Views about marijuana are changing around the globe. In parts of the United States, for example, the use of cannabis has been legalized; both for medicinal and recreational use. What was once thought of as gateway drug that lead to the use of harder drugs and addiction is now being seen as extremely beneficial, both by the general public and medical experts.
As the stance on marijuana is changing, many cannabis-based products are also gaining popularity. One such product is CBD oil. Naturopaths and those who prefer to take a holistic approach to healing are raving about the benefits of this oil; some even claim that it’s a miraculous cure-all that can be used to treat such ailments as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and even acne.
There’s a growing body of evidence that supports the benefits of CBD oil, too. In fact, in 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a prescription-grade CBD oil, Epidiolex, for the treatment of two forms of epilepsy.
As time progresses and more studies are conducted, it’s almost certain that more benefits of CBD oil will be found. But, what exactly is CBD oil? How does it work? Why are so many people raving about it?
In this guide, we’ll provide you with an in-depth overview of the latest (and according to many, the greatest) natural remedy around. If, after learning more about CBD oil, you decide that you would like to try it for yourself; you’ll also find our recommendations for the best products on the market.
CBD Oil Explained
CBD oil is cannabinoid, a naturally occurring chemical compound, found in the cannabis plant. There are more than 120 cannabinoids found in marijuana; in fact, you’re probably familiar with one of them: tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. This compound creates a psychoactive effect and it’s what creates that “high” sensation that is so commonly linked to cannabis.
However, while CBD and THC may both be cannaniboids found in marijuana, the two compounds are different in that CBD oil does not create a psychoactive effect; in other words, it doesn’t make you feel “high”. Instead, it offers several positive benefits; it’s been found to have pain relieving qualities, it can ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it can even help to clear up acne (more on the benefits of CBD oil in a little bit).
Because CBD oil does not alter the mind and since it isn’t as harsh or even addictive as many pharmaceutical medications, many people are turning to this product as a way to treat various conditions.
How does CBD Oil Work?
Cannabinoids from all plants (yes, many other plants contain chemical compounds) attach to receptors within the body, including CBD. The human body creates its own cannabinoids, and it also possesses two cannibinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found throughout the body, many of which are located in the brain, while CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system.
The CB1 receptors that are located in the brain play a big role in a variety of functions, including pain, mood, emotions, and movement. CB2 receptors have a direct effect on inflammation, and in turn, have a large effect on pain. It was once thought that the cannabinoid CBD attached to the CB2 receptors; however, recent studies have found that it doesn’t attach to either CB1 or CB2 receptors; rather, it encourages the human body to utilize more of the cannabinoids that it creates on its own.
In other words, the way in which CBD oil works isn’t exactly understood; however, as more research is conducted, more will be understood about how the cannabinoid really works.
With that said, there are various studies that describe the benefits of this naturally occurring chemical compound of the cannabis plant. For example, a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology stated that the compound may work as a barrier for the hippocampus, protecting it from stress.
Another study published in Annals of Palliative Medicine highlighted several research studies that indicated CBD oil may be beneficial for the treatment of chronic pain.
Top-Rated CBD Brands
| Rank | Brand | Shipping | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verma Farms | Worldwide | |
| 2 | Verified CBD | Worldwide | Unavailable |
The Benefits of CBD Oil
Though more research does need to be conducted in order to thoroughly understand the effects of CBD oil – including how it works and its benefits – many scientific studies, as mentioned, do indicate that there are many potential benefits of this cannabinoid. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Pain relief. One of the most prominent benefits of CBD oil is its ability to relieve pain; as a matter of fact, records that date back to 2900 BC suggest that cannabis was used as a remedy for pain. Modern medicine supports this, too. It’s believed that CBD attaches to the receptors in the immune system, or encourages the body to use the natural cannabinoids found in the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation and thus, minimizing pain.
- Anxiety relief. For those who suffer from anxiety, CBD oil may provide relief. Anxiety is a very common mental health condition, the effects of which can be debilitating. Scientists believe that CBD oil may alter the way the brain responds to serotonin, a chemical that is connected to anxiety.
- Seizure aide. As mentioned previously, the FDA recently approved a pure form of CBD oil, which is available as a prescription, to treat the symptoms that are associated with epilepsy. Though more research is needed, it has been found that the natural remedy does help to minimize the amount of seizures epileptic patients’ experience.
- Acne reduction. The way in which CBD oil interacts with the CB2 receptors in the immune system may prove to be beneficial for the reduction of all forms of inflammation that occur within the body, including acne. By reducing inflammation, CBD can help to reduce the amount of sebum the sebaceous glands produce, thereby reducing acne.
CBD Oil: Things to Consider
If you’re intrigued and are interested in trying CBD oil yourself – whether it’s to reduce your aches and pains, ease your anxiety, clear up your skin, or any of the number of other ailments that this natural remedy can be helpful with – it’s important that you take a few factors into consideration before you select a product.
The rising popularity of CBD oil has lead to a huge surge in product. Unfortunately, however, not all CBD-based products can be trusted. The production of this oil isn’t regulated, which means that many suppliers and vendors offer sub-par products; in fact, we’ve heard of cases where people have purchased what they thought was CBD oil, only to find that it was nothing more than a carrier oil!
With that said, it’s important that you make sure you are purchasing your products from a trusted supplier and a reputable vendor. Additionally, you should also take the following factors into consideration before you buy:
Method of administration
CBD oil can be taken in a variety of ways; it can be inhaled via inhalers or vape devices, ingested via capsules or oil, or applied topically as a balm or salve.
Inhalation provides the fastest results; however, if you aren’t comfortable with inhaling something foreign, this may not be the best option for you. Taking it orally is easier, but it does take longer to feel the effects.
Applying it topically is also easy; however, the cannabinoid will only reach the uppermost layers of the epidermis, so if you are suffering from deep pain, such as joint pain, it may not be effective. Consider your reason for taking CBD when determining what method of administration you should use.
CBD Oil Concentration
If you are taking CBD oil orally, you’ll find that it is available in a variety of concentrations. The amount of CBD a product contains should be listed on the packaging; if it isn’t, continue looking because it likely isn’t a reputable product.
Some products list the amount of CBD in mg, and others in percentages. The higher the concentration, the more intense the effects will be. If you’re new to CBD oil, taking a high dosage isn’t recommended. If you start low and find that it isn’t effective, you can always try a higher dose.
Full-spectrum or isolate CBD oil
There are two main forms of CBD oil: full-spectrum and isolate. The former features CBD and other active compounds, while the latter contains pure or near-pure isolates of CBD. If you would rather know that you are taking just CBD, stick to an isolate; however, there may be benefits associated with full-spectrum oils. For instance, the additional compounds that they contain may increase the effect of the CBD.
The Best CBD Oils to Buy in 2019
Now that you have some background knowledge about CBD oil, let’s talk about some of the best products that are on the market.
After consulting with experts, reading reviews, and testing out several products, we’ve narrowed down the seemingly endless supply of CBD oils to what we believe to be the best of the best.
1. Verified CBD
If it’s quality you want (and of course, it is), then you can’t get much better than Verified CBD. This is, hands down, the best CBD oil out there. All of their products are 80% pure, at the least. Considering the fact that most products are 40% pure at best, that’s quite impressive. Plus, their oils are made in the USA. All of their products are made with state-of-the-art HPLC tools, and every item is extensively tested to ensure.
Verified CBD offers three size options: 500mg, 750mg, and 1500mg. All are offered in 1oz bottles, so the 750mg is 50% more potent than the 500mg oil, and the 1500mg is 200% more potent than the 500mg oil. Each bottle offers 50 servings, so they should last you a pretty decent amount of time. Verified CBD only offers a natural flavored oil, which has an earthy taste.
2. NuLeaf Naturals
This is another high-quality supplier that offers a wide range of CBD oil products. Their oils are full-spectrum and they’re completely organic, so they aren’t tainted with chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides.
The concentration strengths that NuLeaf offers include 240mg, 725mg, 1450mg, and 4850mg, which means that you should be able to find an oil that will suit your specific needs. All concentrations come in 15ml bottles, which equates to roughly 300 drops per bottle, and each drop of oil contains roughly 2.4mg of premium-quality, organic CBD. Natural is the only flavor option that they offer, which, as was stated, has an earthy taste.
3. TeraHemp
This is one of the newest CBD oils on the market, but it’s quickly becoming regarded as one of the best. All of their products are extracted from premium-quality hemp, which has been extensively tested and completely assess to ensure its reliability.
TeraHemp offers five different concentrations, including 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, and 2000mg, and all concentrations are sold in a 1oz (30ml) bottle.
You should get about 500 drops per bottle. The length of time it will last you depends on the concentration you choose, what you are using it for, and how much you use; however, according to the manufacturer, it should only take 1 drop to feel the results of this premium-quality CBD oil, so no matter which concentration you choose, it should last you a pretty long time. They also offer different, flavored oils, such as chocolate!
4. Elixionl
This CBD oil is made from 100% pure hemp; it’s also been around since 1991, which says a lot about their reputation and quality of products. All products are rigorously tested and screened for harsh substance, such as pesticides, mycotoxins, and heavy metals.
Elixinol offers several different concentrations, including 300mg, 600m, and 3600mg. Each concentration comes in a 4oz bottle, so your oil should last you a good long while. In addition to offering superior all-natural CBD oils, Elixinol also offers a variety of flavors in addition to natural, such as grape mint and cinnamint.
Buying the Best CBD Oil Just Takes a Little Research
No matter what your purpose of using CBD oil is, we are confident that the products mentioned above will offer the relief that you seek. According to our research – and your own first-hand experience – each one of these products offers outstanding results.
