Legalization of marijuana is on the rise in the United States, but the number of physicians who prescribe it is still quite low. Many are unsure of what dosages are needed and exactly when it should be prescribed and in what forms.
One thing is for sure, though, there is definitely a paradigm shift whereby medical practitioners and patients are talking about it, especially when it can come in formats that do not cause a "high" like opioid drugs, which have been used to treat pain so much that now there is an epidemic of prescription opioid drug abuse.
Considering the enormous number of people who suffer from anxiety and chronic pain, its worth us taking the time to understand the medicinal benefits of cannabis better.
In this article we will share the benefits of Hemp CBD Oil and how it works to treat inflammation, pain and anxiety.
Read time : 7 minutes
Hemp oil and the endocannabinoid system
Cannabis has been used in therapeutic form by many cultures and for many centuries. Recently, scientists have learned that cannabis is made up of over 113 different chemical compounds, called cannabinoids. The two most prominent cannabinoids are trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. For this reason, THC has the ability to affect all the bodily systems and cause a "high." CBD, on the other hand, barely binds to these receptors and does not cause a “high”.
How CBD affects the body
Because CBD does not bind to CB1 receptors, the "high" you get from THC doesn't occur. That being said, it does bind to other receptors involved in mood, cognition, and memory, so CBD can influence other aspects of the mind and mood, including emotions, feelings, and perception. Studies have found that CBD binds to the serotonin receptor, which can have the effect of reducing anxiety.
The connection between hemp oil and pain
Though more research is necessary, it has been shown that Hemp CBD oil has the potential to relieve pain and inflammation.
The reason CBD helps treat pain isn’t only due to its positive effect on inflammation. Both compounds influence the brain and nerve pathways, meaning they affect how we experience and perceive pain.
The research on hemp oil and pain
There are a multitude of promising studies pointing to the myriad benefits CBD has for controlling and reducing pain. A 2011 review of randomized trials that studied the effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating chronic pain found that of the 18 trials reviewed, 15 of them met the necessary criteria and demonstrated a significant analgesic effect of cannabinoids versus placebo, without any reported serious side effects. In addition, cannabinoid was found to be better than placebo in improving sleep.
The basics of CBD oil: hemp vs. marijuana.
Both hemp and marijuana are part of the plant family known as Cannabis. The main difference between marijuana and hemp is the part of the plant and the level of THC. THC is a cannabinoid compound and is the most well known compound because it's associated with the psychoactive high that people experience after smoking or ingesting weed. Marijuana contains high levels of THC, and hemp contains low levels of THC.
The health benefits of CBD oil
CBD oil won't get you high, turn you into a drug addict, or give you the munchies, so why is everyone talking about it?
CBD is just as talented as THC but safe for the whole family. CBD oil can provide amazing health benefits naturally, and there is a growing body of research to support it.
CBD is a very effective natural anti-inflammatory. Chronic inflammation is really the commonality between most chronic health problems that we face today as a modern society. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, digestive issues, and hormonal problems are all inflammatory in nature.
CBD oil, inflammation, and anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. An estimated 30 percent of adults in the United States (66 million people) and an estimated 25 percent of teenagers and preteens are affected by anxiety. Fortunately, new insights into the cause of anxiety may help with the development of more effective treatment options.
Most people do not associate cognitive health issues like anxiety, depression, brain fog, ADD, ADHD, and autism with inflammation, but it turns out that is what the research is finding.
Enter CBD oil: an anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety compound. CBD calms anxiety naturally without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications.
In addition to fighting inflammation in the body, CBD oil may reduce anxiety by directly affecting the brain. Studies have found that CBD lowers activity in the amygdala and increases prefrontal cortex activation, two parts of the brain involved in anxiety. There is also evidence that CBD is able to re-generate new neurons! This activates CB1 receptors, which has a positive balancing impact on GABA and glutamate levels, associated with reducing anxiety.
CBD Oil: How much should you take?
The studies done on CBD oil have a pretty wide dose range (anywhere from a few milligrams to hundreds of milligrams). I suggest starting at the lower end (around 10 milligrams) and slowly increasing over a few weeks or months to see what works for you. Some people also do well with splitting the dosage throughout the day instead of taking the dose all at once.
As with everything, it is always a good idea to talk with your prescribing doctor if you are on any medications. CBD is generally very safe, but there are some pharmaceutical medications CBD oil could potentially interact with and increase or decrease the pharmaceutical drugs' effectiveness.
How to buy hemp oil for pain, legally.
Whatever CBD product you decide to try, you should know that it can be inhaled, ingested, or applied. It comes in the form of a tincture that can be sprayed under the tongue or dropped with a vial dropper. Both these formats do not use the digestive system, so the CBD is absorbed in the bloodstream quickly. CBD can also be ingested through infusion into baking mixes or by eating edibles or supplement capsules. Lastly, CBD can be applied topically to the body in the form of salves, massage oils, and lotions.
We Carry Charlotte’s Web Hemp CBD Products
CW products include a broad range of phytocannabinoid and other beneficial plant compounds including terpenes and flavonoids. Instead of using CBD only, research shows that using the whole plant maximizes benefits delivered throughout the body, provides additional wellness components and is more effective overall.
To view all our CBD products, click here. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our office by phone or email.