CBD oil has soared in popularity over the last few years. People are using CBD to treat anxiety, pain and a variety of neurological symptoms. A highly purified form of CBD has even been approved by the FDA for treating epilepsy.
What Is CBD?
One of the many compounds in the cannabis plant, CBD is a concentrated form of cannabinoids. Most people are familiar with THC, which is an active ingredient in marijuana. THC is a mind-altering substance with psychoactive properties. Marijuana also contains CBD, which works differently. CBD isn’t psychoactive, and it doesn’t change the way your mind works. However, it can positively change your body in a variety of ways.
How Does CBD Work?
Your body naturally produces some cannabinoids, and it has its own cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. These receptors can be found throughout your body. Most of the CB1 receptors are found in the brain, and there, they can affect mood, emotions, movement and pain. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system. They can affect your experience of pain and inflammation. When you use CBD, it triggers your CB receptors to respond more effectively to cannabinoids.
How Safe is CBD?
So far, the evidence supporting the safety of CBD oil is solid. Some people might experience minor side effects, such as:
- Deep relaxation or sleepiness
- Lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
If you’re worried about CBD getting you high, you can rest easy. CBD oil cannot get you high because it doesn’t have the same psychoactive properties as other parts of the cannabis plant, like THC.
Can CBD Kill You?
Studies show that CBD is extremely safe. There have been no cases of CBD-related deaths or overdoses. It’s nontoxic, and the benefits far outweigh any potential risks.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
CBD offers a natural and often safer alternative to conventional pain management. One study found that rats and mice experienced significantly less inflammation and pain when given CBD. CBD has also shown promise when it comes to helping people quit smoking or address other addictive behaviors while reducing withdrawal symptoms. It can also help you deal with insomnia, pain and mood-related symptoms.
Taking CBD Safely
If you’re going to ingest the oil, start slow. You can try a half a dropper, and work your way up to a dropper or more once your body acclimates. While you shouldn’t take more than necessary to achieve relief, research indicates that taking up to 1,500 mg. is well tolerated. Ingesting is the easiest way to take CBD oil, and taking it with fatty acids can increase how much your body can absorb at a time.
You can also take CBD oil sublingually, you’ll need to hold it beneath your tongue for 60 to 90 seconds so that your mouth’s mucous membranes can better absorb it.
Topical application is another option. You can be as generous with your application as you want. When applied topically, CBD doesn’t enter the bloodstream but instead interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the skin’s surface.
Some people prefer to vape CBD. When vaping, you’ll inhale the CBD, and the compounds will be absorbed through your lungs. The molecules then immediately pass into the bloodstream. This method allows you to absorb more CBD more quickly, but vaping does have its own potential health risks associated.
The Bottom Line
CBD is safe, effective and easy to use. Even at high doses or with regular use, CBD has not been linked with any serious side effects, including psychomotor or psychological symptoms. It’s even considered to be safe in animals.
