Cannabidiol, often only referred to as CBD, has become a buzzword on everyone’s lips in the modern world. These substances are used as a natural alternative to pain medication, to alleviate inflammation, to treat nausea and vomiting, to provide a reduction in the symptoms of anxiety, and more. While beneficial to the human body, cannabidiol has caused a lot of debates, especially when it comes to discussing the legislation related to these substances. Fortunately, there are many products on the market, including oils, tinctures, creams, supplements, and more, that can be legally purchased and used to help you gain the many health benefits that cannabidiol, or CBD, has to offer you. Whether you want CBD oil for pain or your skin, here you will learn more about these products and we also take a look at the top CBD oil products currently on the market.
A recent publication reported that an annual growth of 39.19% is expected to be observed in the CBD Oil market between 2017 and 2021, and this figure only accounts for these products being sold on the internet. By 2020, the global CBD market is expected to reach around $2.1 billion in value. Another report, published on Forbes, estimates that between 2016 and 2020, the general cannabis industry, which include both online and offline sales, will grow by as much as 700%. These figures speak for themselves – the popularity of these products must surely mean that these substances work. Why else would millions of people go out and buy CBD oils, creams, ointments and supplements? And why else would so many people buy more of these CBD products once their supply runs out?
What Is Cannabidiol And What Is All The Fuss About?
Let’s start by looking at what exactly cannabidiol is and why the world has started to pay so much attention to these substances recently. You most likely already know that cannabidiol is found in marijuana and cannabis plants – this is something that most people already know when it comes to discussing CBD oil and similar products. Cannabidiol is one of the most abundant natural chemicals to be found in the cannabis plants, and is also found in hemp. Apart from cannabidiol, many other natural chemicals, called cannabinoids, can also be found within these plants, but cannabidiol has received more attention recently due to the fact that it does not cause that psychoactive “high” that many people use marijuana for. Instead, cannabidiol possesses powerful medicinal properties that are used to treat a large number of health problems, ranging from the common headache to joint pain, inflammation, and more.
Apart from cannabidiol, the other natural chemical that is also abundant in the cannabis plant is known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or simply referred to as THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol also holds numerous medicinal properties, but this is the compound in the marijuana plant that causes a person to experience a psychoactive “side-effect” – that “high” feeling. There are more than 100 other cannabinoids found in these plants, but these two mentioned here are the particular compounds that are usually the point of interest in scientific studies about how the cannabis plant species can help to improve our wellbeing and reduce symptoms of certain health ailments.
Cannabidiol (CBD) And The Human Body
Recent statistics estimate that approximately 3.8% of the worldwide population, or around 158.8 million individuals, are using marijuana for recreational purposes. While this is, by far, the most popular use of the plant, causing people to experience a “high” and forget about their troubles, there are more beneficial uses to marijuana than simply getting “high”. Cannabidiol is the main subject to discuss when you wish to obtain the benefits that the marijuana plant, as well as hemp and other plants in the cannabis family, has to offer, as explained earlier.
To understand why and how cannabidiol is beneficial to the human body, it is important to understand how these substances affect the body. The human body contains a system known as the endocannabinoid system, which is the primary target for cannabidiol chemicals. It was not always known that the body has this system – research into how cannabis plant usage affects the body allowed scientists to discover a system in the body that is especially designed to interact with cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis plants. The endocannabinoid system is made up of many endocannabinoids, as well as receptors, which is found in multiple parts of the body, including:
- Cells of the immune system.
- Glands that form part of the endocrine system.
- Organs throughout the body, including the brain.
- Connective tissues.
The function of cannabidiol defers from one location to another, but these functions always seem to aim for a better homeostasis amongst the internal environment in the human body.
Scientific experts have discovered two different cannabinoid receptors that react to the presence of cannabinoids, including cannabidiol. These include Cannabinoid Receptor 1, or CB1 for short, and Cannabinoid Receptor 2, or CB2.
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the following parts of the body:
- Organs
- Gonads
- Glands
- Connective tissues
- Nervous system
CB2 receptors are found in the following body parts:
- Immune system
- Structures and parts of the body associated with the immune system
The Many Uses Of Cannabidiol
A basic understanding of how cannabidiol works and interacts with the body allows for a better understanding of how these compounds will benefit you. Let’s now switch our focus toward what cannabidiol products can be used for, and how effective the compound is for these particular uses.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties – Inflammation is a cause of many adverse health effects in the human body, such as tenderness and pain in the joints. Many diseases are also often caused by underlying chronic inflammation, such as cancer, coronary artery disease and even Alzheimer’s disease. Harvard Medical School explains that a connection may also exist between inflammation and diabetes. Several scientific studies and clinical trials have provided evidence that cannabidiol possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can assist with alleviating both inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, chronic lower back pain, and many other conditions.
- Pain Killing Properties – Pain is a condition that affects millions of people every single day. It can be unpleasant and also disabling. When pain sets in, performing simple daily tasks can become extremely difficult to perform. Cannabidiol is considered an effective natural option for alleviating pain and the disabling side-effects of pain. In fact, one review paper explains that cannabidiol is even effective in treating pain symptoms that are often difficult to manage, including pain associated with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
- Anti-Psychotic Properties – In addition to the powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, cannabidiol also holds potent anti-psychotic properties that may be useful in a variety of conditions, including the development of symptoms that are associated with psychosis. Apart from its ability to act as a natural treatment option for psychosis, cannabidiol also seems to be beneficial amongst patients who suffer from schizophrenia symptoms. Using CBD oil for pain, such as the Pain Balm with Emu Oil from CBD BioCare, is easy, and doesn’t hold as many risks as pharmaceutical options.
- Anti-Anxiety Properties – It is estimated that around 18.1% of the American population suffers from one or more anxiety disorder, which can be detrimental to an affected individual’s quality-of-life. Less than 40% of these individuals are obtaining adequate treatment for the mental health issue that is causing them troubles in life. Scientific researchers have proven that the use of cannabidiol in various forms can assist with alleviating the symptoms caused by anxiety disorders, and also help to reduce stress levels. This natural treatment option seem to be effective for a variety of anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Skincare – The skin is a precious organ that is exposed to many hazardous substances. Being external, we often see the first signs that our body is aging in our skin. Wrinkles, baggy eyes, sagging skin, crow’s feet, fine lines, age spots – there are only some of the unpleasant issues that develop with age. In a younger population, other issues also pose a threat – acne, dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, and more. The skin also possesses endocannabinoid receptors, which means using CBD oil for skin can also be useful for fighting against common skin conditions. One review paper explains how cannabidiol may be effective in providing a natural remedy for acne, allergic dermatitis, psoriasis, and many other skin-related conditions.
Are There Any Side-Effects To Using Cannabidiol Products?
There are many benefits to be obtained from using cannabidiol. Whether you are suffering from social anxiety, need a solution to help you manage chronic pain without having to rely on pharmaceutical drugs, or need an effective solution to keep your skin health – these compounds are truly wonderful for many health problems. At the same time, it is vital to understand that cannabidiol may have some potential adverse effects. Knowledge about these side-effects can help you determine when your dosage of cannabidiol may be too high, or when you should discuss the use of these products with a physician first to ensure it does not interfere with any existing diseases you may be suffering from, or interact with any current medication you are taking.
Some of the milder side-effects that people sometimes experience when they use cannabidiol products include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
In most cases, these side-effects do not cause a significant or severe problem in the individual’s life, or cause a particular problem that leads to their daily abilities to be adversely affected. There are, however, more serious side-effects that should be noted. Patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease may experience a worsening of the tremors they experience due to the disease, which can be unpleasant. This does not occur in all patients with Parkinson’s disease, however. Such a patient can decide to try cannabidiol products and, should tremor become worse, they can discontinue the use of these products.
Some individuals who use cannabidiol may also experience a significant reduction in their blood pressure levels. While this may be somewhat beneficial for individuals who are experiencing high blood pressure levels, users with already low levels of blood pressure may experience a more serious impact with the reduction in their blood pressure.
Another side-effect that is also important to understand is that cannabidiol, in particular, is a cannabinoid compound that is known to interfere with cytochrome P450. Cytochrome P450 is an enzyme found in the liver that metabolizes pharmaceutical drugs that a person takes. When cannabidiol inhibits the action of these enzymes, it can change the way the body metabolizes many types of pharmaceutical drugs. In turn, the effectiveness of the pharmaceuticals may become reduced. Additionally, cannabidiol can also reduce p-glycoprotein activity and effectiveness in the human body.
Cannabidiol Administration Methods And Product Types
CBD oil has become a very common term today. Many products provide specific features, such as CBD oil for pain, or CBD oil for skincare conditions. Even though referred to as “oil”, many people do not realize that there are quite a large variety of different products on the market that contains CBD. Many of these products will not be presented in an oil-based form, but still be referred to as CBD oil. This is because cannabidiol is extracted from the cannabis plant up to a point where the compound is a type of oil – the oil can then be used to produce a wide variety of products.
Some of the most popular types of CBD oil products include:
- CBD Oil Tinctures
- CBD Vaping Oil
- CBD Oil Creams
- CBD Oil Candies
- CBD Oil Patches
- CBD Oil Supplements (Capsules and Pills)
Each of these products offer a different method of usage. If you want to learn how to use CBD oil for pain, for example, you may want to opt for a tincture or a cream. Other health ailments may be treated more effectively with a different type of product.
Is Cannabidiol And CBD Oil Legal?
The legality of cannabidiol and CBD oil products is currently a particular topic that causes many people to be confused about whether or not it would be legal for them to buy and use these products. Some reports claim that these products are legal, while others offer vague information that makes the reader unsure whether or not they should opt for these products. In reality, CBD oil is a legal product, but the subject gets a little more complicated. To understand the legislation behind CBD oil, it is important to consider where the compounds come from – this is where legal matters come into play.
Cannabidiol is a compound that is found in a number of different plants that are part of the cannabis plant species. The legal issues surrounding CBD oil products are not related to cannabidiol itself, but rather to the other abundant cannabinoid found in these plans – tetrahydrocannabinol. While cannabidiol is not considered an illegal substance, tetrahydrocannabinol is considered illegal in many countries. In certain locations, the use of tetrahydrocannabinol is becoming legal, but the majority of the world still prohibits the recreational use of this substance, primarily due to the psychoactive properties exerted by the cannabinoid.
When CBD oil products contain cannabidiol that has been extracted from hemp, which usually has a very low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol, the product is usually considered legal. When the compound is extracted from a plant like marijuana that contains a high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol, however, then the product would not be considered legal unless the recreational use of tetrahydrocannabinol has been legalized in the area where the product is sold.
What To Look For When Buying CBD Oil And Other Cannabidiol Products?
Buying CBD oil is not as simple of a task as people think it is or would want it to be. You hear the word “CBD oil” and think you would walk into a store or visit a website, and be able to grab a product, pay and start using this wondrous substance to help improve your health. To your disappointment, you are presented with hundreds of different CBD oil products – even if you choose a particular type of product, such as a tincture or cream, you still have to choose between so many different products.
There are some basic elements that you should look for to ensure you are buying a high-quality product. A low-quality CBD oil product may not be powerful enough to provide you with the expected benefits. One of the most important things to look for is the extraction method used to extract the cannabidiol from the plant. There are different types of technologies used, but Supercritical CO2 extraction provides for the best quality product. Also see if the product mentions the cannabidiol bioavailability, and also take a look at the source of the cannabidiol – which type of cannabis or hemp plant was used, where it was grown, and how it was grown. These all play a part in ensuring you buy a high-quality CBD oil product.
To help you find the best products, we compare some of the top CBD oils on the market, including tinctures, creams, and more – giving you an easy way to find a product that will help you experience the benefits of cannabidiol.
References
Global CBD Oil Market 2017-2021: Growth at CAGR of 39.19% – Growing Influence of Online Retailing. CISION PR Newswire – Research And Markets. 25 October 2017. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-cbd-oil-market-2017-2021-growth-at-cagr-of-3919—growing-influence-of-online-retailing-300542980.html
CBD Market Estimated to Grow to $2.1B by 2020, Report Finds “Hemp-Derived CBD is estimated to account for $450 million”. Naturally Splended, Inc. http://naturallysplendid.com/resources/2017/01/cbd-market-estimated-grow-2-1b-2020-report-finds-hemp-derived-cbd-estimated-account-450-million/
Debra Borchardt. The Cannabis Market That Could Grow 700% By 2020. Forbes. 12 December 2016. https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2016/12/12/the-cannabis-market-that-could-grow-700-by-2020/#4df7951a4be1
Marijuana Statistics – Cannabis Use Statistics. Drug-Free World. https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana/international-statistics.html
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Inflammation: A unifying theory of disease. Harvard Medical School. April 2006. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Inflammation_A_unifying_theory_of_disease
Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. U.S. National Library of Medicine – HHS Public Access. 30 October 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. U.S. National Library of Medicine – HHS Public Access. 1 August 2010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/
Anxiety and Depression: Facts & Statistics. Anxiety And Depression Association Of America. https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
Ethan B. Russo. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. U.S. National Library of Medicine – Dovepress. February 2008. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities. U.S. National Library of Medicine – HHS Public Access. 14 July 2009. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/
