5 Unique Facts About Cannabidiol and CBD Oil

To clear up some of the confusion for people just starting to learn about cannabidiol, we have put together 5 unique facts about cannabidiol and CBD oil.

When entering into the world of cannabidiol (CBD), people are often overwhelmed with questions and uncertain about where to find accurate information. There is just so much information available online today, and it’s difficult to know where to turn to find the most synthesized aspects of it.

Everyone seems to have differing opinions, whether it’s articles by patients using CBD oil treatments, doctors weighing in with their opinion, medical marijuana companies selling THC derived products, or scientifically researched articles full of jargon. The information field is cluttered to say the least.

In order to lessen the learning curve for people just starting to learn about cannabidiol and all its beneficial characteristics, and most importantly to clear up some of the confusion, we have put together 5 unique facts about cannabidiol and CBD oil. These facts offer an overview of some of the most important aspects of hemp based CBD oil, and hopefully answer some of the most pressing questions.

CBD from Hemp Oil is Legal

Patients who use CBD hemp oil are doing so completely under the realm of the law. When CBD oil is derived from hemp, it is legal in all 50 states and in 45 countries. Although some medical marijuana companies are selling CBD derived from marijuana plants, the truth of the matter is that marijuana remains a felony under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. CBD hemp oil, therefore, is the completely safe and legal route for those seeking alternative treatment.

CBD Oil is Non-Psychoactive

Cannabidiol does not cause a psychoactive reaction, no matter if it is derived from medical marijuana plants or its sister the hemp plant. Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) act on completely different highways within the body, which lead to quite different results for the patient or user. Unlike THC, CBD oil does not cause changes to heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature. It also doesn’t increase hunger or drowsiness as those familiar with the side-effects of medical marijuana may have experienced.

THC binds to two specific receptors in the brain, namely CB1 and CB2 receptors. It fits within these receptions, which are designed to interlock within our body’s own endocannabinoid compounds and therefore THC mimics the sense of euphoria (and other effects) the endocannabinoid compounds were meant to create. On the other hand, although CBD does interact with CB1 receptors, new science is suggesting it doesn’t stimulate or interlock with this receptor the same way that THC does. It essentially parks next door, or in a different way, with the receptors. Because of this small but important difference, CBD does not create the psychoactive effects on the mind and body that THC is known to trigger.

CBD Oil is Anti-Tumors and Anti-Cancer

Although human trials are going on, there has been solid scientific proof showing that CBD treatments have successfully suppressed colon cancer tumors as well as been effective in killing breast cancer cells in animal and lab trials. Importantly, there are also many lab synthesized cannabidiols (such as dronabinol) which are approved treatments for cancer patients both here in the US and in Europe.

Although THC initially gained traction as a popular alternative for some patients in their cancer treatment, its psychoactive side effects and illegalities in many areas, limited its commercial viability. Now, CBD is becoming an important and more feasible alternative. Cannabidiol has been shown to have significant effect on tumor neovascularization, reduction of cancer cell migration, and cancer cell metastasization.

CBD Oil Does Not Require a Prescription

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration currently classifies CBD hemp oil as a dietary supplement, meaning that patients seeking CBD treatment do not need a prescription. This is good news considering the wide variety of health benefits CBD oil can offer, and means there are no legal or medical barriers between those using CBD and their path to health. For anyone researching CBD internationally, be sure to do due-diligence on your own country’s laws and regulations.

CBD Oil is Proven to Aid with a Variety of Medicinal

The proven health benefits from CBD products, including CBD hemp oil, are starting to form a very long list. New research in countries all over the world, is consistently finding new and exciting leads for cannabidiol treatments. It has been proven to reduce pain due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, and in one case it specifically was shown to be a practical treatment alternative for fibromyalgia. There is also a suggestion it can be used to treat Crohn’s disease, targeting inflammation in the digestive system. It can reduce symptoms in long-term sufferers of anxiety and depression and can be used to treat severe seizures, especially those resistant to traditional treatments. Clinical trials have also found that there are virtually no known side-effects to CBD, even when CBD oil is taken in large quantities.

…. Bonus, a Few Facts about CBD that May Surprise you!

CBD and Schizophrenia

Marijuana has been shown to have potentially severe side effects for a small portion of the population already predisposed for mental illness. This means in some cases, marijuana can trigger the onset of schizophrenia. CBD on the other hand, is antipsychotic. It has been shown to both reduce the psychoactive side effects of marijuana, and has also been clinically proven to have positive effects on people suffering from schizophrenia, but who did not respond to traditional treatments. Cannabidiol calms both the brain and the nervous system.

CBD and Addiction Treatment

Some of the most exciting research to come out about CBD recently, is its potential as a treatment for severe opioid, psychostimulant, cannabis and tobacco addictions. Some of the theories behind why CBD could be an important tool for combating addictions is its anti-anxiety, anti-psychoactive, and calming effects. It has also been shown to inhibit the reward-facilitating effect of opioids. As in many other areas of CBD research, the possibilities for addiction treatment needs further clinical trials as well as more in-depth understanding as to how and why it seems to have such a positive effect.