Learn about the potential benefits of CBD and how it is being studied for use with health issues including anxiety disorders, epilepsy, alcoholism, migraines, skin issues, and more.

photo with a sign that says what is CBD?

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is gaining popularity by the day. CBD oil is an extraction of the cannabinoid directly from a cannabis plant’s stalk, seeds, and flowers.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. When extracted from the hemp plant and mixed with a quality carrier oil or solvent, CBD is turned into a tincture.

The human body has a system called the endocannabinoid system, complete with receptors sites for phytocannabinoids. CBD is one of many safe, non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids that attach to these receptor sites and interact with our endocannabinoid system.

CBD is different from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana plants. Quality CBD is derived from hemp plants, not marijuana plants. CBD has no psychoactive qualities, instead nourishing your endocannabinoid system.

bottle of CBD oil in a green bottle

What is it Used For?

CBD oil is being researched for its potential benefits in a variety of health conditions and symptoms, including anxiety and depression, chronic pain and joint issues, migraines, skin issues, epilepsy, alcoholism, and sleep issues.

As always, please consult your healthcare provider to make sure that CBD is appropriate for you.

1. Anxiety & Depression

Further research is needed, as it is with all uses for CBD oil, but CBD oil is a promising addition to treatment regimens for anxiety disorders and depression. It’s even said to have a potential antidepressant effect. 

2. Chronic Pain and Joint Issues

Studies have shown significant pain relief with topical application of CBD to pain sites and joints. CBD reduces inflammation and has been found to reduce joint swelling, making it a popular treatment for arthritis.

Cannabinoids in general are becoming popular treatments for chronic pain associated with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and cancer.

3. Migraines

CBD oil may offer effective relief for some migraine sufferers, as it interacts with the pathways associated with migraines.

4. Psoriasis & Eczema

There’s some anecdotal evidence that incorporating CBD oil into a treatment regimen for psoriasis can offer relief to psoriasis sufferers, due to its inflammation-reducing properties. Preliminary studies have also found CBD use beneficial for other skin conditions such as acne and various types of dermatitis.

5. Epilepsy

There’s some promising research showing the anticonvulsant properties of cannabinoids. CBD has been shown in studies to offer significant relief to epileptic patients. The Epilepsy Foundation now acknowledges the ability of cannabinoids (CBD, specifically) to reduce seizures.

6. Alcoholism

There’s evidence that the use of CBD oil can reduce the neurodegenerative effects of binge alcohol use, thus preventing further cognitive decline.

7. Insomnia & Sleep disorders

A small study has shown sleep pattern improvement in individuals with sleep disorders and/or anxiety disorders, with more research being conducted to further explore the effects of CBD on sleep.

The sedative effect that higher doses of CBD can have, combined with the anti-anxiety benefits may make CBD oil an effective treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders.

CBD derived from hemp plants has been legal nationwide for only a few months now, with the passing of the Agriculture Improvement Act in December, 2018. CBD extracted from other cannabis plants (such as marijuana) is not legal nationwide, but may be legal depending on your state.

Currently, you can buy CBD oil online and have it shipped to you only if it is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% THC. The federal legality of all cannabis-derived substances is a gray area for now, but the federal and state governments are taking notice of the interest in these substances.

FAQs

Does CBD make you high?

No, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound present in cannabis plants. It does not contain high enough levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, to have a psychoactive effect.

Is CBD legal?

It’s important that you do your own research, but most CBD products are legal in the United States.

How to you take CBD?

You can take CBD in many different ways, including in an oil that you ingest using a dropper, through the skin as a lotion, or in a capsule. You can also buy foods or treats made with CBD, or you can make your own CBD gummies.

bottle of CBD oil with a dropper

Conclusions

There is some scientific evidence to suggest that CBD may be an option for people with certain health conditions. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound from the hemp plant, and is usually available in capsules, tinctures, lotions, and more.

Potential Benefits of CBD infographic

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Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.

About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.