CBD oil - Effect and Areas of Application With CBD oil, a new trend has emerged and the well-known crop hemp has come back into focus. For a...
CBD oil - Effect and Areas of Application
With CBD oil, a new trend has emerged and the well-known crop hemp has come back into focus. For a long time, hemp was frowned upon as an intoxicant, but the plant scores with numerous positive effects on health. For ages, hemp has been considered a pain reliever and can also help with restlessness.
But what actually lies behind the myth? Today, hemp is increasingly being used again as a medicine. People are able to easily find doctor for medical Marijuana in NYC to start a treatment using medical cannabis. Among other things, the CBD oil obtained from the plant scores with many positive influences on health.
The following guide explains the effects and areas of application of CBD oil and the last section provides tips on what to look out for when buying.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil (cannabidiol) is an extract made from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce any psychoactive, intoxicating effects on the user. It is therefore freely available in the USA and the EU without a prescription.
The oils usually contain 0.2 percent THC. Due to this very low proportion, there is virtually no THC traceability, these products are freely available and approved for sale around the world.
Commercial CBD oils contain the following ingredients:
Cold pressed hemp oil
cannabidiol
vitamin E
turpentines
hemp molecules
The oil is used as an additive to ointments or creams and for extracts that can be taken orally.
Buy CBD oil - the most important tips
The selection of CBD oils and other hemp products on the Internet is particularly large. When buying, there are some important criteria to consider. Therefore, you should not rush to order from a retailer just because they advertise an unbeatably low price. The production is complex and the production of quality products requires a lot of work and technical know-how, which also has an effect on the price.
It is important, especially with hemp products, to pay attention to excellent quality. If you want to buy CBD oil, the following features should be considered:
Organic farming
Free from pesticides
Free from additives
Breeding and production within the EUR
The manufacturer is certified
Products are regularly tested by laboratories
Effect of CBD oil
The effects of CBD are calming, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic. Therefore, it is used for pain, stress, nervousness and poor sleep. It is extracted from the hemp plant and processed into CBD oil and other products.
The cannabis plant has several active compounds called cannabinoids. These include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC possesses a powerful psychoactive, high-inducing effect that leads to feelings of happiness, euphoria, and an increased heart rate. Many people, therefore, associate cannabis with the fact that it leads to a state of intoxication. However, this is not the case with CBD, only the positive effects on health mentioned at the beginning occur here. This is scientifically confirmed and proven. The reason is that CBD has a completely different effect on the human body and, in particular, appeals to other receptors.
Controlling effect on the human body
CBD oil and other products such as sprays, creams, ointments or capsules are freely available in the world. This means that these are not classified as medicines and do not require a prescription from a doctor. The products can be purchased online or in local shops. They are classified as dietary supplements and are becoming increasingly popular among users.
CBD is one of 70 cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found both in plants and in the human body. CBD as a non-endogenous, exogenous cannabinoid has a controlling effect on the body's own functions and can supplement and strengthen them. The following table gives an overview of the different organs of the human body and what effect CBD oil has in each area.
How fast does CBD oil work?
CBD oil is inserted orally through the mouth and swallowed. Accordingly, it is transferred into the bloodstream in a short time and has a rapid effect on the human body. On the other hand, how quickly an improvement in complaints and symptoms occurs depends on individual factors such as gender, weight and duration of the complaints.
In particular, it should be noted here that people who have suffered from symptoms such as pain or sleeping problems for months or years cannot be expected to have their symptoms disappear from one day to the next if they take CBD oil once. In these cases, a rapid effect of CBD within a few hours or days cannot be assumed. In studies, CBD oil was used on test subjects for at least 30 days before the effect was measured and proven.
Areas of application of CBD oil
Many people today suffer from sleep disorders. You're tired all day, but when you go to sleep in the evening, your thoughts begin to circle and you can't leave the stress of everyday life behind. Others fall asleep well, but wake up after a few hours and are unable to sleep for the rest of the night. If you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep, CBD oil unfolds its calming effect. In contrast to other sleeping pills, however, you are fully operational the next day.
Hemp can also help with psychological problems such as anxiety disorders or the burnout and depression that are so widespread today. Various studies have already been carried out in this regard. The results showed that anxiety disorders were reduced in 32 percent of the CBD test subjects.
In addition, it is successfully used in cancer therapy to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy. Nausea and vomiting are combated.
Patients who have used CBD oil for chronic pain have also had good results. In addition, CBD oil is used to support the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases. So CBD oil has many possible positive areas of application, both in terms of combating pain and treating mental problems such as restlessness or depression.
Overview of areas of application of CBD oil
In the case of the following symptoms and diseases, the effects of CBD have an influence as described in the table:
The effects have not been conclusively scientifically confirmed. However, many people report the described positive effects on the symptoms and clinical pictures mentioned.
Application and intake of CBD oil
High-quality CBD oil can be administered orally. It is important to slowly get used to the body and to be careful with the dosage. First, it is recommended to apply a drop under the tongue. From here, the substance is absorbed through the oral mucosa and the desired effect is quickly achieved. Depending on the reason for taking the dose can be increased accordingly.
The CBD dosage when taken orally depends on which product you choose. Concentration is important. Six drops of a 5 percent extract are administered undiluted under the tongue in the morning and evening. The product is usually well tolerated. Only in very rare cases do patients report nausea, diarrhea or tiredness. When taking CBD oil in combination with medication, it is important to pay attention to interactions.
In addition to liquid CBD oil, there are also globules on the market. The beads are simply placed under the tongue, from where they are absorbed through the mucous membrane. The advantage of globules compared to liquid oil is that you can take them with you anywhere. There are also capsules to choose from. However, when taking capsules, you have to consider that the effect only develops with a time delay. The oil pressed into the capsules is only released in the stomach. Creams and ointments are also available for external use.
CBD oil dosage – how many drops to take?
When users buy CBD oil for the first time, the question often arises as to how many drops to take. The various manufacturers have often taken into account dosage recommendations on the packaging or in the package insert.
However, there are no uniform guidelines, which can be confusing for many people. However, since it is a natural product made from hemp, it is also difficult to set up general rules. Especially since every person is different and other individual circumstances have to be taken into account. This is precisely why there are various parameters and characteristics that should be taken into account for the correct dosage.
Important characteristics for dosing
To determine the number of CBD drops, there are important characteristics that should be considered. Not every patient who goes to the doctor because they are in pain is also prescribed the same painkillers. There are different active ingredients and different strengths of the active ingredients. The doctor will always tailor the prescription to the individual patient.
Important factors in the CBD dosage are the following:
Type of ailment, symptom or disease
The intensity of the complaints, symptoms or diseases
body weight
gender
genetics
health status
Taking existing medications/interactions
Tolerance / Sensitivity
These factors must be taken into account when dosing. They show that there are many things to consider when dosing. Derived from this, however, the following rule can be established: Start taking with a low dosage, observe the effect and slowly increase it over time. In this way, the body can slowly get used to the new active ingredient and you can gradually increase the intake until the desired effect occurs.
Micro, standard and macro dosing
In addition to the previously described method of gradually increasing the intake of CBD, Julia Birnbaum and Leonard Leinow have set up a dosage scale in their book "Healing with CBD", which is divided into three different areas. There is a subdivision into micro-dosing, standard dosing and micro-dosing.
The following recommendations are made here for dosing:
Important: the values mentioned are the target dose and not the starting dose. The starting dose is usually significantly lower. As previously discussed, it is recommended to start with a low dosage. In addition, the dosage scale only provides estimates and does not correspond to any binding recommendations. A specific recommendation should always be made in consultation with the doctor treating you.
Is an overdose possible?
Overall, only a few side effects are known for CBD oil (more on this in the next section). Also, these rarely occur and only a few people are affected. The study Safety and side effects of cannabidiol examined exactly this. Here patients were given very high doses of 1,500 mg CBD per day. It was reported that even this very high dosage did not lead to any problems and was well tolerated.
Side effects and interactions of CBD
Basically, CBD oil and other products that contain the active ingredient are considered to be well tolerated and harmless to health. In our research, we found only a few users who reported side effects. Nevertheless, side effects and interactions can occur when taking CBD oil. We will examine these in more detail below.
CBD products are considered harmless to health
The WHO (World Health Organization) has classified CBD as harmless. As early as November 2017, a WHO expert committee on drug addiction (ECDD) came to the conclusion that cannabidiol does not cause any harm and does not appear to have any potential for addiction or abuse.
Shortly thereafter, in December 2017, the WHO officially recommended that CBD should not be classified as an internationally controlled substance. Many countries around the world followed this WHO recommendation, including the United States of America, England, Canada and Australia, which have relaxed all regulations relating to CBD.
Short-term side effects
There are no long-term studies that have looked at the side effects of CBD. Many users report and studies confirm that undesirable side effects can occur in rare cases, but these are usually short-lived.
One of the rare side effects of cannabidiol is gastrointestinal distress. However, it is still unclear whether this is a reaction of the body to an unknown food or to the carrier oil. Fatigue can also occur when taking it. CBD oil is used as a natural remedy for insomnia. It is therefore quite possible that the substance increases tiredness during the day. In these cases, it is best to only take CBD oil in the evening. A reduction in the dose can also be useful in this case. Dry mucous membranes can also occur. CBD products can inhibit the production of saliva - chapped lips and a dry mouth are the results. This side effect is not only harmless, it is also particularly easy to remedy with increased fluid intake.
What are the side effects caused?
Various factors increase the risk of CBD oil side effects occurring. In particular, the wrong revenue method. Ingesting CBD oil through the respiratory system, such as by smoking or vaping, can result in a cough, sore throat, and nausea. It is, therefore, better to take cannabidiol as drops (e.g. in a glass of water) or in capsule form.
Dosing too quickly or using low-quality CBD products can also lead to side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to buy only high-quality CBD oils. The higher the dosage, the more likely side effects occur. Especially if you are taking CBD oil for the first time, you should start with a low dose and slowly increase it if necessary to find the optimal dosage for you.
Drug and dietary supplement interactions
Interactions must also be taken into account with CBD. If you want to try CBD oil products and take medication regularly, you should be well informed about these interactions and seek medical advice if necessary. Possible interactions are already known, especially with drugs such as omeprazole and pantoprazole (acid inhibitors), warfarin and macular (anticoagulants), the neuroleptics risperidone, clobazam and haloperidol, and the painkiller diclofenac. In addition, there can be mild interactions such as fatigue when taking dietary supplements. These include remedies that contain St. John's wort or melatonin.
CBD extraction and making the drops
In order to achieve a high-quality CBD extract, high-quality plants are also necessary. Different strains of hemp have different levels of THC—which greatly affects the purity and potency of the resulting oil. In addition, the coveted substance is only bound in the form of CBD carboxylic acid.
Their valuable components become available through so-called decarboxylation - a complicated chemical process that can be optimized using various methods. They also have an influence on the quality and effect of the later CBD oil. The following sections explain which methods can be used. Decarboxylation methods have been practiced by people for centuries without even realizing it. For one, because they were unfamiliar with the process; but above all, because the processing of plants often pursued other goals. Nevertheless, the old methods also release CBD and some are still used today.
Optimized by progress - modern methods of extraction
In order to obtain CBD oil in sufficient quantities and without an intoxicating effect, scientists have developed effective extraction methods. They often require great technical effort and detailed specialist knowledge, but are very effective and promise a considerable yield.
With ethanol extraction, the plant material is immersed in ethyl alcohol, which absorbs the hemp’s ingredients. After a few days, the liquid is filtered, heated and evaporated. What remains is a CBD extract that is considered to be particularly well tolerated - because the alcohol has killed fungi, bacteria and even viruses. However, it also loosens the chlorophyll from the plant, so products from ethanol extraction always taste a bit "grassy".
Another possibility is extraction with the help of hydrocarbons. Chemical compounds made from carbon and hydrogen are used for this process. They flow through the plant material, absorbing the CBD as they go. The hydrocarbon is then evaporated and the gas is sucked off in a vacuum. A cheap and effective method; however, the remaining extract may contain residual solvents that pose a health hazard.
Carbon dioxide extraction of CBD has been adopted by scientists from the food industry, where it is used for decaffeination. The material in question is saturated with liquid carbon dioxide, which absorbs the substance to be extracted. In the case of CBD, it must then be returned to the gaseous state in order to separate the extract. This extremely complex method results in a product with a high concentration of cannabinoids and corresponding effects.
Further processing and production of the CBD oil
Each of the processes mentioned has its advantages and disadvantages - and each has an individual effect on the resulting product. Not only in terms of possible pollutants and effectiveness but also in terms of
the colour,
of smell,
the texture and
of taste
the extracts show differences.
For the production of CBD oil, the chemically-technically obtained CBD is then mixed with a carrier oil. It increases the bioavailability of the hemp substance and can either be used directly or further processed. The best-known products based on or with the addition of CBD oil are capsules and cosmetics.
Substances can be added to both, which increase the effect of the CBD or intensify certain properties. This allows the effect of the oil to be specified so that it can be used in a more targeted manner. One reason why CBD can also solve conflicting problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil consists of an extract obtained from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. The extract is mixed with a high-quality carrier oil after a complex distillation process. Many manufacturers use a valuable hemp seed oil for mixing because of its high bioavailability. The CBD oil thus contains cannabinoids, terpenes and vitamin E as well as trace elements and fatty acids of the carrier oil. The CBD oil is offered in different mixing ratios. For example, oils are available with a percentage of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 40 percent.
How to take CBD oil?
The CBD oil is dripped under the tongue drop by drop with the pipette of the bottle. The oil is kept under the tongue for a short time and then swallowed. It should be shaken well beforehand. The active ingredients are thus absorbed by the oral mucosa and get into the circulatory system more quickly. Many manufacturers recommend not eating or drinking anything for 10 to 15 minutes after taking the CBD oil. Depending on the type of application, the drops can be taken in the morning, at noon and in the evening.
What is the effect of CBD oil?
Depending on the type of complaint, the cannabidiol contained in the CBD oil has a calming, pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory effect. The effect of the oil takes place via various receptors in the brain, which absorb and convert these stimuli. Since the CBD oil reduces the release of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, taking it also ensures more balance. The effect depends on the dosage and may be delayed depending on the nature of the symptoms.
How quickly does the CBD take effect?
How quickly the CBD oil takes effect depends on many different factors. These factors include the dosage, the bioavailability of the carrier oil and also the method of ingestion. If the CBD oil is taken through the oral mucosa or in the form of capsules, it can take 15 to 60 minutes for the effects to set in. A faster effect is achieved when taken by inhalation. When inhaled, the active ingredients are transported directly from the lungs into the bloodstream.What diseases does CBD work best for?
CBD oil and CBD products are very often taken by those affected in the event of stress, sleep problems, skin diseases, nervous conditions and also pain. Cannabidiol should also be used for depression and rheumatic complaints. Migraines, back pain, menstrual cramps, asthma, arthrosis, epilepsy and allergies have an effect. CBD is now also used in cancer research. The beneficial properties and experiences are reported by the sufferers who take it. Long-term studies are not yet available in sufficient form.
How many drops of CBD oil do you take a day?
The dosage of the number of CBD oil drops per day depends on many different factors. These include age, body weight, concentration and the type of symptoms. A uniform dosage can therefore not be given. However, experts in the field recommend taking 1 drop three times a day in a 10% solution. Depending on the type of complaint, effect and tolerability, the dosage can be increased to 2 or 3 drops with each intake.
How long does CBD oil keep?
For the shelf life of CBD oil, the producers of course give an expiry date on their packaging. Unopened packages have a shelf life of approximately 14 to 20 months after manufacture. Opened vials should be used within a year. The shelf life of the product is favoured if it is protected from the sun. It is therefore advisable to store the CBD oil in the refrigerator after opening. The effect of expired products decreases. It is usually cloudy and may have a rancid taste.
Is CBD Oil Dangerous?
Ingesting CBD oil is usually not dangerous. Even the WHO has concluded that CBD oil and CBD products are generally well tolerated. Only every 10th person who took it complained of drowsiness or even diarrhea afterwards. Other side effects, but very rare, are coughing, pneumonia or urinary tract infections. It is not recommended for people who are severely emaciated or who suffer from a loss of appetite. Cannabidiol has an appetite-suppressing effect.CBD oil with what percentage to choose?
Manufacturers almost always offer CBD oil with a concentration of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 40 percent. For example, a drop of 5% CBD oil contains around 1.67 mg of cannabidiol. For oil with 15 percent, this is already a quantity of 5.01 mg. Which oil is used with which proportion ultimately depends on the symptoms? For mild symptoms, a low dosage of up to 10 percent is recommended. For moderate symptoms, up to 20 percent is recommended. Strong complaints can be dosed even higher.What does CBD oil cost?
Very cheap but also higher-priced CBD oils are offered on the Internet. How expensive a CBD oil usually depends on the quality. So how it is made and what raw materials are used to make it. A very good CBD oil is made with the so-called CO2 extraction process. This makes the extract particularly pure and contains all the important active ingredients. In the case of high-quality oils, the raw materials are only cultivated in Germany, Austria and Switzerland without the use of pesticides. These products have high purity and bioavailability. With a 10 percent content, a 10 ml bottle of very good CBD oil can cost between 40 and 50 dollars. It is always important to compare prices and to pay attention to the information on the ingredients.
Sources
1. Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don't, health.harvard.edu (Retrieved 11/05/2020)
2. Using CBD Oil for Anxiety, healthline.com (Retrieved 11/05/2020)
3. What are the benefits of CBD?, nytimes.com (retrieval date: 05.11.2020)
4. Cannabidiol displays unexpectedly high potency as an antagonist of CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists in vitro, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (retrieval date: 05.11.2020)
5. Endocannabinoid signalling and the deteriorating brain, researchgate.net (Retrieved 11/05/2020)
6. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Retrieved 11/05/2020)
7. A systematic review of cannabidiol dosing in clinical populations, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (retrieval date: 05.11.2020)
Medical and Legal Information
Our concern is that you as a reader can rely on the truthfulness and well-researched articles that provide you with informative added value. This article provides information but does not constitute a recommendation for use. Before use, a doctor's visit is recommended to clarify whether it is safe to take. CBD oils and CBD capsules may be purchased legally and without a prescription in Germany from the age of 18. THC is subject to the Narcotics Act (BtMG) and the maximum content of THC in CBD oil must be less than 0.2 percent. In other countries, the limit may be higher. On this page, you will find products for which we receive a commission from the linked provider when the contract is concluded. This is how we ensure the financing and free provision of our services.
