CBD oil might prove to be an effective treatment for people who live with depression and anxiety and
are not looking to turn to pharmaceutical drugs. According to several studies, specific CBD doses are
very useful at alleviating anxiety before a test.
This does not apply to adults alone. Studies show that CBD oil may safely alleviate insomnia and anxiety
in kids experiencing PTSD. Research also hints that CBD can have antidepressant-like effects and might
affect how the brain responds to serotonin. Since CBD demonstrated anti-stress effects, it may reduce
depression that is associated with stress.

Sometimes, people use CBD to help them sleep. Many users report improved sleep after using CBD.
Researchers may not yet fully comprehend why CBD may help users sleep better. However, it might be
because it can ease stress, depression, and anxiety.

CBD might be one of the primary reasons Cannabis is popular for easing pain. Animal studies have to say
that CBD might relieve chronic pain by alleviating inflammation. It might also reduce pain from sciatic
nerve pain and surgical incisions. When used with THC, CBD might be beneficial in reducing pain caused
by arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Since CBD decreases inflammation, it might also help reduce acne. Scientists realized that CBD oil might
inhibit sebaceous gland cells from secreting too much sebum, the primary cause of acne.
Although we still need more research, CBD might help with other skin problems as well.

CBD might also be beneficial in alleviating some chemotherapy-related pain and other side effects like
vomiting and nausea. Studies report a substantial decrease in pain when using CBD and THC combined
for this purpose.

Based on a 2017 study, CBD may even help the heart and entire circulatory system by reducing blood
pressure. Ultimately, this prevents health complications such as metabolic syndrome, heart attack, and
stroke. It might be because CBD can ease anxiety and stress, which in turn reduces blood pressure. A
study on rats also implied that CBD might help alleviate inflammation and cell death linked to heart
disease.

Although research is still early, CBD might help relieve symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease,
multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. Several studies discovered decreased seizure activity in kids and young
adults after they took CBD oil. Epidiolex is so far the only CBD product that’s FDA-approved to treat two
severe seizure conditions.
Other studies say that CBD might improve life quality and sleep quality for individuals with Parkinson’s
disease. Some test-tube and animal studies showed promising early results when it comes to
Alzheimer’s disease. CBD might reduce inflammation and prevent the neurodegeneration that comes
with the disease.

Research also shows that CBD may benefit users with schizophrenia and similar conditions by alleviating
psychotic symptoms.

As one of the most sought-after supplements in the world, CBD is fast rising on the ladder of success.
The success is due to the discovery of the benefits and uses of the revolutionary specimen. And most
importantly, it alleviates these generational problems – physical pain, insomnia, stress, and anxiety. But
there are certain misconceptions that still surface.
On the average, the cannabis plant contains more than 60 naturally occurring and active compounds
known as cannabinoids. Also known as CBD, Cannabidiol is one of the active ingredients in the plant. The
unique compound is so called because it acts on cannabinoid receptors which affect the entire body
system. CBD, coupled with being non-intoxicating, is the second most abundant compound in cannabis.
With differing chemical properties, mode of cultivation, and use, marijuana and hemp are offsprings of
the mother plant – Cannabis sativa L. Therefore, they are the two classes of the plant. Fabrics, ropes,
oils, and foods are the main products of the cultivation and growth of hemp. However, marijuana has a
high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – a psychoactive ingredient that populates buds and
flowers. Comparatively, both hemp and marijuana have THC levels of 0.3% and 20%.
Back in time, the early men were the ones who discovered the many benefits and differences between
hemp and marijuana. Hitherto, the plants have garnered popularity among the young and the old of
both genders to render many health benefits to them.

CDB products are as simple to produce as they are used. The main sources of extraction are marijuana
and industrial hemp plants. For legal purposes, several products of CBD are extracted from the stems
and stalks of industrial hemp plants (cannabis plant with 0.2% THC or less). After cultivation, the plants
are transported from the field to the extraction facility.
Hemp oil is the main source of the isolation of CBD. Through a chemical process, the extraction of hemp
oil takes place which further reveals a vast range of cannabinoids. The best methods of extraction are
non-flammable CO 2 extraction or with solvents. In the final product, the FDA prefers the extraction with
CO 2 because it minimizes the occurrence of solvent residues.
CBD can be extracted using solvents such as ethanol and Carbon (IV) Oxide (CO 2 ). The reason that they
are the two main solvents used in extraction is that they offer the cleanest pathway for extraction of
CBD that suits human consumption.
CO 2 extraction is the more popular method. While it uses smaller quantities of hemp, the mechanism is
to filter the plants through a series of chambers in a controlled environment of temperature and
pressure. This sophisticated method of extraction involves subjecting the plants to varying temperatures
and pressures, leading to the isolation of cannabis with 90% efficiency.

Ethanol extraction, the alternative method involves the introduction of solvent ethanol to the plant in
order to isolate the cannabinoids. Unlike the CO2 extraction, it produces a high volume of full spectrum
extracts. More so, the solvent also removes unwanted components and impurities such as chlorophyll,
from the plant. After extraction, the hemp plant undergoes a further step called chromatography.
Chromatography stage removes unwanted phytochemicals in the desired cannabinoid. Because
cannabinoids such as CBD interact strongly with the chromatography column, the substance travels
slower than other plant materials such as chlorophyll (which interacts poorly with the column). After
distributing the components, cannabidiol and other terpenes are isolated for further use.
Furthermore, oil products of CBD undergo decarboxylation. Simply put, decarboxylation involves heating
the cannabinoids into a particular form that allows the immediate interaction of the cannabinoids with
the endocannabinoid system, a process which makes the CBD compound more usable and absorbed by
the system. After decarboxylating the extracted oil, it is converted from CBDA (where A represents the
acid) to CBD (successful removal of the acid). By doing so, the substance is ready for bio-sorption.
Although the decarboxylated oil does not have a favorable taste, it is suitable for direct consumption.
Also, the oil can be mixed with another oil such as coconut or hemp seed oil, converted into capsules,
and hardened into the isolated form for normal consumption.

Cannabidiol products sold in the United States can be sourced from hemp or marijuana plants were
grown domestically or internationally. For legal purposes, many CBD products (containing less than 0.2%
THC) are sourced from industrial hemp. Within the United States, fourteen states have legal rights to
grow and process industrial hemp and hemp seeds. These states include California, Colorado, Kentucky,
Oregon, and Tennessee.
Reputable CBD companies source their industrial hemp grown with organic practices. But hemp, in
general, is not a USDA certified organic product. Moreover, it is recommended that you choose a CBD
product made from NON-GMO, pesticide-free, industrial hemp that is tested consistently for
contamination to ensure safe consumption. When selecting a CBD product, make sure the company
uses a safe solvent and a verified extraction method.

President Ronald Reagan, in the 1980s, earmarked tens of millions of dollars into a specific study to
prove the negative effects of marijuana in the brain. In dispelling the claim, the Reagan administration
ended up discovering the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a collection of cell receptors and the corresponding molecules
(agonists) in the human body. This system helps to regulate sleep, appetite, mood, motor control,
immune function, pleasure, pain, reproduction and fertility, memory and temperature regulation.
When the ECS is in balance, you experience homeostasis. Endocannabinoids are the molecules that act
as chemical messengers that bind to cannabinoid cell receptors and tell the body to do certain things.
The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids with the help of consuming foods like fatty acids
found in nuts and fish. The sixty cannabinoid molecules found in cannabis also can bind to cannabinoid
receptors. Although different cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) cause different effects, it is all through
the same system that similar molecular messages are sent throughout the body. Put more simply, the
molecules found in cannabis plants aid in the human body’s endocannabinoid system, which is
responsible for many vital functions.
Currently, there is a high number of research papers that back up the possibility of CBD as a competent
tool to combat addiction. It makes sense when you think about the interaction of CBD with the
endocannabinoid system of the body.

Recently, a few researchers used a sample of transdermal CBD to determine it anti-relapse potentials.
The researchers pooled a few animal subjects with a history of self-administering alcohol or cocaine.
When such test subjects began to exhibit relapse characteristics – impulsivity, anxiety, and dependency
– they administered transdermal CBD to such subjects. Once every 24 hours, the researchers would
administer the CBD to the test subjects. The consistency in administering the CBD for seven days
unfolded a profound discovery.
From the test results, the 7-day period of CBD treatment led to:
• The prevention of the development of the early signs of addiction in the test subjects
• The decline in the possibility of a relapse

These characteristics occurred even though the CBD was absent from the body and the brain after 3
days. Hence, CBD is an active substance in the prevention of relapses in substance addicts. Moreover,
the benefits are longstanding – which is crucial in the fight against substance addiction.

Multiple studies, published as early as 1980, suggest that CBD has minimal side effects and is overall safe
for consumption. Nonetheless, consumers should be made aware of any known, potential drawbacks
when consuming a product. Below, we discuss the findings from each recorded study and review on the
safety and known side effects of CBD.
1980 Study in Pharmacology
On January 3, 1980, Pharmacology published their findings conducted during a study in which they
tested eight healthy volunteers and 15 patients with epilepsy, looking at the side effects of CBD when
consumed daily for a month. Their reported conclusions were, ‘All patients and volunteers tolerated
CBD very well and no signs of toxicity or serious side effects were detected on examination.’
International Journal of Neuroscience
In 1986, oral doses, ranging from 100 to 600 mg per day of cannabidiol were given to 5 patients with
dystonic movement disorders. In addition to recording specific benefits, this study also uncovered mild
side effects of CBD such as hypotension, dry mouth, psychomotor slowing, lightheadedness, and
sedation. It is also noteworthy that during this study two patients were given CBD in doses over 300 mg
per day seemed to aggravate their Parkinson’s symptoms. Yet in 2014 a separate paper described how
CBD significantly improves the lives of those with Parkinson’s disease.
Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol
Most recently in 2011, a review on the safety and side effects of cannabidiol, found that CBD might
interfere with the hepatic drug metabolism, alteration of in vitro cell viability, decreased fertilization
capacity or the reduced activity of p-glycoprotein. Have you ever been told by a doctor or pharmacist
not to drink or eat grapefruit while taking a prescription medication?
Grapefruit and CBD have a similar effect on P450, an enzyme found in the liver, which metabolizes
different kinds of medications in the human body. If taken in large doses, CBD can inhibit the
metabolizing properties of P450 by temporarily neutralizing the effects of other medicinal products in
the body’s system. This side effect is also responsible for why cannabidiol counteracts the effects of
THC.
2006 Study Argentinian Study
In 2006 a group of scientist hypothesized that there are cannabinoid receptors in human’s salivary
glands. In fact, their hypothesis was correct, which is most likely the reason that one of the previously
discovered side effects of CBD is what’s commonly known as cotton-mouth. When CBD interacts with

the endocannabinoid system, it inhibits the secretion of saliva, thus leaving some users with a dry
sensation in their mouth.

Most recently in 2011, a review on the safety and side effects of cannabidiol, found that CBD might
interfere with the hepatic drug.
So the question for debate is ‘how can such a drug with a long list of benefits ranging from stress
reduction to pain relief and reduction of addiction be a painful drug as well? Is it a blessing in disguise or
a disguised statement of pain? Nevertheless, your first clue is your best clue. Judging from the singular
word ‘addiction’, users of this drug may begin to ask themselves if they sincerely nurture an addiction.
While several people may say ‘no’, a convenient question will be ‘when was the last time you gulped a
smoking cup of coffee?’ Presently, caffeine is the most popular psychoactive drug in the world. It is so
shocking how soon people forget the side effects of caffeine and the by-products.
For each kilogram of body weight, a lethal dose of caffeine (LD50) for 50 percent of users is about 200
milligrams. This metrics exceeds what a normal individual will consume within 24 hours. Even if it rarely
kills, this addictive drug is definitely dangerous.
Theoretically, each kilogram of the body weight for the LD50 of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is
approximately 70, 000 milligrams. Even though there hasn’t been a single death from the injection of
THC, the consumption of the drug has resulted in the recurrence of stoned monkeys. For this reason, the
laboratory tests have never shown the ability of the drug to result in the death of a mammal.
You may be at risk of the widely acclaimed ‘caffeine headache’ from consuming huge dosage of coffee.
Even if this sounds malleable compared to the risk of death, the harrowing headache is an experience
that is better imagined than experienced.

Like other cannabinoids, cannabidiol is non-toxic and has not recorded fatal overdose over the years.
The 2011 study indicates that chronic use and high up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well
tolerated in humans. The Department of Health and Human Services states, ‘no signs of toxicity or
serious side effects have been observed following chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy
volunteers (Cunha et al., Pharmacology 21:127-185, 1980), even in large acute doses of 700 mg/day
(Consroe et al., Pharmacol, Biochem, Behav. 40:701-708,1991).’
Because CBD is not psychoactive in nature, it will not induce the usual ‘high’ as noticed in marijuana.
With 0.3% THC content, industrial hemp yields high-quality CBD of 99% purity.

Shortly after Rafael Meshoulam, the ‘father of THC,’ isolated THC and elucidated the entire cannabidiol
structure, he was curious about how the THC molecule would affect different people. Thus, one pure
THC. A few of his friends felt ‘strange, in a different world,’ while some couldn’t stop talking or giggling.
While the scientist now understood that cannabis compounds, result in different reactions, it wasn’t
until years later that we would figure out why. Here is a look as to why all cannabis (marijuana or hemp
derived) products affect people differently.

Genetics
About 20% of the population has good endocannabinoid genetics. These people were born with a
genetic mutation that increases the level of endocannabinoids and levels of anandamide (the so-called
bliss molecule) naturally occurring in their system. As a whole, the endocannabinoid system is partially
responsible for regulating sleep, appetite, mood, motor control, immune function, pleasure, pain,
reproduction and fertility, memory and temperature regulation. When someone consumes cannabis,
the cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, replace the naturally occurring endocannabinoids in your body.
Thus, if you are among the lucky few that have this genetic mutation, you are most likely less inclined to
feel the effects of CBD because your body already naturally produces a similar result.
Men vs. Women
Cannabidiol products affect males and females differently. Research shows that estrogen makes women
more sensitive to cannabis. That time of the month? Washington State University found that women are
impacted more by THC a day or two before ovulation, because of the peak in estrogen levels.
Unique Biochemistry
Biochemistry, the study of chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms is yet
another explanation as to why people react differently to CBD products. No two individuals have the
exact biochemistry makeup, which affects the way substances metabolize throughout our system. The
health of one’s endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in this. As previously mentioned, the
human body naturally produces endocannabinoids. Things like diet, stress, and overall lifestyle
influences endocannabinoid levels. When consuming cannabis products, you are increasing
endocannabinoid levels. For individuals who have deprived levels, cannabis consumption will most likely
produce a favorable experience, whereas someone with healthy endocannabinoid levels might not
“feel” the effects of CBD or other marijuana products.
Overall Health
Someone who is using cannabis products to treat symptoms for a disease or disorder is going to have a
very different experience than a recreational user. When someone is fighting off an ailment or illness,
that individual’s biochemistry and endocannabinoid levels are altered. Thus, when someone with
Parkinson’s disease uses a product like CBD oil, the outcome may be feeling “normal” because
endocannabinoid levels are replenished. The average person, on the other hand, may use the same
product and feel nothing at all or very different effects.
Tolerance
It is relatively well-known that over time and continued use, one will most likely build a tolerance to
THC. Yet, in one study conducted in 2011, findings suggest that one may not build a tolerance to CBD.
However, more research needs to be done to prove this theory.

There are dozens of ways to ingest CBD, including smoking, vaping, using topical products, tinctures,
suppositories, and sprays. Below is a list 6 of the most popular forms of administering CBD.
CBD Oil and Sublingual Administration

The Hemp provides a rapid effect in the bloodstream in the form of tinctures or oils. A tincture is either
sprayed in the mouth for absorption in the oral cavity or administered via a dropper. Non-smoking
patients find this method useful.
Oils are easily the most popular and highly sought after products on the market, due to its ease of
consumption, accurate dosing, overall high-quality, and effectiveness. Cannabidiol oil is meant to be
consumed orally and most often used sublingually. It is also suitable for non-smokers because the oral
administration is attributed with mandibles and pills. These are edible products of cannabis that may
take the form of brownie, teas, or cookies. Unfortunately, the fat-soluble property of cannabinoids
makes it difficult for absorption to take place and this depends on the metabolism of the patient. To
solve this problem, cannabis butter which is compatible with fat-soluble cannabinoid is preferable.
Sublingual administration involves placing drops under your tongue and holding it there for several
seconds before swallowing. Using CBD sublingually is the second fastest form of consumption (the first
being vaping or dabbing). Some find the taste of CBD oil very appealing while others do not prefer the
hemp flavor. For those who are not fond of the taste of hemp, CBD drops can be placed in a beverage
like orange juice or foods like salad dressing to dilute the taste. CBD oils that are mixed with MCT
coconut oil are not meant to be vaped. Vaping MCT coconut oil can be dangerous to an individual’s
health.
CBD Capsules
For those who are not fond of the taste of CBD oils, capsules are an excellent alternative. Similar to CBD
oil products, capsules offer people the benefits of CBD paired with ease of consumption and accurate
dosing.
CBD Topical Creams
Topical creams are a unique product because CBD can be mixed with other essential nutrients such as
lavender, tea tree, and aloe to heighten the benefits of CBD. Topical application is in form of a lotion,
ointment or poultice is suitable for treating muscle pain, skin inflammations, and arthritis. Designed to
be applied directly to the skin, topical creams deliver CBD oil throughout your body. These products
often smell amazing too!
Vaping CBD
The increase in the medical benefits of marijuana has paved way for the legalization of the plant in
several states for the purpose of medicine. Some patients with certain chronic conditions have the
liberty to select the mode via which the effect their prescriptions – conventional smoking or by vaping.
While both options have variable pros and cons, the medical condition of the patient determines, to a
large extent, the most suitable choice. Also known as vape or vaping, the cannabis is heated to a
temperature which releases the medication in form of vapors. This is similar to a nebulizer treatment.
CBD vape oils can be purchased or created easily on your own by melting down a high concentrate CBD
isolate and mixing it with VG or PG oil.
Infusing CBD into food or liquids
Adding cannabidiol to you the foods you already love is a great way of ingesting CBD. While you can put
CBD oil drops in orange juice and other liquids, CBD isolates are excellent for cooking because they are

tasteless, odorless and are easily soluble into products like coconut oil, butter, and honey. Once infused,
these products can be used to cook with to make pasta dishes, dips, and desserts like brownies. Infused
honey or agave nectar can also be used to sweeten coffee or tea.
Dabbing CBD
Dabbing is defined as the consumption method associated with the flash vaporization of cannabis
concentrates (cannabidiol) once applied to a hot surface and inhaled. Concentrates, like 99% pure CBD
isolate is more potent than flowers, so a little bit goes a long way and is known to be one of the best
ways to get immediate and effective relief. CBD Isolate also contains less plant material, so you are
inhaling more cannabidiol and less combusted resin.

Some people believe that just because you are purchasing a plant-based product, it is safe for use. That
is not necessarily the case with CBD products. Here are four things to remember when choosing a CBD
product that is safe for consumption.
It starts with the plant
The first thing to consider when selecting a product is to understand where the hemp or marijuana plant
came from. Contrary to popular opinion, cannabis plants grown domestically and internationally are safe
for consumption. But, it is crucial only to choose products that are sourced from pesticide-free, NON-
GMO plants to avoid ingesting harsh chemicals.
Price does not determine the quality
The FDA recently conducted a series of tests on so-called CBD oils sold on the internet. Despite
manufacturer claims, many of these products contained little to no CBD.
The best CBD companies are transparent about how much cannabidiol and other cannabinoids you are
paying for. These companies will frequently conduct third-party tests on their products and publish the
results on their website. Do some additional research on the business you are purchasing from and read
their customer reviews. Are people satisfied with the quality of their products?
Not all extraction methods are safe
There are various ways of extracting cannabidiol from a cannabis plant, each with their pros and cons.
CO2 and ethanol extraction are two of the most commonly used methods. CO2 extraction, for example,
uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and extremely low temperatures to extract, preserve, and
maintain the purity of the CBD oil. According to ProjectCBD.org, ‘when well done, the end product is
safe, potent, and free of chlorophyll’. When choosing a CBD product, make sure the company uses a safe
solvent and a verified extraction method.
Make sure the product is non-psychoactive
While cannabidiol is scientifically proven to be non-psychoactive, CBD products can be produced and
sold with levels of THC that can get you high. If this is not your desired effect, it is recommended when
selecting a product, to choose only those that have “non- psychoactive” effects.