CBD Oil: The Lowdown on the Craze Everyone is Talking About

February 20, 2019 • By Sophia Smith
The estimated reading time is 3 minutes

Cannabidiol is a huge thing right now. Virtually every day, there is a new story in the media about the health benefits of CBD oil, from its effectiveness at treating acne to how useful it is if your dog is the anxious type. But what exactly is cannabidiol and is CBD oil a worthy investment?

The Origins of CBD Oil

CBD oil or cannabidiol is derived from hemp. Marijuana and hemp contain different cannabinoids, one of which is THC. Regular users of marijuana will be familiar with THC. This is the chemical compound that gives users the characteristic ‘high’ associated with marijuana use. CBD is not like THC. While it’s still a cannabinoid, it doesn’t have the same psychoactive properties as THC, so using products containing CBD oil won’t give you a high. 

It is also worth pointing out that CBD oil is not the same as medical marijuana, which is sometimes prescribed to patients suffering from health conditions that cause chronic pain.

So, now that we have cleared that up, what can CBD oil do for us and is it worth buying? (1)

The Main Uses for CBD Oil

There are many ways you can use CBD oil. Check out the following list for ideas.

Pain relief

CBD is not the same as medical marijuana, but it does have pain relieving properties. It is ideal for people with arthritis or muscular pain. Not everyone finds CBD oil effective when it is used to treat pain, but it is worth giving it a try.

Anti-inflammatory

CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used to treat systemic inflammation, which often manifests as gut issues or localized inflammation such as sports injuries. For this reason, CBD oil is useful if you like to work out hard at the gym. Use CBD to aid in muscle recovery and help your body to heal from the effects of a tough workout.

Skin Problems

You can use CBD to treat various skin issues, such as acne. Use CBD as a topical treatment for the affected area.

Mental Health

One area where CBD oil is very effective is in the treatment of stress and anxiety. People often take CBD oil before a situation they know will cause them anxiety. For example, if you suffer from social anxiety, but you have to attend a family wedding, eat some CBD gummy drops during the day to give you a helping hand.

CBD is also useful if you are having problems sleeping. People with insomnia find CBD oil helps them to relax and stay asleep.

You can use CBD oil to treat the symptoms of stress, PTSD, and other mental health problems. It’s a natural coping strategy.

How to Take CBD

There are many ways to take CBD. It is available as an oil, in creams, in food products, in bath oils, and even in beer! Be aware that buying it wholesale is cheaper than picking up one or two items from a local store. This is a much better way of buying the product if you have a long-term need and enough storage available.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

This very much depends on where you live. In some states, CBD is legal, and you can buy CBD from authorized local stores. California is one such state. However, the legislation is a bit opaque and CBD is not authorized for use in food or beverages, so be careful when buying CBD products from local retailers.

There is no evidence to suggest CBD is harmful. Give it a try and see if it works for you!

Sophia Smith

She is a renowned nutritionist and freelance writer whose topics of interest include healthy living and healthy eating. She is passionate about introducing new and delicious healthy meals while balancing her time between cooking and going to the gym. Her mission is to change the life of as many people as she can and make them the best version of themselves.
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