Although CBD won’t make you feel high, it can potentially alleviate various symptoms associated with many common health conditions. While its popularity has only started to surge in recent years, the hemp plant has continuously been used for its medicinal purposes over thousands of years, with some estimates suggesting that the hemp plant was used medicinally from as early on as 750 B.C.E. in Central Asia.
With a recent renewal of lifestyle and wellness trends, people are continuously seeking more and more natural alternatives to help manage mental and physical health conditions. They are inherently looking for solutions that are safe and effective, all while keeping in mind the costs vs. benefits of these medications.
It is both healthy and wise to be skeptical of the latest health trends and fads, but there is growing evidence that CBD can actually help with a variety of health conditions even with such a low risk of side effects.
Let’s explore what CBD is, how it could potentially benefit you, and what you should know before you try it.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, which comes from the naturally occurring hemp plant, and it can be found in the form of an oil, cream, capsule, and tinctures. It can be applied to the skin or taken orally.
Often confused or associated with marijuana, CBD does not have an intoxicating effect. Legally, CBD cannot contain more than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical compound found alongside CBD that is actually responsible for giving you the “high” that is associated with the plant.
CBD does not cause any cognitive effects and it allows you to enjoy the health benefits of the hemp plant without the risks of taking THC. The THC content should be marked on the product label though, as many CBD products do not contain any THC.
While hemp production is regulated, CBD is not, so make sure to purchase products from companies that work directly with verified third-party laboratories. Some companies can exaggerate the CBD content of their products so it’s worth taking the time to do a little research before investing your time and money.
What could CBD oil potentially do for me?
Everyone will innately have a different experience with CBD and the impact of CBD use will depend on the amount and frequency of dosage. Your weight, diet, and overall health will also determine its effects. For most, it usually takes at least an hour to feel the effect of CBD oil.
Many users have described feeling calm and more relaxed, but for some, the feeling can be very subtle or almost unnoticeable.
Research has also clearly shown that CBD is effective in treating childhood epilepsy syndromes. Several studies have shown that CBD helped to reduce or stop seizures all together in children. In fact, the FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD-derived drug, due to the large amount of evidence demonstrating its ability to reduce seizures.
What should I know about CBD oil before trying it?
There are no significant risks in taking CBD oil. Most side effects are uncommon, mild, and tend to depend on the dosage, but they can include low blood pressure, irritability, dizziness, and fatigue.
It is recommended you spend some time in researching the different ways of ingesting CBD, as well as what amount or frequency of dosage makes the most sense for you.