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‘CBD Oil’ – the term is immediately connected with ‘marijuana’ or ‘weed’ and raises many questions, such as ‘How to use CBD oil?’ Does CBD Oil come from the same plants that make marijuana?
Due to the legalization of regulated hemp production in the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD oil is increasingly used to reduce anxiety, treat muscle aches, better sleep, and other health problems.
CBD oils have become a popular natural health supplement in recent years due to the potential benefits they offer. But what exactly are CBD oils and how do they differ from hemp oil or other CBD products? In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at what CBD oils are, how they are made, and the potential benefits they may offer for various health conditions.
1. About CBD
CBD, a short form of cannabidiol, is a compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike its more well-known counterpart THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects, meaning it will not get you “high” or impair your ability to function. Instead, it is believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to offer potential therapeutic benefits.
CBD oils are made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. CBD oils can be taken orally, either by using CBD capsules or adding a few drops to your morning coffee or applied topically to sore muscles.
When shopping for CBD oil products, it’s important to keep in mind that not all products are created equal. Full-spectrum CBD oils, for example, contain not only CBD but also other beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, such as other cannabinoids and terpenes. This is known as the “entourage effect” and is believed to offer more benefits than taking CBD alone.
2. What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD oils?
While more research is needed, early studies suggest that CBD oils may help with:
2.1. Pain Management
CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid system and reducing inflammation.
2.2. Anxiety and Depression
CBD may have an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effect by impacting the brain’s serotonin receptors.
2.3. Sleep
CBD may improve sleep by reducing anxiety and pain.
2.4. Skin Conditions
CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for treating conditions such as acne and eczema.
It’s important to note that while CBD oils may have potential therapeutic benefits, they are not FDA-approved as a treatment for any medical condition and are classified as dietary supplements.
It’s also important to keep in mind that CBD oils can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to speak with your doctor before taking them if you have any health conditions or are taking other medications.
When purchasing CBD oil products, make sure to choose a reputable brand and always start with small amounts to see how your body reacts. Many people have reported positive results from using CBD oils, but it’s important to keep in mind that they may not work the same way for everyone.
3. How to Use CBD Oil?
CBD oil is used in many ways, such as edibles, topicals, capsules, and the list goes on. But there is no good product as widely known as CBD Oil tinctures. History is proof that cannabis tinctures were a staple of Western medicine during the 1800s and early 1900s.
There are several ways to use CBD oil, including:
- Sublingually: Place a few drops of oil under the tongue and hold it there for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. This allows for fast and efficient absorption directly into the bloodstream.
- Topically: Apply oil directly onto the skin, such as for targeted relief on a specific area.
- Inhalation: Use a vaporizer or nebulizer to inhale the oil for fast-acting relief.
- Orally: Swallow the oil directly, or add it to food or drink for slower absorption through the digestive system.
- Supplements: Some companies now offer CBD-infused supplements like capsules and gummies for an easy and convenient way to consume CBD.
3.1. How to Use CBD Oil Sublingually?
Most CBD oils are to be taken sublingually. Sublingual means under the tongue, so you have to hold the CBD oil under your tongue for 30 to 60 seconds. The longer you can hold it under the tongue before ingestion, the better it tends to absorb.
This allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the sublingual artery, bypassing the digestive system for faster and more efficient absorption.
The mouth contains permeable mucous membranes that help to absorb CBD oil directly. It is said that CBD bioavailability rises to a huge extent if you give these membranes enough time to absorb the oil.
It is recommended to use a dropper to measure the desired dosage of CBD oil, which will vary depending on the individual and the strength of the oil. It is best to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it as needed, Using CBD oil sublingually is a convenient and effective way to experience the potential benefits of CBD. It is a fast-acting method and can be useful for addressing specific issues as it allows for more precise dosage.
Sublingual use of CBD oil is not a solution for all problems. Some users ingest the oil immediately to reach the stomach, useful for those with digestive or gut health problems.
3.2. How to Use CBD Oil with Your Favorite Drink
You can be creative with your use of CBD oil. The question here is, how to use CBD oil with your favorite drink, and will it ruin the taste of your drink? Whether it is a Cocktail or tea. Flavored CBD oil is available in the market to blend perfectly with your drink and give it an even better taste.
CBD oil can be added to your favorite drink to create a unique and convenient way to consume it. Here are a few ways to use CBD oil with your favorite drink:
- Add it to your morning coffee or tea: Simply add the desired dosage of CBD oil to your hot beverage and stir well.
- Mix it with a smoothie: Add the desired dosage of CBD oil to your smoothie ingredients and blend well.
- Stir it into your favorite cocktail: Add the desired dosage of CBD oil to your cocktail of choice and stir well.
- Add it to your water: Add the desired dosage of CBD oil to a glass of water and stir well.
It’s important to note that CBD oil is not water-soluble so you may have to shake or stir it well to distribute the oil evenly. Also, It’s best to use oil-based CBD tinctures or CBD isolate for adding to drinks.
When using CBD oil with your favorite drink, it is important to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it as needed. It is also important to check the label of your CBD oil for the recommended dosage and to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you are taking any other medications.
3.3. How to Use CBD Oil in Your Coffee
If coffee is your favorite drink, it can be very beneficial to use CBD oil along with it. A plus point of using CBD oil with coffee is that CBD can counteract the high adrenaline levels of coffee intake. This can be due to the coming effect on adenosine A2A receptors. Coffee might also increase your CBD oil bioavailability.
Do not worry about CBD ruining your cup of coffee, as you can always opt for flavored CBD tincture. Also, numerous coffee brands claim to have CBD-infused coffee beans to deal with anxiety.
3.4. How to Use CBD Oil in Baking
CBD oil can be added to any recipe unless it is being baked at very high heat. Baking CBD-infused treats is a great way to be healthy. Readymade CBD-infused chocolates are also available in the market.
You can use CBD oil in baking by adding a few drops to your batter or dough.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a low dosage: It’s best to start with a low dosage of CBD oil, and gradually increase it as needed.
- Mix the CBD oil with a fat: CBD oil is fat-soluble, so it’s best to mix it with a fat such as butter, oil, or cream before adding it to your batter or dough. This will help the CBD oil to blend better and also prevent it from evaporating during the baking process.
- Use it in recipes that don’t require high heat: CBD oil can lose its potency when exposed to high heat, so it’s best to use it in recipes that don’t require baking at high temperatures.
- Measure the oil with a dropper: Use a dropper to measure out the desired dosage of CBD oil to ensure accurate and consistent dosing.
- Be aware of the dosage and strength of the oil: Some CBD oils come in different strengths and dosages, so be sure to check the label and use the appropriate amount for your recipe.
Here are a few examples of recipes where you can add CBD oil:
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Cakes
- Bread
3.5. How to Use CBD Oil in the Form of Capsules
CBD oil is also available in the form of CBD oil capsules. This option is good for people who want to intake only a particular amount of CBD at a time. A person must make sure to sit upright for the next 30 minutes after taking the CBD capsule. Since the capsule passes through the digestive tract, sitting upright for 30 minutes is necessary for effectiveness.
Tip: Store the capsules properly: Store the CBD oil capsules in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help to preserve the potency of the CBD oil over time.
3.6. How to Use CBD Oil in Salad Dressing
Incorporating CBD oil into your daily cooking can be a healthy option. All you need is 2 teaspoons of CBD oil in your salad mixed well with olive oil.
You can use CBD oil in salad dressing by adding a few drops of the oil to your favorite dressing recipe. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-4 drops of CBD oil
Instructions:
- Mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the CBD oil and mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Drizzle over your salad and enjoy.
You can also mix CBD oil with other ingredients such as herbs, garlic, or shallots to create a more complex flavor.
3.7. How to Use CBD Oil in the Form of Edibles
Edibles are a great way to try CBD oil. You can find various edibles like gummies, truffles, or mints containing CBD in the market. They do a great job of masking the weedy taste.
There are certain downsides to eating CBD edibles. Research has shown that consuming CBD puts it through the “first-pass effect.” CBD tends to be broken partially by the liver and the digestive tract in the first pass effect. This means the CBD can take up to at least 2 hours to kick in, and you will only absorb about twenty to thirty percent.
3.8. How to Use CBD Oil Topicals
Do topicals work? And how to use CBD Oil topicals? These may be some questions that are bothering you. Topicals are designed to be directly applied to the skin. There are CBD lotions, balls, creams, and transdermal patches available in the market. CBD topicals are a great choice for healing muscle aches and pains. They also treat skin conditions like eczema.
A 2015 study on rats proved that when CBD gel is applied directly to the skin, it reduces joint swelling. It also delivered promising results for arthritis patients.
The permeability of the skin is very poor compared to the mucous membrane, like sublingual tissue. Therefore, while using a topical, you have to choose a product with a higher amount of CBD and apply it generously.
3.9. How to Use CBD Oil in Skincare
We have already talked about CBD-infused lotions and balms available in the market. You can take your favorite lotion or moisturizer and add a few drops of CBD oil to it. Then rub it between your palms and apply as necessary.
CBD oil can help you retain the youth and beauty of your skin. More people are incorporating CBD oil into their skincare routine. You can also add a few drops of CBD oil to your bathtub along with lavender essential oil.
3.10. Consult Doctors on How to Use CBD Oil
Consulting with a healthcare professional before using CBD oil is important to determine the appropriate dosage, strength, and method of use for your individual needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when consulting with a doctor about using CBD oil:
- Be honest about your medical history: Provide your doctor with a complete medical history, including any current medications or supplements you are taking. This will help them to determine if there are any potential interactions with CBD oil.
- Discuss your health goals: Let your doctor know what specific health concerns you hope to address with CBD oil, such as pain management, anxiety1, or sleep issues.
- Ask about potential side effects: Ask your doctor about the potential side effects of CBD oil, and how to manage them if they occur.
- Get a recommendation for dosage and strength: Ask your doctor to recommend a specific dosage and strength of CBD oil that is appropriate for your individual needs.
- Follow up: Follow up with your doctor regularly to discuss your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your dosage or method of use.
It’s important to note that while CBD oil is considered generally safe, it can interact with certain medications and may have side effects. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you are taking any other medications or have any health conditions. Also, be aware that CBD is not yet fully regulated by the FDA, so you should be careful with the brands you are using and ensure that the product is lab-tested.
4. Points to Keep in Mind During the Use of CBD Oil
- You must make sure that the oil you are using should be either full or broad spectrum. If the oil is isolated or distillate, you will not receive the full scope of health benefits.
- Full-spectrum oil contains all cannabinoids that are present in Cannabis plants. This includes both CBD and THC. Broad-spectrum oils mostly contain cannabinoids and generally do not contain THC.
Research shows that when THC and CBD are consumed together, they work better, known as the “entourage effect.”
Full and Broad-spectrum products are generally less processed and retain most actual properties and organic compounds like terpenes. Terpenes tend to affect the taste and odor of the product but have health benefits.
- CBD products are not FDA-regulated, so you must buy products that are lab-tested by a third party. This is necessary as you should be aware of what is going into your body. Also, check that the product packaging claims and the product ingredients match.
- Always look for organic products and pure CBD oil as they are free from pesticides and other chemicals. You may look for products from US-grown cannabis since it is under agriculture regulations and contains more than 0.3 % THC.
According to a 2018 study, CBD works efficiently in treating chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, migraines, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many more. A 2013 pilot study found that smokers who used inhalers containing CBD smoked fewer cigarettes than usual. This is proof that CBD may also help people quit smoking.
Although CBD is intended to treat many health problems, it has its side effects. Side effects include liver damage, reduction of fertility for males, mood changes including irritation, and changes in alertness, making driving dangerous.
The product is not intended for use during pregnancy as it may affect the fetal development of neurons. It is best to consult a doctor before consuming any CBD oil product for appropriate information on the dose of CBD required and its effects.
CBD Oil for Pets: Can It Improve Their Health and Wellbeing?
The therapeutic benefits of CBD Oil in humans cannot be denied, but what about our furry companions? Let’s look at the use of CBD oil for pets and the potential benefits it may offer.
First, it’s essential to understand that animals have an endocannabinoid system just like humans, which is responsible for maintaining balance and homeostasis in the body. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is believed to interact with this system to offer potential therapeutic benefits.
CBD oil can be used to help pets with a variety of conditions, such as:
- Anxiety: Just like in humans, CBD may have an anti-anxiety effect on pets, helping them to feel calmer and more relaxed.
- Pain and inflammation: CBD may help to reduce pain and inflammation in pets, making them more comfortable.
- Seizure Disorder: CBD has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in some animals.
- Cancer: CBD has been shown to have anti-tumor effects and can help to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments in animals.
It’s important to note that while CBD oil may have potential therapeutic benefits for pets, it’s not a cure-all and should not be used as a substitute for traditional veterinary care. It’s also important to consult with your vet before giving CBD oil to your pet, particularly if they are taking other medications or have a pre-existing medical condition.
When purchasing CBD oil for pets, it’s important to choose a reputable brand and make sure that the product is specifically formulated for animals. Some CBD oil products may not be safe for pets or may contain ingredients that are toxic to animals. It’s also important to choose a CBD oil product that has been lab-tested and to ensure that the product has a low amount of THC, as high levels of THC may be toxic to animals.
By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your pet is getting a safe and effective product that may improve their overall health and well-being.
Is CBD Legal?
The legal status of CBD Oil can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that you’re using it legally.
First, it’s important to understand that the legal status of CBD oil varies from state to state and country to country. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD oil at the federal level, as long as it contains no more than 0.3% THC. This means that CBD oil derived from hemp plants is legal in all 50 states, as long as it meets this THC threshold.
However, some states have implemented their own regulations on the use of CBD oil. For example, some states may require a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional to purchase CBD oil, while others may have restrictions on where it can be sold. It’s important to research the laws in your state to ensure that you’re using CBD oil legally.
While hemp-derived CBD oil is legal at the federal level, it’s important to keep in mind that marijuana-derived CBD oil is still illegal under federal law. Marijuana-derived CBD oil contains higher levels of THC 2and is only legal in states that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use.
Another important aspect to consider is the FDA’s take on CBD oil products. The FDA has not yet approved CBD oil as a treatment for any medical condition and has issued warning letters to some companies for making false claims about the therapeutic benefits of CBD. The FDA also has regulations on the marketing, labeling, and manufacturing of CBD products, and it’s important to make sure that the products you’re buying comply with these regulations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD oil is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that may have potential therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and it should not be used as a substitute for traditional medical treatment.
If you’re interested in trying CBD 3oil, it’s important to speak with your doctor and do your own research before making a purchase. Also, be aware that CBD is not yet fully regulated by the FDA4, so you should be careful with the brands you are using and ensure that the product is lab-tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is the Best Way to Take CBD Oil for Beginners?
CBD (cannabidiol) oil is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis and hemp plants that has been touted for its potential health benefits. If you’re new to taking CBD oil, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start with a low dose: CBD oil comes in a variety of strengths, and it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the right amount for you.
- Use a reputable brand: Look for a brand that uses high-quality, third-party-tested CBD oil and provides a certificate of analysis.
- Choose the right method of administration: CBD oil can be taken orally, topically, or inhaled. The most common way is orally, either by drops under the tongue or mixed with food or drinks.
- Be consistent: For best results, it’s important to take CBD oil consistently at the same time each day.
- Keep track of your progress: Keep a journal to track how you feel before and after taking CBD oil and make note of any changes in your symptoms.
2. How Would You Use CBD Oil for Sleep?
CBD oil is often used to promote better sleep, but the evidence of its effectiveness is still limited.
- Start with a low dose: Start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the right amount for you.
- Take it at night: Take the CBD oil before bedtime to help promote better sleep.
- Use a CBD oil that contains only CBD: Some CBD oils may contain other compounds like THC, which can cause psychoactive effects, instead look for a product that contains only CBD.
- Choose a method of administration that works for you: CBD oil can be taken orally, topically, or inhaled. The most common way is orally, either by drops under the tongue or mixed with food or drinks.
- Keep track of your progress: Keep a journal to track how you feel before and after taking CBD oil and make note of any changes in your sleep patterns.
3. How Many Times a Day Should You Use CBD Oil?
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- Freeman, Tom P., et al. “Changes in delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta‐analysis.” Addiction 116.5 (2021): 1000-1010. ↩︎
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