What is the Effect of Cannabidiol?
CBD has been identified as a pain reliever, among other medicinal uses. Massage therapists use it to reduce muscle pain, and cancer patients use CBD to relieve chronic pain from chemotherapy treatments. It's also been identified as a holistic therapy for the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Seizures
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Nerve Pain
How is CBD Oil Extracted?
The oil can be extracted from the hemp plant using a variety of solvents:
- Hydrocarbons
- Ethanol
- Carbon dioxide
- Olive oil
The use of hydrocarbons like butane and hexane is the least desirable method since these are toxic petroleum byproducts, and there's a risk that the CBD oil will be contaminated by residues from the extraction. Ethanol, on the other hand, is a plant product and is pure alcohol that may actually eliminate minute traces of toxins already in the plant. However, it also dissolves some of the wax content of the hemp, possibly leading to a slightly less potent oil.
The purest, and most expensive, form of processing is carbon dioxide extraction. Carbon dioxide is used at very low temperatures and high pressure to extract the CBD oil from the plant. This preserves the most beneficial terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids, although ethanol processing also preserves a high level of cannabinoids.
Another safe and economical method of producing CBD oil is using olive oil as an extraction solvent. This involves heating the plant material in olive oil at a certain temperature for a specified time. This method yields a CBD oil that is more perishable, so it should only be made in small batches. However, preparing the CBD oil with olive oil gives the final product the benefits of that oil in addition to the benefits of cannabidiol.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
CBD oil that's extracted from the cannabis sativa (hemp) plant is legal in all 50 states. Some states prohibit the use of CBD oil that's extracted from the cannabis indica (marijuana) plant. Others allow it but impose licensing restrictions on its sale. Psychoactive CBD oil from the marijuana plant (cannabis indica) is considered to be a controlled substance and falls under the heading of medical marijuana.
How is CBD Used?
Although CBD extract hasn't yet received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, it's currently used in medications for the treatment of conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS). It's also used in cosmetic products, skincare formulations, and acne remedies. In addition to being used for skincare, CBD is used as a dietary supplement and cooking additive.
CBD oil is a component of gels and creams, and a cannabidiol aerosol spray can be administered to the inside of the cheek. It's also available in a powder form that's usually taken orally in capsules, and CBD oil can be heated into a vapor that's inhaled using a vapor pen. The effects of the oil may kick in sooner when inhaled, but there are additional risks associated with inhaling CBD oil.
Pure CBD vs. Whole-Plant Extract
Interestingly, isolating cannabidiol into a pure form makes it less effective as a treatment for pain and inflammation. Pure CBD has a narrow effective dosage range. That means using too little or too much will have very little effect, while the use of an optimal amount will show the desired results. However, an extract from the whole hemp plant that contains CBD will deliver positive results over a broad range of dosages.
Cannabidiol and Copaiba
Another oil called copaiba acts on some of the same receptors as CBD oil. Like cannabidiol, copaiba oil has pain-relief and anti-inflammatory properties. When the two oils are used together for deep-tissue massage, there may be an increase in the overall pain relief experienced. Although the two oils have similar properties, only copaiba oil has documented wound-healing properties. The overlapping results experienced from each oil for acne treatment suggest that this combination is also a more potent acne remedy.
CANNABIDIOL OIL IN SKINCARE
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a highly nutritious supplement for skin, whether ingested or applied directly. It contains essential fatty acids (EFAs) and gamma linoleic acids (GLAs) that help maintain healthy skin. GLAs are hard to find in plant oils, and hemp is one of the exceptions. Hemp seed oil has also shown promise in the treatment of eczema, and whole-plant extract has been identified as a possible treatment for skin cancers.
Although there are cautions against ingesting or vaping CBD oil, there's less concern about using skin products that contain it. That's because topical application is one of the least potent methods of delivery. When choosing skincare products that advertise CBD oil as an ingredient, pay attention to both the percentage of the oil and its potency. A reputable supplier will share product testing results from an accredited laboratory.
CBD Lotions and Creams
Look for a lotion or cream that has at least 50 mg of CBD per ounce and is made from whole-plant extract. This will ensure potency and give your skin the benefit of all the phytonutrients, terpenes and cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Lotion is easier to spread, making it the best choice for moisturizing your whole body. CBD-infused creams are excellent for deep tissue massage.
Remember that the right oil is beneficial for your skin, especially in the facial area. If you're acne-prone, the lotion base will be as important as the CBD oil content. Although you don't want a cannabidiol product with a lot of additives, skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamins C and E or aloe vera will only add to the benefits of the lotion or cream.
CBD and Acne Relief
Non-psychoactive cannabidiol oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may also help balance the auto-immune system. This makes it a helpful product for the prevention and elimination of acne lesions. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that prevents moisture evaporation. When the glands overproduce, however, acne can form. Bacteria are also trapped in the pores, causing skin redness and irritation.
Studies have indicated that CBD suppresses the production of sebum, and one study identifies "CBD as a potent 'universal' anti-acne agent." It also reduces acne symptoms by decreasing cell proliferation and inflammation at the same time that it limits oil production. These findings suggest that CBD is a practical addition to your anti-acne skincare regime.
Skin-Nourishment
Whereas THC mostly works on receptors in the brain, CBD targets receptors in the entire body. As the largest organ in the body, the skin has many receptors that respond to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. There's also a lot of surface area available to soak up the vitamins, essential fatty acids, glycolic acids and beneficial cannabinoids present in cannabidiol. Once they're absorbed by your skin, these healthy compounds are also distributed to other parts of your body where they're needed.
Protection for Hair and Scalp
Your hair and scalp can benefit from the fatty acids and vitamins in CBD oil as well. The antioxidants in cannabidiol guard against damage to your hair from smoke, air pollution, free radicals and ultraviolet rays, just as they protect your skin. The antioxidant and anti-cell proliferation properties of CBD oil can also help control dandruff.
CBD Calms Irritated Skin
If you have issues with rosacea, eczema or any rash-related skin condition, CBD oil can help in a number of ways. As with acne relief, the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol calm the redness and irritation. There are many cannabinoid receptors in the skin, and CBD works to stabilize the immune response that causes allergic reactions. Reduction of swelling can also relieve the itching and discomfort of a rash.
Anti-Aging Effects
If you think about it, the description of every holistic treatment or natural remedy for skincare includes the term, 'anti-aging'. No single skincare product will ever reign as the ultimate anti-aging miracle, but many of them contribute to youthful skin, and CBD oil is right there among them.
Besides the omega fatty acids, glycolic acids, vitamins and antioxidants, CBD oil contains a total of 21 amino acids. Support for healthy cells, retention of moisture, and protection from oxidative stress will always contribute to the health and longevity of your skin.
CBD Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Cannabidiol oil has minimal side effects, and these are the ones reported in some cases:
- Mouth dryness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
These side effects are mostly limited to cases in which cannabidiol has been ingested. There are also at least twenty prescription drugs that interact with CBD, making it vital that you consult your doctor before taking it orally. As a topical product, however, there's scant evidence that cannabidiol leads to side effects.
How to Find High-Quality CBD Oil
States like Iowa, Minnesota and Oregon have laws on the books that regulate the strength and purity of CBD oil. When you purchase it from states that don't have these safeguards, there are still a few things you can look for to indicate that your purchase is of high quality:
- The product offers information about testing, safety and CBD potency.
- It doesn't contain artificial coloring or chemical additives.
- The manufacturer is transparent about the extraction method.
- The active cannabidiol content is listed on the label.
CBD Oil Benefits
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is one of the healthy substances that assist in maintaining youthful and firm skin. The vitamins, nutrients and fatty acids it contains protect hair and skin from oxidative damage from UV rays, smoke and other environmental hazards. The anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties of CBD oil contribute to its effectiveness as a deep-tissue massage oil. This non-psychoactive healing substance is worth checking out as part of your health and beauty routine.