Over the past several years, CBD oil and other products have grown in popularity as more and more people learn about the compound and the potential health benefits of CBD. From kiosks popping up in malls to gas stations putting up posters, it seems that CBD products are everywhere—but what exactly is CBD oil and what does it do? And what's the safest way to try it?

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. Though the cannabis plant is commonly associated with a feeling of being 'high,' CBD does not produce this psychoactive effect. Instead, it's thought to work with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is a group of receptors that play a role in various biological processes, including pain, sleep, mood, and appetite. For that reason, chronic pain relief and significantly reduced anxiety are two of the most well-known benefits of CBD oil.

How Does CBD Work?

As with other cannabis-derived compounds, CBD interacts with receptors throughout the body to produce various effects. For example, CBD's more well-known cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) interacts with the endocannabinoid system to cause the feeling of intoxication or 'high' most often associated with cannabis.

However, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn't have the kind of effect THC does. This is because CBD and THC interact with different receptors in your brain and body. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which alters your mood and perception, whereas CBD binds to receptors scattered throughout the body, and its effects are more subtle.

What Does CBD Do?

CBD oil is thought to have a variety of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving sleep. Some people also use it to help with anxiety and depression. Though more research is needed to understand how CBD works and what effects it may have, early studies suggest that it could be helpful in managing some health conditions.

For example, one study found that CBD oil may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep(opens in a new tab) in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In another study, researchers administered CBD oils to people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and found that CBD may help reduce anxiety symptoms(opens in a new tab) for those with SAD or other various anxiety disorders.

CBD oil is also being studied in clinical trials for its potential use in treating other health conditions, such as cancer pain management, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil is thought to be especially helpful with chronic pain relief, neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, chronic inflammation, and joint pain.

How Is CBD Oil Made?

The first step of extracting CBD oil involves picking the proper cannabis plant to extract the compound from. In most cases, hemp is used. Hemp, a version of the cannabis plant that has a very low concentration of THC and a much higher concentration of CBD, is used to ensure that CBD products do not contain nearly enough THC to cause intoxication.

Once the plant is selected, the next step is to use a solvent like CO₂ or ethanol to remove the CBD from the plant material. The pure CBD is then refined and sometimes mixed with other oils, like sunflower oil or coconut oil, to create the final product.

How Is CBD Taken?

CBD products come in many forms(opens in a new tab), including oils, capsules, creams, and even gummies. When taken orally, like by taking a gummy or placing oil under the tongue, the CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream and then travels to the receptors throughout your body. When applied topically, CBD is absorbed through the skin and then interacts with nearby cannabinoid receptors.

The best way to take CBD depends on your preferences and needs. For example, if you're looking for the quickest possible effects, taking CBD oil(opens in a new tab) under the tongue may be your best bet. Or, if you're looking for fast, localized-pain relief, a roll-on product may be a better option.

Is CBD Oil Right For Me?

If you struggle with chronic pain, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, or certain other health conditions, CBD may be able to help you find relief. Taking CBD oil has been shown to help CBD users reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve sleep quality.

CBD oil is generally considered, and there are very few side effects and no withdrawal symptoms associated with taking it. However, it's always best to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement or treatment regimen, especially if you're already taking other prescribed medications.

Where Can I Get CBD Products?

CBD oil and other products are widely available, but the quality and safety of these products can vary. When buying CBD products, it's important to purchase from a reputable and trustworthy source, like our Care Pharmacy.

Care Pharmacy is a verified and licensed pharmacy, and we're proud to offer legal, safe, and high-quality CBD products. Plus, our team is knowledgeable about all of the products that we carry, ensuring that we can assist you in selecting the best CBD product for your specific needs.

Interested in trying CBD oil? Visit Recovery Care's online pharmacy or call (304) 790 - 7467 for more information.