CBD oil: What are the benefits? What you need to know about the cannabis compound

CBD, or cannabidiol, is extracted from the flowers and leaves of cannabis-free plant varieties called industrial hemp.

This extract is then combined with an oil – often hemp oil from the seeds of the same plant – to produce CBD oil.

Dr. Sarah Brewer, Medical Director and Medical Nutritionist, said: CBD

has beneficial effects on the brain, promoting relaxation, better sleep and general feeling of well-being.

She added: "CBD is not intoxicating and has no property inducing psychoactive substances. It has been extensively researched in the United States for its health benefits and is increasingly being used as a herbal supplement to promote overall feelings of well-being. "

Despite the growing popularity of CBD oil, a new study from Healthspan revealed that 50% of respondents tested products like CBD to treat anxiety. The vast majority of them said that they did not really know what they should buy.

In fact, only one in ten admitted to knowing what to look for when buying products like CBD oil.

"It is important to choose a supplier who provides certification of analyzes showing the actual purity levels of CBD and THC for each lot produced, sometimes referred to as a test report, and ensuring that the company is a member of the Cannabis Trade Association. ".

She adds, "Do not just buy the whole plant extract product, because it's misleading. You must compare the actual levels of CBD in milligrams (mg) in the product. On product packaging, the standard is to see the amount of CBD displayed as a percentage. Products with this label allow you to see exactly how much CBD you are taking. If you do not know exactly how many milligrams of CBD are in your capsule, it may be difficult to dose effectively. "

According to Dr. Brewer, here are six things you need to know about the CBD.

Is it all legal?

CBD is legal because it is extracted from non-medicated cannabis strains. These naturally contain high levels of cannabidiol, but contain only traces of the legally regulated psychoactive ingredient called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is found in marijuana for medical purposes. Because CBD does not stimulate the psychoactive receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are targeted by marijuana, it does not cause high effect, does not create dependence and is therefore legal to take. The Cannabis Trades Association UK recommends that CBD not be sold to people under 18 years of age.

Does it make you hover?

CBD is not psychoactive, does not produce a "high" effect, and does not create dependency.

How do you know if it contains THC or not?

By purchasing a quality product providing a CBD / THC batch test certificate, such as those sold by Healthspan, for whom I am the Medical Director.

What evidence is there to support it?

The CBD has been the subject of much research to confirm its benefits and its safe use as a dietary supplement and, at higher doses, for medical purposes as part of some rare forms of epilepsy. More than 2,100 published CBD studies have been published on PubMed only, 970 of which involve human studies.

How do you take it? What's the taste?

CBD-based dietary supplements include capsules, gummies, drops and sprays. The drops with natural flavors are often dark and cloudy and have an earthy taste that some people find unpleasant. Clear filtering drops are available that are flavored such as the CBD Healthspan oil dropper with peppermint. Capsules are now also available and preferred by many as they have no flavor.

What dose should you take?

For general well-being, a typical dose is 10 mg to 30 mg daily. Higher doses are used for particular conditions, but as a dietary supplement, doses should not exceed 200 mg per day. NB Packaging will include the total amount of CBD present in the whole product (eg 192 mg, 384 mg, 450 mg, 900 mg) – it is not the dose per drop or capsule.

Does this affect other medicines?

Check with your doctor if you are taking any other medications because CBD can interfere with certain medications, including benzodiazepines and antidepressants.

CBD interacts with liver enzymes involved in the degradation of many prescribed drugs. This can slow down the metabolism of some drugs, which leads to a rise in their blood levels, which can lead to side effects. If you are taking prescribed medications, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking CBD.

If your doctor is not able to help, Drugs.com has a helpful drug interaction checker that, without specifically including cannabidiol (CBD), includes cannabis. https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html If your medication interacts with grapefruit juice, you should also avoid taking CBD.

Do you have trouble sleeping? Experts say the CBD can help you sleep better at night.