Hemppedia has compiled several articles on the various potential benefits and applications of CBD.
Nevertheless, a new user might have some mixed-up notions about the therapeutic properties of cannabis and its compounds. Therefore, this blog post aims to simplify and elaborate concepts to uncomplicated ideas for practical life applications.
Related post: Basics of CBD – What is CBD? – Everything you need to know!
What is CBD?
CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol. It is one of the naturally occurring phytocannabinoids (chemical constituents) in cannabis plants.
A 2012 study1 reports that there are around 400 chemical entities in the cannabis plant, and 60 of them are cannabinoid compounds.
Among them, the two main popular cannabinoids are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). THC displays psychoactive effects, whereas CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t give you ‘a high’.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is the extract from the cannabis sativa plant that is highly lipophilic. Hence it often needs a ‘carrier’ to make it easy for the body to absorb and digest them. Carrier oils such as hemp seed oil, fractionated MCT oil (coconut oil), and black seed oil help improve CBD’s bioavailability.
How to use CBD oil?
The history of cannabis or hemp (a variety of the cannabis sativa species) dates back to thousands of years where every part of the plant was put to myriad uses in daily life.
A study2 asserts that several experimental, animal and laboratory studies have shown the broad range of therapeutic effects of CBD, it’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
Therefore, CBD is a versatile compound used:
- Orally in the form of tinctures, oils, capsules
- Vaping/e-liquids
- Dabbing
- Infused with food and drinks
- Make edibles
- Supplements
- Topical applications – Creams, Balms, Salves
- Transdermal patches
- Nasal drops
- Ocular applications
Recommended reading: In what countries is CBD legal? & Is CBD legal in all 50 states? (US)
What are the side effects of CBD oil?
Generally, CBD has a good safety profile, no adverse effects are reported associated with public health.
However, people consuming medications must take into account CBD and drug interaction as adverse effects.
On a case-to-case basis, one may experience dry mouth, mood changes, or drowsiness depending upon dosage, age, metabolism, lifestyle, and prevailing health condition.
References
- Atakan Z. Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2012;2(6):241-254. doi:10.1177/2045125312457586 [↩]
- Larsen C, Shahinas J. Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090 [↩]
