Don't run the other direction or close your internet browser completely. CBD Oil is the newest health craze that's taking over the nation and with it, we are here to answer all of your questions about the health benefits of CBD Oil. While CBD is derived from Hemp plants, the effects of CBD differ slightly than what you would get from rolling up a joint. You won't want to eat everything in sight or want to watch Half-Baked for the fifth time. In fact, CBD doesn't get you high or give you any psychoactive side effects.
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Not only does CBD not get you high; it can add to your overall wellness and improve your quality of life. Certain properties of CBD Oil, which is derived from the cannabis sativa plant, have been studied in clinical trials. Everything including its effect on Parkinson's disease, the immune system, antioxidant properties, serotonin production, Schizophrenia, Dravet Syndrome (a rare form of epilepsy) has been studied, and findings show that CBD oil can support our health in many ways.
Use of CBD is being studied for basically all health issues of the human body. It has been shown to help those with anxiety and sleep disorders, and it has far fewer side effects than most prescribed medications. And don't forget our pets! CBD is also being used for our beloved animal's medical conditions and general healthcare as well. Here are 10 amazing health benefits of CBD oil that make it more than worth a try.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD, which is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. However, it contains untraceable amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), meaning that taking CBD oil will not get you high. And no, you will not fail any drug test by taking CBD oil.
There are only 4 states in America where CBD is illegal making this compound pretty much available throughout the United States.
Legally speaking, here is where every state stands:
Cannabis, including CBD oil that contains THC, is completely legal for medical and recreational use: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington
Cannabis, including CBD oil that contains THC, is completely legal with a doctor's recommendation, (medical marijuana): Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia
Cannabis in the form of CBD oil (without THC) is legal: Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming, and Wisconsin.
Cannabis is illegal in all forms: Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Now that you've figured out if you can access it, let's dive into some of the great health benefits of CBD oil.
CBD oil is available in a variety of forms including gummies, as a CBD oil tincture, and as topicals.
1. Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
In 2013, researchers measured data from 4,652 participants of how cannabis affects the metabolic systems of the body. It found that the participants that used cannabis had higher blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), the good cholesterol you want to have in your body. Having higher HDL and lower LDL (bad cholesterol) has been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as Coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
2. Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
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When you ingest Cannabinoids, the CBD engages with your endocannabinoid system (which is present in many organs in your body) and reduces inflammation. Chronic inflammation is found in a large population of our society, with people suffering from heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune disease and more. Taking a touch of CBD oil can combat this type of pain.
3. Combats Sleep Disorders
Can't catch the zzz's you need? Do you feel more than average daytime drowsiness? Some studies suggest that taking CBD before bed can help you relax and fall asleep. A study by Eric Murillo-Rodriguez PhD, concluded that "CBD might actually hold therapeutic promise for those with somnolence, or excessive daytime sleepiness from a not-so-good night's rest."
It seems to be that strains including THC work best as a sleep aid, however, some CBD products have worked with people as well. One blogger shares that she adds a teaspoon of CBD honey to her tea at night to help her relax.
4. Reduces Risk of Obesity
While marijuana use is known for giving users "the munchies", several studies have shown that regular cannabis users actually have a lower body mass index than those who do not use CBD.
Another study has shown that CBD is beneficial for weight loss by aiding in the conversion of white fat into brown fat, which is easier to reduce. It also promotes noatherogenesisrmal insulin production and sugar metabolism.
5. Calms Childhood Epilepsy
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The New England Journal of Medicine published a study sharing that CBD oil has successfully helped children who have neurological disorders like epilepsy or forms of epilepsy, without any side effects. According to the study, children taking CBD had 23% fewer seizures than those taking the placebo.
In April of 2018, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the first cannabis-derived drug used to treat seizures for approval.
6. Can Relieve Chronic Pain
Sir John Russell Reynolds, a neurologist, epilepsy research pioneer, and physician to Queen Victoria all the way back in 1859 once shared, "For the relief of certain kinds of pain, I believe, there is no more useful medicine than Cannabis within our reach." Right now more than seventy million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain is characterized as feeling pain for over 100 days a year, and most pains are neuropathic.
Studies have shown that cannabis use is a great pain relief and pain management alternative to opioids and are non-addictive. Canada has already approved it for pain management for multiple sclerosis and cancer pain.
7. Promotes Heart Health
One of the leading causes of death in the United States is heart disease. While a healthy lifestyle and diet are the top priority to prevent disease, research shows that CBD oil can help. Cannabidiol has been found to reduce artery blockage, prevent oxidative stress, and reduce blood pressure.
8. Can Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms
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Is it possible that cannabis is the answer to cancer prevention? A study conducted in 2012 illustrated that animals treated with CBD were significantly less likely to develop colon cancer cells when introduced to carcinogens in their laboratory. And in 1996 one study showed that THC can prevent and reduce tumors.
According to the American Cancer Society, cannabinoids can treat nausea from cancer chemotherapy, improve food intake in HIV patients, and treat neuropathic pain. Adding CBD to the cancer treatment plan is a great way to alleviate some of the pain of fighting off the cancer cells.
There are currently two marijuana compound drugs available in the United States: Dronabinol (Marinol®) a THC gummy to treat nausea as well as Nabilone (Cesamet®) a synthetic cannabinoid to treat nausea. But with how science is looking, there should be more compound drugs on the market soon.
9. Helps With Depression and Mood Disorders
People have been using CBD to help with their mental health for centuries, with one recorded use all the way back in 2000 BCE. In human and animal studies, CBD has been shown to lessen stress and anxiety, notably in cases of social anxiety disorder. Research has also shown that people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder have been able to use CBD as part of their healing process. The antidepressant-like effects provide the user with depression relief without annoying side effects.
10. Improves Skin
You don't have to eat or drink CBD to reap all of its benefits. CBD oil lotions and salves can treat skin conditions like acne and psoriasis as well as promote fasting healing of damaged skin. One man, Rick Simpson, cured his basel cell carcinoma with cannabis oil.
Finding CBD oil is simple online. Do not order the ones off of Amazon, for they are classified as "Hemp Oils" and do not have any of the medicinal properties CBD oil has. Instead, search online for "CBD oil" (most of them are tinctures or gummy candies) or go to a local health store.
