours. CBD oil is typically consumed in the form of drops, tinctures, and capsules, or it is mixed with foods and beverages such as gummy candies and coffee. CBD can also be consumed as a powder, which is obtained by eliminating all plant materials to reveal a crystalline powder with no flavour or odour.

Sublingual CBD: Another popular method of taking CBD is to insert a few drops of the oil or tincture, or a small amount of the powder, beneath the tongue and hold it there for several seconds. This permits the active substances to be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream via the mucus membranes in the mouth.

Topical CBD: CBD-infused products are applied to the skin to relieve pain and reduce inflammation exactly where needed. Creams, salves, patches, shampoos, suppositories, lip balms, bath salts, and personal lubricants are all examples of topical products.

CBD can be inhaled by vaporising the oil or by combining the oil or powder with e-cigarettes or tobacco and smoking it. CBD enters the circulation quickly through the lungs, bypassing the digestive system. As a result, “vaping” has become a popular method of consuming CBD. However, an unexplained wave of lung damage connected to inhaling goods has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to advise individuals to stop vaping until they conduct an investigation. According to the CDC, the majority of the people in the more than 800 instances documented by the end of September 2019 were in patients who used THC-containing products. THC, like CBD, is a cannabinoid, and the two are frequently found in vaping goods together.

What Effect Does CBD Have on the Body?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a huge communications network in your body that plays an important role in regulating many physiological functions. In fact, cannabinoids are so important to your health that your brain manufactures them on its own.

According to a 2018 study, cannabinoids alter the following physiological functions:

• Hunger, digestion, and metabolism
• Sleep, mood, and memory
• Motor command
• Perception of pain
• Immune system function (including inflammation)
• Pregnancy and fertility

Is there any evidence that CBD works?

The most compelling scientific evidence for CBD’s efficacy in people comes from its ability to reduce seizures in two rare kinds of epilepsy that occur in children: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. On the basis of that findings, the Food and Medicine Administration (FDA) approved cannabidiol (Epidiolex), a liquid CBD anti-seizure drug, in June 2018.

According to a 2017 report, the only illness for which there is “conclusive or considerable evidence” that CBD is useful is multiple sclerosis. The same study discovered “moderate” evidence that CBD helps sleep in persons with chronic pain and some other conditions, but only “poor” evidence to support or refute any other CBD-related health claims.

What Are the Most Common Applications for CBD Oil?

In a 2018 poll, nearly 62 percent of CBD users said they used it to address a medical condition, with the top three being pain, anxiety, and depression.

Although the FDA has not approved the use of CBD to treat any of these ailments, there are hints that CBD may be useful.

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1. Pain: To yet, the majority of evidence supporting CBD’s capacity to alleviate pain has come from animal studies, including a 2017 study that discovered that CBD applied to the skin of rats with osteoarthritis greatly reduced joint pain and inflammation. Continued CBD use also prevented more pain and nerve damage in those same joints.
2. Anxiety: While no large-scale clinical trials have been conducted to investigate CBD oil as a treatment for generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or phobias, a small study published in 2019 revealed promising results.

During the two-month trial, 72 patients in a mental clinic were given CBD oil capsules once daily. The majority were given 25 milligrammes (mg) of CBD, with a few getting as much as 175 mg. More than 79 percent of the patients reported feeling calmer within the first month of the study, and they continued to feel calmer throughout the duration of the study. “We found no evidence of a safety risk that would impede future study,” the researchers noted.

3. Suffering from depression Animal studies, including one on mice in which depression was surgically produced, suggest that CBD could be used to treat depression. CBD functioned “quickly” on brain receptors in this study to increase levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger known to play a crucial role in mood regulation. A recent study discovered that CBD has “sustained antidepressant-like effects in rats.”

“The animal evidence for a lot of illnesses are highly encouraging, but robust randomised clinical studies have yet to be done,” says Kevin Hill, MD, an addiction psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. “That is one of the most disappointing elements of the current state of cannabis: many corporations and states profit from the sale of cannabis and cannabinoids, but those same companies and states do not devote financial resources toward developing the science.”

What Is the Safety of CBD Oil?

While further research on CBD’s numerous impacts is required, the medical consensus is that CBD is extremely safe. Indeed, the World Health Organization stated in a November 2017 report, “In humans, CBD demonstrates no effects indicative of any misuse or dependence potential.” There is now no evidence of any public health issues associated with the usage of pure CBD.”

“CBD appears to be relatively safe on its alone,” Dr. Hill agrees. “However, a relatively harmless chemical can be hazardous if labels are not accurate or if people choose to use CBD to address medical illnesses rather than first- or second-line medicines that have significantly more evidence.”

Importantly, taking low-quality CBD can have severe and hazardous side effects. The United States Army, for example, issued a public health notice in April 2018 after 60 people were treated at medical centres on two Army sites in North Carolina for health issues related to tainted CBD vape oils. Dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations were among the symptoms, as were confusion, disorientation, agitation, and seizures.

Otherwise, a 2017 review of CBD’s potential adverse effects identified only three common ones:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Appetite and weight fluctuations

Still, this does not imply that CBD will be well-tolerated by everyone; rather, no severe issues have been reported thus far. Widespread use is still in its early stages, prompting that same study, which was commissioned by the European Industrial Hemp Association, to caution that “relevant toxicological parameters have yet to be explored, for example, if CBD has an influence on hormones. Furthermore, more clinical trials with a larger number of individuals and longer periods of chronic CBD administration are still needed.” Furthermore, “studies that analyse whether CBD-drug interactions occur in clinical trials must be done,” according to the paper.

How to Interpret CBD Labels

While there are many CBD oils and tinctures on the market today, not all of them are created equal.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products, and some products may be less effective or reliable than others.

Knowing how to read CBD labels correctly might help you identify high-quality products. When selecting a CBD product, whether it’s a gummy, oil, or other form, there are a few crucial questions to consider when reading the label.

What kind of CBD is there?

First, learn what kind of CBD is in the product you’re considering trying:

Isolate exclusively contains CBD and no other cannabinoids.

Full-spectrum cannabis contains all cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant, including THC.

Broad-spectrum contains a variety of cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant but does not contain THC.

According to some study, when CBD and THC are consumed together, they produce what is known as the entourage effect. This suggests that when taken in tandem, they may be more effective than when used separately.

Is it a tincture or an oil?

Image via CBD Oil Tincture

CBD oil must be produced in the form of a liquid. This will determine whether the product is an oil or a tincture.

CBD oil is created by soaking cannabis in a carrier oil.

CBD tincture is created by soaking cannabis in a solution of alcohol and water.

Is the cannabis grown organically and where is it grown?

Image via Patrick Bennett

Look for cannabis items that are organic and grown in the United States. Cannabis cultivated in the United States is governed by agricultural laws.

Organic ingredients reduce your exposure to pesticides and other contaminants.

Pricing

The majority of the items on this list are under $50.

We’ve added special discount codes for our readers when they’re accessible.

Our pricing guide is based on the cost of CBD per container, expressed in dollars per milligramme (mg).

$ = less than $0.10 per milligramme of CBD

$$ = $0.10-$0.20 per milligramme

$$$ = more than $0.20 per milligramme

To gain a complete view of a product’s price, read the label for serving sizes, quantities, strengths, and other ingredients.

The Top CBD Oils on the Market in 2023

1. CBD Oil for Penguins

Penguin CBD Oil can help you live a more relaxed life with just a few drops. This product is particularly created to revitalise your mind and body by utilising CBD derived from superior Oregon cultivated hemp. Each bottle contains the natural advantages of refined wide spectrum extract, which is also available in a full spectrum format.

Penguin CBD Oil comes in a variety of flavour options, including Mint, Strawberry, Citrus, Cookies & Cream, and Natural. To acquire the desired experience, choose from a range of strengths ranging from 250 mg to 5000 mg.

2. Delta Delta-8 Planet

With Planet Delta Delta-8 Gummies, you may soar to unimaginable heights and experience your own slice of space. These chewy vegan, non-GMO sweets are infused with high-quality delta-8 derived from hemp farmed in the United States. Each gummy contains 15-20mg delta-8 THC.

Planet Delta Delta-8 Gummies, available in a variety of fruit flavours, are sure to become your go-to snack no matter the day or time.

3. Joy Organics CBD Oil 4th

Image via  MEGHAN RABBITT

Joy Organics CBD Oil is a product created with 100% USDA certified organic components. A third-party lab thoroughly tests each batch to assure efficacy, safety, and transparency. Full spectrum and broad spectrum extracts of this oil are available. See what a difference joy can make in your life!

Joy Organics CBD Oil comes in a variety of flavours, including Tranquil Mint, Fresh Lime, Tropical Sunrise, Orange Bliss, and Summer Lemon. There is also an unflavored version available.

4. CBD Evn Oil

Do you find it difficult to fulfil a deadline? Do you need assistance unwinding after a hard day? Evn CBD Oil will help you stay cool, calm, and collected. This product is manufactured with organically cultivated hemp and excellent broad spectrum CBD extract.

It is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and THC-free. Evn CBD Oil comes in 500 mg and 1000 mg concentrations. Natural or Mint tastes are available.

5. CBD Oil Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil provides relief and relaxation in a bottle. This CBD oil contains full spectrum hemp extract, which is naturally high in phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial ingredients. Lemon Twist, Orange Blossom, and Mint Chocolate are just a few of the delectable varieties available.

Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil is free of any chemicals, colours, or potentially hazardous substances. It is US Hemp Authority Certified and designed with quality in mind.

6. CBD Oil Zatural Broad Spectrum

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Zatural Broad Spectrum CBD Oil will improve your overall health and attitude. This product is designed to deliver fast relief while containing no THC. It is, nevertheless, high in minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemon Lime, Cinnamon, Natural, and Sweet Natural are just a few of the delectable tastes available.

Zatural Broad Spectrum CBD Oil is created with just the best components available. It was developed by a doctor, is non-GMO, and has been third-party tested for safety and purity.

7. CBDistillery Relief CBD Oil + CBDistillery Relax CBD Oil

CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil provides all of the wellbeing advantages of a broad spectrum extract. This oil has no THC and instead provides a combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. With 33 mg of CBD per serving, this oil is certain to give the experience you seek.

CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil will provide you with the relief and relaxation you deserve. This product is non-GMO, certified by the US Hemp Authority, and third-party lab tested.