What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract of the plant cannabis or hemp plant. It forms one of the active compounds that naturally occur in the plant. Studies indicate that Cannabidiol accounts for about 40% extract from marijuana. Cannabidiol can be extracted into an oil, commonly called CBD oil. Is CBD legal in your state?
Effects of CBD on the body
CBD does not have psychoactive properties, but that does not mean that your body will react the same as everyone else’s. This means consumption of the CBD oil does not give you the feeling of being “high,” a feature of another cannabinoid, THC. The non-psychoactive property has seen CBD being used for medical purposes. Studies indicate that CBD oil is effective against several conditions.
Its effectiveness has been seen to control:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Reduce pain
- Inflammation
- Acne
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- May reduce symptoms associated with cancer
- Nervous system
- The health of the heart
Major forms of CBD
- CBD Isolate
- CBD Crystals
- CBD Wax
There quite several CBD forms. The most common way is the CBD oil. They can also be formulated in body creams, ointments, and e-liquids.
What is the best CBD dosage?
Cannabidiol can be a food supplement. Dosage for this product has not been specified, i.e., there are no recommended daily intakes. Consumers base their dosage on recommendations from brand manufacturers. The standard suggestion of CBD oil is to” take a drop a day.”
It is important to consider:
- The concentration of the oil
- Your weight
- Stage of the condition being treated
The best way to proceed:
- Start with small doses and increase gradually
- Consult your physician
- Know the side effects of using the cannabidiol
Despite being potent, there have been few concerns about the use of CBD oil. It is believed that they might trigger some side effects such as:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Mood changes
- Diarrhea
Also, studies indicate that continuous use of CBD oils may increase the number of liver enzymes tremendously. Such increased levels are a source of liver inflammation or damage. Besides, cannabidiol can interact with some medication including anti-epileptic drugs. Other surprising side effects of CBD are found here.
Pregnant women should NOT take any products containing CBD oils because; they increase the permeability of the placenta. This may expose the fetus to the risk of certain substances. Such a substance may be fatal to the development of the fetus.
Extracting Cannabidiol from Cannabis
Extracting CBD aims to create a concentrated form of the product, and that means using a plant that is rich in CBD, e.g., hemp.
The conventional methods include:
- CO2 extraction method
- Olive oil extraction method
- Dry ice extraction method
- Solvent extraction method
The method of extraction determines the quality of the end product.
What does the future hold?
While technology is growing, scientists and doctors make sure that research goes mainstream so that more people will know the effects of CBD. The benefits of CBD can help people overcome health issues they deal with and be treated with natural yet effective medicine.
