What is CBD Oil?

A comprehensive guide to CBD

CBD oil has become a popular product in the health and wellness arena in recent years, but what is it really? Where does it come from and how has it been used throughout history? In this post, we will explore the answers to these questions and provide an easy-to-understand explanation of CBD oil.

What is CBD oil?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the more well-known cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is psychoactive and produces a "high," CBD is non-psychoactive. This means that CBD does not affect your mind in the same way as THC.

CBD oil is an oil that contains concentrated amounts of CBD. It is typically extracted from industrial hemp, a variety of cannabis plant that is rich in CBD and contains very low levels of THC.

How is CBD oil extracted?

There are several methods for extracting CBD oil from the cannabis plant. Here are the most common:

CO2 extraction:

This method is considered the most effective and pure. By using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2), CBD can be separated from the plant material without using harmful solvents, resulting in a pure and potent CBD oil.

Ethanol or alcohol-based extraction:

This method uses high-proof alcohol to extract CBD. The alcohol is used to dissolve the plant material and pull out the cannabinoids. After the alcohol evaporates, a concentrated oil remains.

Olive oil extraction:

This is a simple and safe method often used by home manufacturers. It involves heating the cannabis plant together with olive oil to extract CBD. The downside is that the final product is not as concentrated as with other methods.

Historical use of CBD and cannabis

Cannabis and its derivatives have a long history that goes back thousands of years. Here are some key milestones:

Ancient times:

Cannabis has been used as medicine and in religious rituals since 2700 BC in China. Emperor Shen Nung is believed to have documented its medicinal uses. In ancient India, cannabis was used as part of Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments.

Middle Ages:

During the Middle Ages, cannabis was used in Europe to treat pain and illnesses. Physicians in the Muslim world also incorporated cannabis into their medicinal mixtures.

Modern times:

In the 1800s, cannabis became a common ingredient in medicines in the Western world. However, in the 20th century, legislation against cannabis began to spread, limiting its use. This changed with the discovery of cannabinoid receptors in the human body in the 1990s, leading to renewed scientific and medical interest in cannabis.

Current uses of CBD oil

Today, CBD oil is used to manage a variety of health conditions and symptoms. Here are some of the most common uses:

Pain relief:

Many use CBD oil to manage chronic pain. Research shows that CBD can influence the endocannabinoid system in the body, which plays a role in regulating pain.

Anxiety and depression:

CBD oil has calming effects and may help reduce anxiety and depression. Several studies show that CBD can interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which may improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Sleep disorders:

For those who have trouble sleeping, CBD oil may be helpful. CBD can promote better sleep by reducing anxiety and pain, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Skincare:

CBD oil is also used in skincare products to treat inflammatory skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.

Neurological conditions:

Research has shown that CBD may have potential in treating neurological diseases such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain forms of epilepsy.

Critical perspectives on CBD oil

Despite its popularity and potential, there are also critical viewpoints on CBD oil:

Regulation and safety:

The market for CBD products is relatively unregulated, which means products may be mislabeled or contain contaminants. It is important to choose products from reputable manufacturers that offer third-party testing to ensure quality and purity.

Limited research:

Although there are promising studies on the health benefits of CBD, research is still in its early stages. More extensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety.

Legal aspects:

The legislation surrounding CBD varies from country to country and even within different regions of the same country. It is important to be aware of local laws and regulations before purchasing or using CBD products.

CBD oil is a versatile product with potential health benefits that have roots in thousands of years of medicinal use. Despite its popularity, it is important to approach CBD with a critical eye, be aware of its legal status and safety considerations, and always choose high-quality products from trusted companies.

There are also a number of other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant that can help our skin and body achieve balance. Feel free to read this article about cannabigerol (CBG).

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3417459/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8223341/