Many things are said about the effectiveness of CBD in the treatment of several health conditions which are very difficult to be successfully treated with typical medicine.
The appearance and quick popularity that this substance has gained among patients is the main reason for its increasing industry. Though it is not clear enough if it is legal or not, many customers choose to try, at least once, these new products, which seem to work very well.
What is CBD? Is it legal?
The first thing must be said is that CBD is just one substance extracted from the hemp plant, a close cousin of the marijuana plant, very well known for being included in the plant´s denylist.
Both hemp and marijuana plants come from the same plant species, the Cannabis Sativa. This classification is due to one component of this plant that has psychotropic effects, known as THC. Still, only hemp has a minimal amount of THC, so it is legal, unlike marijuana.
Most countries allow the use of products containing only 0,3% (or less) of THC, and as the hemp plant has lower amounts than marijuana, CBD products made out of this plant are perfectly legal and can be bought easily online.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is a substance used for dietary supplements, such as those produced for medical purposes. Many health conditions can be treated with CBD and many different ways of taking it.
Industrial Hemp
The hemp growth industry has increased its popularity during the last few years, and it assures harvests with small amounts of THC, just as the law allows. Many new licenses have been given in many countries where the government requires complete control of what has been grown there, becoming in, most states, an exciting new industry. For example, in countries like Germany, where most of the demand was covered by imported products, they are starting to provide their local population with their production, France’s number one industrial Hemp producer.
How does CBD work?
It is said that CBD oil works very well, for example, for chronic pain symptoms, so let’s explain how does our endocannabinoid system work, so we can better understand the CBD positive effects.
Our cannabinoid system is composed by:
- Cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2 are found in our nervous system and our immune system. These are responsible for our perception of pain along with cognitive and emotional effects.
- The cannabinoids produced by our body (endogenous)
- Enzymes (breakdown and use of cannabinoids)
When our body senses inflammation or needs to return to a state of balance, it will naturally release endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors.
CBD induces components of our cannabinoid system to work in conjunction with our endocannabinoid, immune and nervous system to decrease inflammation and act as an analgesic or pain reliever.
CBD oil for chronic pain relief
CBD may be used in many different ways, being oil and capsules one of the most common ways of taking it. The dosage is easy to calculate, and it is very well tolerated and discreet.
CBD is better dissolved in fats, so it can be carried along with the bloodstream and affect your central nervous system, which will bring positive effects on pain relief. In most cases blocking pain signals from reaching your brain and sometimes helping you relax and improving your sleep.
The users’ experience has proved the effectiveness of CBD oil for chronic pain relief in most cases.
How to choose the right product for pain relief
When you start searching for accessible CBD products, you will find many different ones, with several descriptions and presentations. It is still under study the difference between the isolated or full-spectrum CBD, for example, which by the way, is kind of confusing when you start searching the marketplace.
So, let’s describe them so that you will have a better idea of the meaning of each one.
CBD isolated is only composed of the CBD compound. Remember that for it to be legal, it should be extracted from the hemp plant (not marijuana) unless you live in a country or state which has approved medical marijuana already.
Full-spectrum CBD contains not only CBD but other cannabinoids as well, such as THC, CBDa, CBG, and CBN. It is crucial to know that the right amount of THC allowed is 0,3% or less (in some countries is no more than 0,2%).
Broad Spectrum is similar to Full Spectrum, meaning that it maintains the complete profile of the plant, but with THC mostly removed.
Before purchasing any product, you must consider some things, for example, the type of pain you are experiencing, the kind of effect you are looking for, and your preferred way of administration.
You can choose between many different products, and each one of them has its specific outcomes. Like, long-lasting effects, for example, or quick and fast pain relief. It depends on what you need, the suitable presentation.
Different CBD products
Creams, lotions and balms:
They are the best choice for local pain relief. They are applied directly to the skin and have shown no side effects at all. They are highly recommended for arthritic pain in particular. Some skin conditions such as acne or inflammation are also very commonly treated with this kind of product.
Capsules, edibles, oils and sprays
Taking CBD orally is an excellent way to increase its absorption rates because CBD dissolves in fats, as we have already said.
Whether you place it under the tongue (sprays and oils), which will have an immediate effect going directly to your bloodstream, or you choose to consume them as any food product (edibles) or take it as a simple pill (capsules), the variety of choices will perfectly adjust to your preferences and comfort.
Remember always to ask your doctor for advice to determine the best product for you and the correct dose to start your plan with.
