CBD Oil— Medicine Cabinet in a Bottle

What is CBD oil?

CBD is one of the many versatile compounds found in the cannabis plant that are part of a larger family of compounds known as cannabinoids. Oil concentrations of the cannabinoid CBD are known as CBD oils. The uses and concentrations of these oils can vary; however, researchers have been studying the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of CBD oil— and the results have been quite promising.

Is CBD marijuana?

No. Marijuana and hemp both originate from the Cannabis sativa plant, but they are very different from each other in how they are cultivated, applied, and their overall function. Hemp is mainly used for dietary supplements, clothing, skin care products, and accessories. Marijuana is used for recreational and medicinal purposes.

In the past, the most studied and well-known of cannabis’ compounds have always
been delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)— the most active ingredient found in marijuana. Marijuana is comprised of both THC and CBD; however, THC is known for producing the mind-altering “high” feelings when it is broken down with heat and taken into the body via ingestion or inhalation. CBD on the other hand is not psychoactive at all, and it will not alter your state of mind. CBD does appear to create notable changes in the body that are physically and mentally beneficial; in fact, the majority of CBD oils are derived from hemp—the least processed form of the cannabis plant.

How CBD works

CBD and all cannabinoids attach to specific CBD1 or CBD2 receptor that are located throughout the entire body. Most of our CB1 receptors are situated in our brain where they influence coordination, pain, emotions, mood, appetite, and memories. CB2 receptors are mainly found in our immune systems; these receptors are mainly thought to be responsible for regulating pain and inflammation. We used to think that CBD acted primarily on the CB2 receptors, but as evidence is expanding, we now see that it does not act on either receptor—it seems to signal the body to produce more of its own natural cannabinoids.

Benefits

The long list of potential medicinal and mental benefits that are proving to be associated with CBD oil is all very new and exciting. The Journal of Experimental Medicine published a study that found this compound was responsible for significantly reducing or eliminating chronic pain and inflammation in tested mice. It has also been shown to be effective at treating pain and tremors associated with chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Evidence also demonstrates how cannabinoids may be used to help with the withdrawal symptoms commonly associated with quitting smoking and other drugs. In fact several studies (study #1, study #2, study #3) have demonstrated just how effective CBD is for helping people to kick their long standing substance abuse habits. CBD has also been studied for the role it plays in effectively treating neuropsychiatric disorders and epilepsy. The research being done has shown it is an extremely effective treatment for those that suffer from seizures and other neurological problems— all with little to zero side effects. The success rates of this treatment for seizures have been so effective, people began moving to Colorado in droves after the high CBD/low THC strain Charlotte’s Web hit the market and virtually eliminated the epileptic seizures of the little girl the strain was named after.

According to a study published in Current Pharmaceutical Design, CBD has been found to be just as effective as certain antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs but without the laundry list of negative side effects that typically come with these types of powerful pharmaceuticals. And last but not least, CBD has been studied and confirmed to have anti-cancer benefits. The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology noted that CBD seems to prevent cancer cells from spreading through the body, and that they actually suppress the growth of cancer by encouraging these cells to “commit suicide”, in a process known as apoptosis.

The Take Away

While these discoveries are still relatively new, the science is in and CBD is proving to be a miracle cure that effectively treats various chronic conditions including cancer and mental health—both of which are epidemics in our society today. It is safe to say that the proven perks that come with this figurative “medicine cabinet in a bottle” are worth a try, even if it’s taken for preventative measures against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or dementia. As the famous saying goes: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Breckenridge Organic Therapy carries a variety of CBD products that are naturally sourced and pre-measured to make dosing simple and effective. If you feel you or someone you know would benefit from CBD oil but aren’t quite sure where to start, please feel free to stop by or contact us with any questions you may have and we will be happy to help!