Is CBD Oil Really Safe?

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CBD is practically everywhere. You may have seen it in your local health store, the pet shop, the spa down the street or as an ingredient to a hot beverage in your corner coffee shop. It’s all over the internet and beyond. But what exactly is the fuss about? Can there be something out there that can do all the things being claimed as possible with CBD? Is it safe or are you taking a risk using something not yet recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

Let’s answer all of those questions and more with a closer look at CBD.

What Is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of over 100 different cannabinoids that are present in cannabis. The cannabis plant family contains several different plants but the two best known of them are the marijuana plant and the hemp plant. Both contain various cannabinoids although the concentrations differ between the two plants. CBD is in a higher concentration in the hemp plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is found in higher concentrations in the marijuana plant.

THC is what produces the ‘high’ that users experience when they use cannabis products that come from the marijuana plant. The hemp plant contains very low, if any, amount of THC. This means that if you were to use any cannabis products that came from the hemp plant, you will not receive the psychoactive ‘high’ from CBD. Hemp is used for clothing, building materials, and CBD and is responsible for the cannabis product known as simply CBD oil.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is derived from the hemp plant. Since the CBD industry is largely unregulated, the onus is on you to ensure that the bottle of CBD oil you purchased does, in fact, contain CBD oil. Essentially, a bottle will contain no more than two ingredients – the CBD (identified on most labels as cannabidiol) and a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. A carrier oil is used to dilute the CBD oil to make it easier to apply or deliver into your body.

Are There Health Benefits To CBD Oil?

Research and studies continue to be conducted looking into the many claims made about CBD oil and how effective it is in treating various health conditions. However, there is enough evidence available to verify several ways in which CBD and cannabis products can be beneficial for your health. It is currently a well-known alternative treatment for pain management and has been effective in treating anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health issues. The benefits of CBD oil is not limited for the humans only as its quite effective for dogs and cats as well. You can learn about the benefits of CBD oil for dogs here.

Probably the strongest argument in favor of using CBD to battle certain health conditions come from how it has been effective in fighting cancer. CBD virtually attacks cancer cells and either destroys them or blocks their growth and development. CBD has also been in the news in recent months as an effective tool in treating seizures in children and some adults who have epilepsy. It is also being used to help remedy post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Do You Use CBD Oil?

CBD oil is available in many different formats and as a result, access is easy and users have a choice in how they want to deliver the cannabidiol into their bodies. CBD oil comes in a dropper bottle which permits drops to be applied under the tongue. It can be inhaled as a vapor (vaping) and it comes in capsules and creams or gels. CBD oil can be added to food, drink, shampoos and more. There are also edibles in the form of gummies that contain an amount of CBD in them.

Are There Risks From Using CBD?

Provided you have purchased your CBD oil from a reputable source like Gas Canna, there should be no problem. However, since the CBD industry is currently unregulated you do need to be aware of what is in your bottle, capsules or gummies labeled as containing CBD. As for health risks, more research is needed to have conclusive evidence on whether or not CBD and cannabis products pose a threat to certain individuals with pre-existing conditions or if it will interact with medications.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

There is a fair deal of grey area surrounding the legalities of CBD. CBD extracted from hemp plants has only been legal in the United States only since December 2018 when the Farm Act was passed. CBD that is extracted from other cannabis plants is illegal federally but may not be in all states at the state level. The state you live in is one thing, but depending on what city you live in CBD may be legal in your state but heavily controlled and illegal in your city.

Is CBD Worth Trying?

That depends. If you are seeking pain relief, are treating the symptoms associated with cancer or chemotherapy, CBD may bring you a great deal of relief. If you are going to use CBD oil to treat anxiety, insomnia, PTSD or to control epileptic seizures, CBD may bring you a level of relief you have not experienced with any prescription medication. However, although CBD is considered natural as it comes from a plant, it doesn’t mean it is the best treatment option.

It is a good idea to do some homework on your own regarding cannabis plants and the compounds they contain. The more you learn about these products – from reliable, trusted sources – the more informed a decision you will be able to make. There is no denying that there is something good about what CBD oil can do as an alternative treatment. If you have had little or no luck with any other remedy, there is no harm in trying CBD to see if it helps at all.

In Conclusion

There continues to be a buzz about CBD. Most of it revolves around the many health benefits that are possible through the use of this cannabis product. Based on that, it is at least worth looking into a little further. But like anything, tread lightly until you have first-hand experience.