Understanding CBD and Hemp oil

03/15/2018

What is CBD?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol and is a natural extract from the Cannabis plant. It is perhaps the most fascinating compounds found in the Cannabis plant, which by the way has over 400 compounds in it. CBD, in particular, has gained some positive recognition in the past few years and to some, it even looks like a compound that can transform medicine.

Unlike other compounds found in Cannabis, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects and therefore it is inert. It is certainly a complex compound and has complicated the field of pharmacology even further.

CBD comes from either hemp plants or marijuana. Therefore, the legal status of CBD can be hazy depending on the laws in each state. Hence, CBD derived from hemp is the choice for most people in need.

Legalities involved

The most important question that arises in one's mind is that is CBD oil legal? Well, it depends on various factors such as where it is being used, the laws in that state and the form in which it is being used. Most parts of the United States still bans cannabis and products derived from it but gradually many states are changing their laws to allow the use of CBD, CBD oil or hemp oil and hemp oil products only for the treatment of very specific medical conditions.

CBD oil and hemp oil products contain other trace elements as well which gives CBD oil either legal or illegal status. The ratio of CBD to these other trace elements is very significant; it also results in changes in the effects of CBD on humans. There is more demand for newer strains of Cannabidiol products that have a higher rate of CBD.

In the United States, most of the states have a cap on the amount of these trace elements that are allowed, which is less than 1 percent; in fact, in some states, it is as low as 0.3 percent. On the other side, states like Delaware allows a limit of 5%, which is still nowhere close to a range that can get anyone stoned.

Properties of CBD oil

Hemp oil or CBD oil is known to contain many of the essential amino acids that help in keeping good levels of proteins that our body requires to maintain muscle mass. Amino acids are an absolute must for any metabolic process; they help in transportation and storage of nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, proteins, etc. They strengthen the muscles and the immune system; they also help in building serotonin, which is responsible for steering clear depression and anxiety.

Hemp oil products are also known to have antioxidant properties that help in fighting free radicals. Our bodies naturally produce a kind of highly reactive molecules called free radicals. Other factors that can lead to free radicals are excessive stress, smoking, imbalanced diet, inflammation, overexposure to sunlight, etc. Many times level of free radicals is much more than the number of antioxidants, this manifests itself in various damaging forms and is known to accelerate the aging process, cause inflammation of the skin or in certain cases even cause cancer.

CBD oil has been popular in many diet watchers circle as it contains much fewer calories as compared to other well-known oils such as olive oil. Per tablespoon of CBD oil contains just about 100 calories while one tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories.

Before you take the plunge into researching more about where to buy CBD oil, you need to take precaution and first get it checked is CBD oil legal in your state.

What are the side effects of CBD?

The most important thing to be noted is that CBD doesn't cause a euphoric outcome; this means it has no effect on the consciousness, perception, or behavior of the person consuming it. Though it has been reported that the use of CBD or hemp oil products has at times caused dip in blood pressure, dry mouth, and/or lethargy. If consumed as per recommendation, it has been found that it does not cause any effect on glucose levels, body temperature, heart rate, nausea, etc.

In short, if you have been thinking of the question - What is CBD really and what are its uses? The answer isn't a straightforward one since it involves a lot of legal angles that vary not just country to country but from state to state as well. Hence, it is advisable to seek a recognized doctor's prescription before venturing out and trying to use any of these products on your own.