8 Most Amazing Benefits of Cannabis Oil!!
There’s been a sudden increase in cannabis oil information floating around the internet. So, what is cannabis oil? Cannabis oil benefits are far-reaching, from acne treatment to fighting cancer. In fact, cannabis oil benefits are so prolific that its use in pain treatment dates back hundreds of years.
Notably, one of the very best things about CBD and cannabis oil is the broad spectrum of disorders it treats. From anxiety to schizophrenia to obsessive-compulsive disorder, CBD oil has a vast array of uses. In other words, cannabis oil benefits users in many ways.
But you need to take some precautions too. Although there are not many known side effects, you must remember that there haven’t been a lot of long-term studies, either. Additionally, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified CBD cannabis oil as a Schedule 1 drug (a substance that has a high potential for abuse). This is because CBD oil is a part of the marijuana plant.
There is, however, a difference in CBD cannabis oil and THC oil. THC is part of the cannabis plant that produces an intoxicating effect. CBD oil, however, gives users all the cannabis oil benefits without the “high”. Time to dive deep for a closer look at what exactly cannabis oil is, how it differs from THC, and how to take CBD oil.
What is Cannabis Oil, Anyway?
CBD oil is a natural extract. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one compound derived from the cannabis plant (or as it is more commonly known – marijuana). It is a naturally occurring chemical found in the cannabis plant, a plant that has more than 100 different compounds that can be extracted. Apart from CBD, one of the other compounds found in the cannabis plant is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is the compound that produces a high, intoxicating effect.
Unlike THC, it is important to note that there is no “high” or intoxicating effect with CBD. It can make you feel calm and relaxed, but not stoned. In fact, this is the reason that cannabis oil is appealing to those with pain or anxiety. Certain doses of cannabis oil will provide relief without making you feel woozy. For this reason, medical professionals are starting to acknowledge the benefits of cannabis oil. In 2014, several states legalized medical CBD after recognizing the great cannabis oil benefits.[1]
It is important to note that cannabis is still illegal (in all forms) in states that have not legalized it. Each state has its own laws regarding both CBD and THC.
Fun Fact: CBD oil has been around a long time! There is evidence that cannabis was first used in 400 AD. It was used in the United States by doctors for the first time in 1850.[2]
What is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
Basically, THC is like CBD’s cousin. First of all, they are both compounds that are extracted from the cannabis plant. However, THC produces an intoxicating “high” effect, while CBD does not. Additionally, both compounds interact with systems in your body but with very different effects. Here are some of the differences between CBD and THC.
- The High – THC binds with our brain receptors to produce a high. On the other hand, because CBD binds with our brain receptors at a much weaker rate, it does not cause a high. In fact, CBD oil can actually diminish the high that THC gives.
- Tolerance Levels – CBD is well-tolerated by most people, even in large doses. Additionally, CBD oil is unlikely to cause any drug interactions with your current medication.[3] On the other hand, THC has been shown to cause adverse effects in some people. Some of these effects include paranoia, cognitive impairment, poor coordination, and diminished life satisfaction.[4]
- Drug Testing – Drug testing will detect THC in your system, even long after you last used it. Drug testing kits made especially for CBD cannabis oil are available but are not typically used in standard drug tests. CBD oil is undetectable through other drug-testing methods.
- Appetite – Overall, THC has been shown to increase appetite. This helps people who deal with the loss of appetite for various reasons. In contrast, CBD oil does not increase appetite.
- Seizures – While CBD oil has been shown to decrease seizures, THC does not aid in the reduction of seizures.
- Scientific Evidence – Many studies have been done on THC and its effects on the human body. On the other hand, CDB has had few studies done and will require more to truly understand how it interacts with the brain and body.
How To Use CBD Cannabis Oil
So how do you actually use CBD cannabis oil? In short, CBD cannabis oil is extracted from the cannabis (marijuana) plant in either powder or oil form. Presently, only some states allow CBD oil to be sold. Definitely make sure you are aware of the legalities in your own state before trying to purchase anything online or elsewhere.
Where it is legal, CBD comes in a few main forms:
CBD Oil
First, CBD comes as an oil. CBD oil products can be used in food, drinks, or taken with a dropper straight from the bottle. Cannabis oil can also benefit the skin. You can rub the oil on your body like a cream or lotion.
CBD Powder
Cannabidiol also comes in a powder form. You can easily add it to drinks and food. Try mixing CBD powder into a healthy smoothie or your breakfast cereal.
CBD Spray
CBD can be found in a spray form. You can spray it directly into your mouth (just like a breath freshener) to get your daily dose.
Cannabis Oil Dosage
It’s important to remember that there is not enough scientific data to support a CBD oil dosage chart of any kind. A high dose is considered to be somewhere in the range of 150 to 600 mg per day.[5] As you can see, this is a wide range.
A 2012 study conducted on healthy volunteers concluded the following results of the oral dosage and its effects:[6]
- 100 mg — no effects
- 200 mg — no difference between subjects who were given CBD oil and a placebo
- 300 mg — CBD oil showed a sedative effect over placebo
- 400 mg — CBD oil showed a sedative effect over placebo[7]
As shown above, you can see what happens to a healthy human who orally ingests CBD oil. At around 300 mg, the CBD oil dosage began to cause drowsiness.
Furthermore, the same 2012 study was conducted on patients who had been clinically diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar, social anxiety, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and insomnia.[8] Here are the results of the oral dosage and its effects from that study:
- Insomnia
160 mg per day
Increased sleep duration - Huntington’s disease
700 mg per day
No significant difference in symptoms - Anxiety
400 mg per day
Decreased anxiety in ten patients
600 mg per day
Significantly decreased anxiety in 24 patients - Schizophrenia
600 mg per day
Reduced psychotic symptoms after four weeks - Bipolar
600 mg per day
No significant benefits after four weeks - Multiple Sclerosis
5-10 mg per day
No benefits, adverse effects such as dizziness[9]
All in all, you can compare the charts above to get an idea as to what a normal dosage for you would look like. You have to consider your weight and the severity of your condition. Always make sure you are following the law. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying anything new like cannabis oil.
The Top 8 Cannabis Oil Benefits
Now that you know how to take CBD oil, here are the top cannabis oil benefits:
1. Reduces anxiety, OCD, and PTSD
Many women suffer from stress and anxiety every day. Cannabis oil benefits those who suffer from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[10] You could consider it a reasonable supplement to medication or therapy for certain types of mental illnesses.
A 2012 study shows that animals and healthy human volunteers both showed anxiety relief after taking cannabis oil.[11] However, more research must be done to determine the science behind the stress-relieving properties.
2. Fights cancer
This one is big. Cannabis oil benefits those who are at risk for cancer. In a 2006 study, scientists discovered that CBD cannabis oil actually slowed the growth of breast tumor cells.[12]
Other studies have shown that CBD oil interferes with the production of cancer cells, and cancer cell migration.[13] The CBD oil also reduces the ability of cancer cells to invade other cells or multiply.[14] This means it could be beneficial to take before, during, or even after a cancer diagnosis.
3. Relieves pain and inflammation
One of the best cannabis oil benefits is its natural ability to relieve pain. Because CBD oil binds to the brain’s neural pathways, it has proven very effective in managing chronic pain.[15]
By and large, many women suffer from chronic pain for many reasons—back pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, and more. Therefore, using cannabis oil for pain is an important natural remedy to keep your eyes on.
Studies have also shown that those who suffer chronic pain often suffer from depression as well.[16] Ultimately, cannabis oil benefits not only those in pain, but also those who suffer from depression as a result of chronic pain.
4. Antipsychotic effects
Some clinical trials have proven that cannabis oil benefits those suffering from psychosis and schizophrenia.[17] Overall, studies have shown that CBD cannabis oil can prevent psychotic symptoms in animals and in healthy humans. In fact, the study suggests that CBD oil has similar properties to many antipsychotic drugs.
5. Relieves nausea
Are you someone who gets carsick? Do you love roller coasters but can’t help feeling nauseous on rides? Perhaps your over-the-counter medication isn’t effective in relieving your nausea on flights. Another benefit of cannabis oil is its ability to suppress nausea and vomiting.[18] It can help those who struggle with nausea caused by motion sickness or other illnesses.
6. Treats seizures
Having a seizure is scary. Seeing your child have a seizure is even more frightening. One of the leading cannabis oil benefits is its proven ability to ward off seizures, particularly in children.[19] In fact, children with epilepsy who use cannabis oil showed a 40% reduction in seizures per month.[20] This is great news for those who suffer from epilepsy. For patients who prefer natural remedies, cannabis oil could be a great option.
Another key point is that there are far fewer adverse side effects when using cannabis oil over traditional medication. CBD cannabis oil is also preferred over THC for its non-psychoactive agents.[21]
As a matter of fact, in 2018, for the first time in history, the FDA approved a CBD oil oral solution for the treatment of a rare form of epilepsy.[22] In the hope that this approval will help children with severe epilepsy, the drug Epidiolex (a CBD cannabis oil oral solution) was approved.
Fun Fact: The very first record of the use of CBD oil for the treatment of seizures dates back to 1843. A doctor named W.B. O’Shaughnessy used cannabis oil on an infant who was having seizures. The doctor recorded the amazing results when the baby stopped having seizures.[23]
7. Improved sleep
Exciting studies have shown that children who have severe epilepsy may benefit from using cannabis oil to improve their sleep routine.[24] In a 2013 study, parents reported that after using CBD oil, their child was more alert, was in a better mood, and had improved sleep.
Other studies have also suggested that CBD oil may help in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorder in adults.[25] Taking high doses of oral CBD has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on insomnia.[26] While more research is required in this area, there are potential benefits in the use of CBD oil in the treatment of sleep disorders.
8. Treats acne and skin inflammation
Acne is, unfortunately, something women deal with nearly their entire lives. Our hormones fluctuate so frequently that we often have to deal with acne well into our later years. One of the benefits of cannabis oil is that it helps with acne and inflammation of the skin. CBD oil is also more effective than vitamin E or vitamin D to treat inflammation of the skin.[27]
When applied directly to the skin, CBD actually reduces the production of oil. This helps minimize clogging in skin pores and lessens acne.[28] You can try adding a few drops of the cannabis oil to your regular skin care routine, or look for face washes on the market that have CBD oil included already.
Cannabis Oil Side Effects
Notably, many studies have shown the adverse side effects of THC. However, CBD oil needs much more research to confirm any type of negative side effects. Many studies have shown that CBD oil is safe even at high doses.[29] Only mild effects have been shown in the few clinical trials that have been conducted.[30] Here are a few side effects that could occur with CBD oil usage:
- Dry mouth[31]
- Worsening HIV infection[32]
- Allergic reactions in lungs[33]
- Increased tumor growth[34]
Scientists do believe that cannabis oil benefits are wide-reaching, but more tests on humans will need to prove their theories.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to take CBD oil, you’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s a natural remedy you’re ready to try. There are tons of benefits, like using the cannabis oil for pain. Luckily, it seems there aren’t many scary side effects to worry about. With varying doses and different methods to take the CBD oil, it won’t be hard to find a good combination that works for you.
