CBD Oil Benefits: Should You Use It?

CBD oil is an easy and efficient way to consume cannabidiol. As a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, CBD offers relaxation and a clear-headed effect without a high. There are many ways to take CBD, but oil reigns supreme when it comes to simplicity and versatility. Below, we’ll take a look at the advantages of CBD oil and what makes it different from other consumption methods.

THE BENEFITS OF CBD OIL

CBD produces relatively consistent effects in most people: relaxation, peace of mind, and clear thinking. The cannabinoid helps the mind unwind and acts as a satisfying pick me up suitable for any time of day.

• MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

As a versatile cannabinoid, CBD has loads of different uses and applications. The cannabinoid appears in many types of cosmetic products that soothe and soften the skin. The molecule can help with skin and hair imperfections and generally increase vitality and shine.

CBD also helps ease the mind and instils a sense of relaxation and serenity (Bergamaschi et al., 2011). Cannabidiol can be used during the day at work or in the evening at home to reduce tension and ease the nerves.

Full-spectrum CBD oil may help promote sleep readiness in some users. Ruminating thoughts and an overactive mind can keep people up for hours at a time. This can be especially annoying before a busy and important day. The relaxing effects of CBD can help to chill out the mind and lull it to sleep.

Experiencing a low mood? Cannabidiol can help there, too. Whether you woke up feeling bad or something happened during your day, a dose of CBD will help return your mood to baseline by ramping up the presence of feel-good endocannabinoids (Russo et al., 2005).

• EASY TO USE

Using CBD oil could not be easier. It outperforms most other forms of consumption when it comes to simplicity. Unscrew the bottle, place a few drops in your mouth, and you’re done! Swallow the drops immediately for a longer-lasting effect that takes a while to set in, or place them under your tongue and hold for a minute for a fast acting but shorter lived effect.

• AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS

CBD oils come in a variety of strengths. You’ll find the concentration that works for you after some self-experimentation. Start off with mild formulas and work your way up until you find your sweet spot. Oils with a concentration of 2.5% offer a subtle effect ideal for new users. 5% oils provide a more pronounced effect that lasts a little longer. Oils with a concentration of 10% provide a strong and long-lasting effect perfect for experienced users and those seeking large doses of CBD.

• DISCREET

You can easily take CBD oil without so much as raising an eyebrow. Sure, placing a dropper into your mouth might cause people to ask a couple of questions, but you can always pop out of the room if you feel so inclined. Plus, CBD oil can easily be added to tea, coffee, juice, and smoothies to take discretion to another level. For an even more discreet alternative, CBD softgels can be swallowed just like any other supplement. These gels contain the same high-quality CBD oil, just encapsulated.

HOW WILL CBD AFFECT YOUR BODY?

Although CBD comes from the cannabis plant, it doesn’t produce a psychoactive effect. Cannabis flowers produce over 100 different cannabinoids, and they all offer unique and interesting effects. THC produces the high associated with the herb and does so by binding to CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

In contrast, CBD produces no psychoactive effects. Although it impacts the mind with its relaxing properties, it doesn’t produce a high. CBD has a low affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS, but it does influence the endocannabinoid system more indirectly. It helps to boost levels of our body’s own endocannabinoids, plus, CBD latches onto serotonin receptors, which might also explain why it works wonders for the mood.

DOES CBD HAVE ANY KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS?

More research is needed to fully explore the safety and side effects of CBD. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that CBD possesses a good safety profile and is generally well tolerated.

Potential safety issues with CBD oil are more likely due to unsafe production and quality control practices than to cannabidiol itself. Poor-quality, untested oils may contain harmful substances such as pesticides and solvent residues. Always go for a high quality full-spectrum oil that has been batch tested for contaminants.

CBD OIL IS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER

Overall, CBD provides a clear-headed and relaxing sensation with no psychoactive effects. Although research on CBD is still in the early phases, we’re sure many more important discoveries on the cannabinoid are on the way! Hopefully, the above overview has given you some clear insight into why CBD oil has exploded in popularity, why you might use it, and what to avoid.

Luke Sumpter

With a BSc (Hons) degree in Clinical Health Sciences and a passion for growing plants, Luke Sumpter has worked as a professional journalist and writer at the intersection of cannabis and science for the past 7 years.

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