What is CBD oil and what are its real effects?
The popularity of CBD oil has grown tremendously in recent times. But what type of oil is it and, more importantly, what is it used for?
CBD, abbreviated as cannabidiol, is an active substance that is extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of industrial hemp (textile hemp), a legally cultivated variety of hemp. It is sold as a dietary supplement, in the form of oil and capsules, and as a component of other products, for example care products for skin problems.
Massive media attention
The oil gained massive attention in 2013 when CNN aired a now-legendary documentary about a three-year-old American girl with epilepsy. Charlotte Figi suffered from severe seizures (up to 200 per week) from the first months of her life and largely got rid of them thanks to CBD oil. Since then, parents at home and abroad have been searching for a good CBD oil in droves.
What does CBD oil do?
Epilepsy patients are not the only ones who claim the benefits of this oil. According to users, the oil offers support for many physical and mental complaints. Think of stress-related problems, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, mood swings during and after menopause, depression and various pains. People suffering from ADHD, Parkinson's disease, migraines and rheumatism also report more positive experiences with CBD oil. There is no scientific evidence yet that the oil cures ailments. However, it can help reduce symptoms resulting from taking certain medications. In any case, many doctors are enthusiastic about its therapeutic effect.
Anxiety and stress
One of the most well-known uses of CBD oil is to relieve stress and anxiety. In 2011, scientists published a paper in the Journal of Psychopharmacology following a study on the relationship between CBD and social anxiety disorder. The paper suggested that CBD could provide relief to people suffering from anxiety disorders. Another study from the same year found that preemptively administering CBD to public speakers significantly reduced their anxiety, stress, and discomfort.
Pain relief
CBD oil is regularly used by people suffering from pain, such as those with rheumatism (including fibromyalgia) and osteoarthritis. An animal study (2012) showed that CBD can suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Tests on mice in 2005 showed that CBD can have a positive effect on osteoarthritis. Little research has yet been done on humans, but it seems likely that CBD acts on cannabinoid receptors, causing the nervous system to ignore pain. The University of Nottingham conducted research and found that cannabis oil not only acts on the central nervous system and thus reduces pain, but also reduces inflammation in the joints. The relaxing effect of CBD oil is also said to help relieve stress and pain.
Sleep problems
CBD is used by many people with sleep problems. It helps the muscles relax, allowing you to sleep more soundly and wake up more rested. Although there are many positive sounds to be heard, not everything is scientifically supported yet. Currently, a lot of research is being carried out on exactly how it works, including by SEIN, the center of expertise for epilepsy and sleep medicine.
Diabetes
There have been several studies done on the effect of CBD on diabetes. They indicate that CBD can help stabilize blood sugar levels and possibly relieve symptoms of diabetes. Human research is not (yet) available. A paper was published in 2006 about a study on diabetic mice. The mice were given cannabidiol (CBD), this study showed that CBD can slow down or even prevent destructive insulitis (harmful inflammation of the islets of Langerhans (the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin). Scientific research on mice is discovering that the anti-inflammatory properties that CBD possesses could potentially be used in a variety of diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
Parkinson's disease
Many people with Parkinson's also use cannabis oil for muscle spasms and tension. In Parkinson's, CBD oil and THC oil are commonly used. There is little scientific research on CBD/THC and its effects on Parkinson's. The studies that have been done are slightly positive or neutral. One example is a study from the University of São Paulo. The researchers found that the use of CBD in Parkinson's patients had a positive effect on quality of life. However, they believe that more research is needed to reach definitive conclusions.
What is the difference between cannabis oil and CBD oil?
Weed plants and hemp plants are not the same plants, but they come from the same family (cannabis) and can therefore both be called (medicinal) cannabis plants. When you read about cannabis, it can therefore be both hemp oil and cannabis (marijuana) oil. The biggest and most important difference between hemp plants and cannabis plants is the fact that hemp plants contain little or no THC and a lot of CBD. Cannabis plants contain a lot of THC and little CBD. Oil containing THC (marijuana oil) is not legally available for sale and in some situations is only available on prescription. CBD oil is completely legal for sale in the Netherlands and most other European countries. However, both ingredients are said to have great medicinal benefits. For this reason, both types of oil are also called medicinal cannabis oil.
Does it get you high?
In any case, CBD oil will not get you high. Cannabidiol does come from the hemp plant, but it is not addictive, has no psychotropic effects, and does not cause hallucinations. Rust Dust THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive substance that produces the "high" sensation and is contained in cannabis oil.
How do you use CBD oil?
CBD oil is taken orally. You hold the drops under your tongue for a while and then swallow them. The oral mucosa quickly absorbs the active substance. It can also be taken with a piece of bread or - if you have problems with the taste or swallowing of the oil - in capsule form.
What is the correct dose of CBD oil?
The dosage of CBD oil depends heavily on the complaints for which you are using the oil. In addition, everyone reacts differently to it. So it is mainly a matter of trying it out. Start with a low dose (e.g. 1-2 drops per day) and slowly increase until you find a dose that works for you. CBD oil can take a while to work, so give yourself a few weeks to decide if it is right for you. CBD oil is available in different concentrations, from 2.5% to even 10%, with 5-6% being the most commonly used. A lower concentration of CBD is often only used as a preventative measure, or for minor or initial complaints.
Swiss herbal neurocare brand ID SWISS BOTANICALS offers you an easy-to-use dosage calculator based on your weight to get started.
