The very mention of the word CBD has been causing quite a stir in the wellness and cannabis communities. But, with so much information available online, what is the best way to separate fact from fiction?
Dr. Bradley Fossier of the “Post Script” YouTube channel has done a break down of the subject in the video below, and we have distilled his insights into this post.
Understanding the Basics of CBD Oil
CBD oil, which has gained popularity in recent years, is extracted from the cannabis plant. However, not all cannabis is the same.
The Cannabis sativa species can be broadly categorized into two types: hemp, which doesn’t induce a high, and another variant which does. The distinction? It’s all in the THC content. If a cannabis plant contains less than 0.3% THC, it’s classified as hemp. Anything more, and it veers into the other category.
But why has CBD oil captured the world’s attention?
It all comes down to our body’s endocannabinoid system, a complicated system that controls everything from our immunological responses to our mood. Cannabis and cannabinoids interact with this system, perhaps providing therapeutic advantages.
CBD Oil in the Medical Realm
The FDA approved Epidiolex, a pure CBD oil, for a rare kind of adolescent seizures, aroused the medical community’s interest in CBD oil. This approval was a significant acknowledgement to CBD oil’s potential therapeutic effects.
The body of medical literature on CBD oil is still in its early stages, however. While anecdotal evidence and small-scale studies suggest that it may aid in pain management, mood enhancement, and addiction rehabilitation, large-scale research is still needed.
But the preliminary results are promising, suggesting that CBD oil might just be the next big thing in holistic health.
Safety and Legality – What You Need to Know
The most rigorous safety investigation was undertaken on Epidiolex, which passed with flying colours.
However, prospective users should be warned that CBD oil may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and anti-seizure medications.
On the legal front, the landscape has evolved rapidly. In the US the 1970 Controlled Substance Act had banned all products derived from cannabis, the 2014 Agricultural Act (commonly known as the Farm Bill) marked a turning point by legalizing hemp for research.
Fast forward to 2018, and another Farm Bill made hemp and its by-products federally legal. However, state-wise regulations can vary, so it’s essential to be well-informed about your state’s stance on CBD oil.
Choosing the Right CBD Oil for You
Venturing into the world of CBD oil can be daunting, given the plethora of products available. Dr. Fossier offers some invaluable guidelines:
- Extraction Method: Choose CO2 extraction products, which are safer and healthier than other techniques.
- Batch Testing: Ensure that the product has undergone third-party lab testing. This ensures that what’s on the label matches what’s in the bottle.
- Purity: Check for any heavy metals or pesticides. The purer the product, the better.
- Certifications: Make sure that you look for products certified by government-regulated agencies, which adds another layer of trustworthiness.
It’s also good to know that CBD oil can be categorised into three types based on its composition: Full-spectrum, Broad-spectrum, and Purified CBD oil.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all parts of the cannabis plant, Broad-spectrum is devoid of any sign of THC. Purified CBD oil, as you may imagine from the name, is CBD in its most pure form.
While the world of CBD oil is vast and ever-evolving, being well-informed can help you navigate it with confidence.
Whether you’re considering it for its potential health benefits or are just curious, understanding its basics, medical implications, safety, legality, and product choices can empower you to make the best decisions for your well-being.
