CBD oil offers a wide range of health benefits and uses ranging from pain reduction to anxiety relief. Let’s review how CBD oil has been shown to relieve a variety ailments and the possible side effects that come along with using CBD oil.

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of 104 chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, which are found in the Cannabis Sativa plant (a species that encompases both marijuana and hemp). THC, also a cannabinoid found in cannabis, is the chemical that causes one to feel “high”- a typical (and often sought after) side effect associated with using marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties. This is what makes CBD so appealing, as it offers relief from many ailments, but without the mind-altering effects one would get with marijuana or pharmaceutical drugs.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil, hemp seed oil, or another type of consumable oil. Using a carrier oil is what makes CBD oil able to be inhaled, ingested, or applied topically in order to gain it's healing benefits.

Top 5 Health Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD oil is gaining a lot of buzz in the health and wellness fields as scientific evidence continues to show how CBD can serve as a remedy for many different health conditions. Let’s review what those are.

1. Pain Relief

Throughout history, marijuana has been used to relieve pain. More recently, studies have shown that CBD helps reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptors in our nervous system. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases associated with chronic pain, have found that CBD oil does indeed offer pain relief. An oral spray called Sativex, which is a combination of CBD and THC, has already been approved in Canada and the UK to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis.

2. Treats Anxiety & Insomnia

CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and help prevent depression. This is because of its ability to increase serotonin levels (“positive” hormones) and neurotransmitters in the body. Although it’s common for many people to report feeling paranoid or anxious after consuming marijuana, that is because of the psychotropic THC found in cannabis, not in CBD oil, which can actually counteract those anxious and paranoid effects. CBD oil also has a strong sedative quality, making it a popular remedy for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders, while promoting a better quality of sleep.

3. Reduces Seizures

Numerous studies have shown CBD oil’s effectiveness at reducing seizures, and in June 2018, the FDA approved the use of the drug Epidiolex, a form of cannabidiol, to be used legally to treat two rare types of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet Syndrome (FDA).

4. Cancer Treatment

There is evidence that supports the claim that CBD oil can help reduce symptoms related to cancer and the side effects related to cancer treatment. As previously mentioned, CBD oil has been shown to help alleviate the pain associated with cancer, and it can also help reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. One study has suggested CBD may inhibit the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice, but more studies in humans need to be completed before a final conclusion can be made. The antioxidants naturally found in CBD oil also provide anti-mutagenic properties, which can help lower the risk of cancer.

5. Improves Skin

Recent studies have shown that CBD oil may be used topically to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema. It is said to reduce the appearance of eczema by encouraging abnormal cells to die off. It also helps regulate the skin’s oil production, which reduces the occurrence of acne. CBD contains many nutrients like vitamin E, which plays a crucial role in protecting and promoting healthy skin. Also, CBC oil's potent anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and prevent itchiness, redness, and swelling of the skin.

CBD Oil Uses

There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of CBD oil. It can be used in many different forms including capsules, supplements, liquid oil, creams, and edible forms, such as gummies. CBD oil can also be inhaled from vapor-releasing pens, similar to the technology for e-cigarettes.

The multiple sclerosis drug Sativex is a liquid that is sprayed into the mouth. How CBD should be used, and the appropriate dosage, is mainly dependent on what precisely it's being used for.

Gold Standard CBD offers many product options to choose from, including our Organic Honey Stix, which make a delicious snack, or our widely popular Organic Hemp Stix, which can be smoked like a cigarette but contain no tobacco or nicotine. We also offer a variety of CBD vape cartridges and hemp flower.

CBD Oil Side Effects

Using CBD oil typically does not pose any risks nor has it shown potential for dependence or abuse (as claimed by the World Health Organization), however, some side effects are possible. The most common ones are minor GI issues and fatigue. There could also be negative drug interactions if using CBD while taking other medications. Therefore, it’s always best to consult with your doctor or health care professional on the appropriate use and dosage of CBD oil, based on your personal needs.