While it has become more and more common to see advertisements for CBD oil, there is usually still a stigma attached to the new “medical wonder.” According to LiveScience (2019), cannabidiol, more often referred to as CBD, is “the concentrated liquid extract of the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa.” While cannabidiol is a compound produced by the cannabis plant, it does not contain any psychoactive effects like the compound THC does. THC is what causes the “high” feeling after using marijuana and is therefore regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. CBD oil that does not contain any THC, however, is legal to sell and consume. People have been traditionally using CBD oil to treat a variety of pain and illnesses, but it has only recently begun to be studied by the professional medical community. While some market CBD oil to be a “cure all” for everything from acne to cancer, there is little clinical evidence to support these claims. There is currently only one FDA approved cannabis-based drug, which is used to treat two different rare and severe cases of epilepsy (LiveScience 2019).
Even with the little research that exists, popularity and sales of CBD oil have been on the rise. In 2016, Forbes reported that CBD products are expected to be a $2.2 billion industry by 2020. CBD oil can be taken in various ways and are available in different strengths. Because everyone’s body absorbs the oil differently, one usually has to experiment to find the best dosage for treatment. Medical News Today (2018) explains how in addition to blocking the amount of pain a person feels, CBD oil “ may also limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which may benefit people experiencing pain, insomnia, and certain immune-system responses.” Many people who currently use CBD oil do so to treat arthritis, seizures, chronic pain, and Alzheimers. Frequently, CBD oil is also used to treat anxiety and stress-related issues. “Physically, it’s like taking a warm bath, melting the tension away,” said Gabe Kennedy, 27, a founder of Plant People, a start-up in New York that sells CBD capsules and oils. “It is balancing; a leveling, soothing sensation in the body mostly, and an evenness of attention in the mind.”
Most people seemingly tolerate CBD oil well, though there are a few possible known side effects. The most common side effects include: tiredness, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and weight gain or weight loss. Long term effects of CBD oil, such as the effects on one’s hormones, have yet to be studied (Medical News Today 2018). While many have touted the numerous benefits of CBD oil, there are still a lot of unknowns with the substance. It has a lot of potential for natural pain relief. It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking CBD oil. There are numerous locations around Manitowoc that sell the product, and it is also available to purchase online.
