Caitlin Flynn
CBD Oil: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Potential Health Benefits
CBD Oil Explained
To start, let's clarify what CBD oil actually is. According to Sara Gullickson, founder and CEO of Dispensary Permits, speaking to SheKnows, CBD oil is a cannabis-derived compound with minimal to no psychoactive properties, and it boasts numerous medical uses.
Related: The Woman Transforming the Cannabis Industry
Gullickson notes that CBD oil serves as an effective anti-inflammatory and can help stabilize mood. It is employed to address a wide range of health issues such as neuro-inflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety.
Brian Sanderoff, a licensed pharmacist and manager of the Curio Wellness dispensary, explained to SheKnows that "CBD and other cannabinoids function as a homeostatic regulator, helping to restore normal function across various bodily systems. This explains why individuals with different conditions experience such diverse effects."
Also: Could Cannabis Oil Be the Miracle Treatment You're Missing?
The Mechanism of Action
Regarding the precise workings of CBD oil, Sanderoff notes that current understanding is incomplete. He states, "While it doesn't seem to directly activate the known cannabinoid receptors EC1 or EC2, it probably enhances the effects of other cannabinoids or triggers an undiscovered ECS receptor."
Although medical marijuana is legal in 29 states plus Washington, D.C., CBD oil is more accessible since many available versions lack THC.
Legal Status of CBD Oil
Dr. Jordan Tishler, a Harvard-trained physician specializing in cannabis therapeutics and CEO of InhaleMD, warns prospective users about the legal complexities of CBD oil.
Related: Five Crucial Tips for Cooking with Cannabis Oil
Tishler told SheKnows, "Contrary to popular belief, CBD remains federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA currently appears uninterested in enforcement. Last year, the FDA targeted four companies selling CBD oil that actually contained no CBD, resulting in false advertising charges. Aside from that, the FDA hasn't tightened regulation. Many product labels make unsubstantiated medical or wellness claims."
Additionally, Tishler discourages purchasing CBD oil online because of insufficient local oversight and safety data.
He further asserts that THC is the primary driver of cannabis's medical benefits, highlighting the disagreement over the efficacy of hemp-derived CBD.
Tishler explains, "THC is unfairly demonized due to its intoxicating effects. Yet THC is central to the therapeutic benefits. Intoxication is merely a side effect that, like any medication's side effects, requires careful and respectful management."
As with any health-related product, it's wise to consult a physician before trying any form of CBD oil.
Photo credit: Getty Images; Design by Ashley Britton/SheKnows
Originally from SheKnows.com
