Last Updated on March 6, 2021 by Filip Poutintsev
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of over 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant. Cannabis, a well known psychoactive drug which is used for recreational and medicinal purposes, has remained highly controversial over the years.
There have been lots of conversations about legalizing it as there’s a growing awareness about the possible health benefits of CBD oil.
CBD oil is made from the cannabis plant, by diluting the extracted CBD with some kind of carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. Although it comes from the cannabis plant, the “high” effect or any form of intoxication is caused by another cannabinoid called THC.
Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating at all and is free from addiction. In fact, it can be successfully used to treat certain health conditions, without any risks to mental wellbeing.
Is This Highly Contentious Cannabidiol Really Safe?
This plant component has been researched multiple times and results suggest that it isn’t just another nutritional supplement.It has been a long debate on whether CBD oil can be added to a healthy diet.
But research on CBD has been hard to do due to time and money constraints, federal regulations and limited access to cannabidiol. So, it is important to go through the pros and cons of using it before jumping into any form of conclusion.
Pros of CBD oil
Cannabinoids are similar to the chemicals made by our body which are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain.
There has been evidence that suggests that it might help reduce anxiety and inflammation, relax tight muscles reduce pain and even slow tumor growth. Below are some pros of using CBD oil.
1. Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammation
Marijuana has been used to treat pain as far back as 2900 B.C. In recent times, studies have shown that CBD present in marijuana could help reduce sciatic nerve pain, inflammation, pain related to multiple sclerosis, arthritis and even chronic pains.
It is a relatively natural alternative to the usual over-the-counter drugs that we use to relieve pain.
2. Could Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression could have devastating impacts on our mental well-being. The usual treatment of these disorders through pharmaceutical drugs could cause numerous side effects like agitation and insomnia. On top of that, these drugs could lead to addiction and substance abuse.
According to a review from ‘Neurotherapeutics’, CBD may help reduce anxiety-related behaviors from people with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
3. Could relieve cancer symptoms
Some researchers have found that CBD may prove to fight against cancer. They also noted that the compound tends to suppress the growth of cancer cells, promoting their destruction. Because of its low level of toxicity, it possesses potential in the standard cancer treatment processes as well.
4. Treatment of Epilepsy
Studies and clinical trials over a number of years suggest that CBD could potentially help control seizures.
In recent years, a number of studies have shown that the compound could aid in treating specific groups of people with epilepsy who have failed to respond to traditional therapies.
5. Acne Reduction
Acne is a common skin condition caused by a number of factors, including genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation and the overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion made by the sebaceous glands in the skin. According to recent scientific studies, CBD oil could help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production.
Cons of CBD oil
Although CBD is generally considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some people. It is also known to interact with several medications, so it is important to discuss its usage with your doctor to ensure your safety. Some of the cons of using this compound are listed below.
1. Diarrhea
High levels of CBD oil could cause diarrhea. Therefore, it is better to lower the dosage to avoid diarrhea. It is also possible to get nausea and general sickness and other symptoms associated with digestive problems.
2. Changes in Appetite and Weight
In some people, CBD oil has been linked to loss of appetite. It could cause dry mouth and simply leave you feeling unpleasant after ingesting.
On the other hand, some people may deal with an increased appetite. This kind of change in eating patterns could result in either weight gain or weight loss.
3. Fatigue
CBD oil may stir up feelings of drowsiness and fatigue. Depending upon the method of consumption, the feeling could last for two to six hours.
It could also cause a minor drop in blood pressure, resulting in an initial feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness.
4. Elevated Liver Enzymes
Scientists have learned that this substance could be damaging our livers in the same way as alcohol and other drugs.
So, using it too much could mean that you are harming your liver. Although this sounds potentially dangerous, there is no need to panic as long as you are using it limitedly.
5. Interaction With Medication
CBD oil can interact with medications which could be dangerous at times. If you have blood pressure issues, are taking prescription drugs, the wise choice would be to consult your doctor before touching CBD oil.
Although there is much to be learned about the effectiveness and safety of CBD, results from recent studies suggest that CBD may provide a safe, powerful natural treatment for many health issues.
With this, an ever-expanding variety of cannabidiol products are joining the marketplace, each of which are taken in a variety of different ways, including topical application, oral ingestion, sublingual administration, and inhalation.
The best method for taking CBD oil may depend on your unique health goals and personal preferences and it is always a wise decision to discuss its usage with your doctor.
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