cannabis oil
cannabis oil
Marijuana has been
used to treat pain as far back as 2900 B.C. (2Trusted Source).
More recently,
scientists have discovered that certain components of marijuana, including CBD,
are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
The human body
contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS),
which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite,
pain and immune system response (3Trusted Source).
The body produces
endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid
receptors in your nervous system.
Studies have shown
that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor
activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters (4Trusted Source).
For example, one
study in rats found that CBD injections reduced pain response to surgical
incision, while another rat study found that oral CBD treatment significantly
reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
Several human
studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating
pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
An oral spray
called Sativex, which is a combination of THC and CBD, is approved in several
countries to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis.
One study of 47
people with multiple sclerosis examined the effects of taking Sativex for one
month. The participants experienced improvements in pain, walking, and muscle
spasms. Still, the study didn’t include any control group and placebo effects
cannot be ruled out (7Trusted
Source).
Another study found
that Sativex significantly improved pain during movement, pain at rest and
sleep quality in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis (8Trusted Source).
SUMMARYCBD, especially in combination with THC, may be
effective in reducing pain associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis and
rheumatoid arthritis.
How to make cannabis oil
Directions:
- Grind the cannabis. You can include the entire plant, just the flower, a little bit of both—this is all a matter of preference. Just keep in mind that anything small enough to fit through the strainer will end up in your finished product, so again, do not grind your cannabis into a fine powder.
- Combine oil and cannabis in your double-boiler, slow cooker, or saucepan, and heat on low or warm for a few hours. This allows for decarboxylation (activation of THC) without scorching (which destroys the active ingredients). In all cases, a small amount of water can be added to the mixture to help avoid burning, and the temperature of the oil should never exceed 245°F. Cooking can be done a variety of ways:
- Crock pot method: Heat oil and cannabis in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Double-boiler method: Heat oil and cannabis in a double-boiler on low for at least 6 hours (8 is better), stirring occasionally.
- Saucepan method: Heat oil and cannabis in a simple saucepan on low for at least 3 hours, stirring frequently (a saucepan is most susceptible to scorching).
- Strain and store the oil. Do not squeeze the cheesecloth; this will simply add more chlorophyll to your oil. All remaining plant material can be discarded or used in other dishes if desired. The oil’s shelf life is at least two months, and can be extended with refrigeration.
Could Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and
depression are common mental health disorders that can have devastating impacts
on health and well-being.
According to the
World Health Organization, depression is the single largest contributor to
disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are ranked sixth
Anxiety and
depression are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause a
number of side effects including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual
dysfunction and headache (Trusted Source).
What’s more,
medications like benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to substance
abuse (11Trusted
Source).
CBD oil has shown
promise as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, leading many who live
with these disorders to become interested in this natural approach.
In one Brazilian
study, 57 men received either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before they
underwent a simulated public speaking test. The researchers found that a 300-mg
dose of CBD was the most effective at significantly reducing anxiety during the
test.
The placebo, a
150-mg dose of CBD, and a 600-mg dose of CBD had little to no effect on anxiety
(Trusted
Source).
CBD oil has even
been used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic
stress disorder (Trusted
Source).
CBD has also shown
antidepressant-like effects in several animal studies (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
These qualities are
linked to CBD’s ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a
neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.
SUMMARYUsing CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and
depression in both human and animal studies.
3. Can Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms
CBD may help reduce
symptoms related to cancer and side effects related to cancer treatment,
like nausea, vomiting and pain.
One study looked at
the effects of CBD and THC in 177 people with cancer-related pain who did not
experience relief from pain medication.
Those treated with
an extract containing both compounds experienced a significant reduction in
pain compared to those who received only THC extract (Trusted Source).
CBD may also help
reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are among the most
common chemotherapy-related side effects for those with cancer (Trusted Source).
Though there are
drugs that help with these distressing symptoms, they are sometimes
ineffective, leading some people to seek alternatives.
A study of 16
people undergoing chemotherapy found that a one-to-one combination of CBD and
THC administered via mouth spray reduced chemotherapy-related nausea and
vomiting better than standard treatment alone (Trusted Source).
Some test-tube and
animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. For
example, one test-tube study found that concentrated CBD induced cell death in
human breast cancer cells (Trusted Source).
Another study
showed that CBD inhibited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice
(Trusted
Source).
However, these are
test-tube and animal studies, so they can only suggest what might work in
people. More studies in humans are needed before conclusions can be made.
SUMMARYThough CBD has been shown to help reduce symptoms
related to cancer and cancer treatment, and may even have cancer-fighting
properties, more research is needed to assess its efficacy and safety.
4. May Reduce Acne
Acne is a common
skin condition that affects more than 9% of the population (Trusted Source).
It is thought to be
caused by a number of factors, including genetics, bacteria, underlying
inflammation and the overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion made by
sebaceous glands in the skin (Trusted Source, .
Based on recent
scientific studies, CBD oil may help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory
properties and ability to reduce sebum production.
One test-tube study
found that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive
sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions and prevented the activation of
“pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines (Trusted Source).
Another study had
similar findings, concluding that CBD may be an efficient and safe way to treat
acne, thanks in part to its remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities (Trusted Source).
Though these
results are promising, human studies exploring the effects of CBD on acne are
needed.
SUMMARYCBD may have beneficial effects on acne due to its
anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to control the overproduction of
sebum from the sebaceous glands.
5. Might Have Neuroprotective Properties
Researchers believe
that CBD’s ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain
signaling systems may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders.
In fact, one of the
most studied uses for CBD is in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy
and multiple sclerosis. Though research in this area is still relatively new,
several studies have shown promising results.
Sativex, an oral
spray consisting of CBD and THC, has been proven to be a safe and effective way
to reduce muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis.
One study found
that Sativex reduced spasms in 75% of 276 people with multiple sclerosis who
were experiencing muscle spasticity that was resistant to medications (Trusted Source).
Another study gave
214 people with severe epilepsy 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (2–5 g/kg)
of body weight. Their seizures reduced by a median of 36.5% (Trusted Source).
One more study
found that CBD oil significantly reduced seizure activity in children with
Dravet syndrome, a complex childhood epilepsy disorder, compared to a placebo (Trusted Source).
However, it’s
important to note that some people in both these studies experienced adverse
reactions associated with CBD treatment, such as convulsions, fever and
fatigue.
CBD has also been researched
for its potential effectiveness in treating several other neurological
diseases.
For example,
several studies have shown that treatment with CBD improved quality of life and
sleep quality for people with Parkinson’s disease (Trusted Source, Trusted Source).
Additionally,
animal and test-tube studies have shown that CBD may decrease inflammation and
help prevent the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease (Trusted Source).
In one long-term
study, researchers gave CBD to mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s
disease, finding that it helped prevent cognitive decline (Trusted Source).
SUMMARYThough research is limited at this time, CBD has been
shown to ease symptoms related to epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. CBD was
also shown to reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in test-tube and
animal studies.
6. Could Benefit Heart Health
Recent research has
linked CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including
the ability to lower high blood pressure.
High blood pressure
is linked to higher risks of a number of health conditions, including stroke,
heart attack and metabolic syndrome (Trusted Source).
Studies indicate
that CBD may be able to help with high blood pressure.
One recent study
treated nine healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it
reduced resting blood pressure, compared to a placebo.
The same study also
gave the men stress tests that normally increase blood pressure. Interestingly,
the single dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure
increase than normal in response to these tests (Trusted Source).
Researchers have
suggested that the stress- and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD are
responsible for its ability to help lower blood pressure.
Additionally,
several animal studies have demonstrated that CBD may help reduce the
inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease due to its powerful
antioxidant and stress-reducing properties.
For example, one
study found that treatment with CBD reduced oxidative stress and prevented
heart damage in diabetic mice with heart disease (Trusted Source).
SUMMARYThough more human studies are needed, CBD may benefit
heart health in several ways, including by reducing blood pressure and
preventing heart damage.
7. Several Other Potential Benefits
CBD has been
studied for its role in treating a number of health issues other than those
outlined above.
Though more studies
are needed, CBD is thought to provide the following health benefits:
- Antipsychotic effects: Studies suggest that CBD may help people
with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic
symptoms (Trusted Source).
- Substance abuse treatment: CBD has been shown to modify circuits in
the brain related to drug addiction. In rats, CBD has been shown to reduce
morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior (Trusted
Source).
- Anti-tumor effects: In test-tube and animal studies, CBD has
demonstrated anti-tumor effects. In animals, it has been shown to prevent
the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer (Trusted Source).
- Diabetes prevention: In diabetic mice, treatment with CBD
reduced the incidence of diabetes by 56% and significantly reduced
inflammation (Trusted Source).
SUMMARYSome studies suggest that CBD may help with diabetes,
substance abuse, mental disorders and certain types of cancers. However, more
research in humans is needed.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Though CBD is
generally well tolerated and considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in
some people.
Side effects noted
in studies include (Trusted
Source):
- Diarrhea
- Changes in
appetite and weight
- Fatigue
CBD is also known
to interact with several medications. Before you start using CBD oil, discuss
it with your doctor to ensure your safety and avoid potentially harmful
interactions (Trusted
Source).
This is especially
important if you take medications or supplements that come with a “grapefruit
warning.” Both grapefruit and CBD interfere with cytochromes P450 (CYPs), a
group of enzymes that are important to drug metabolism ().
One study performed
on mice showed that CBD-rich cannabis extracts have the potential to cause
liver toxicity. However, some the mice in the study were force-fed extremely
large doses of the extract (.
SUMMARYAlthough CBD is generally considered safe, it can
cause adverse reactions like diarrhea and fatigue in some people. It may also
interfere with certain medications.
The Bottom Line
CBD oil has been
studied for its potential role in easing symptoms of many common health issues,
including anxiety, depression, acne and heart disease.
For those with
cancer, it may even provide a natural alternative for pain and symptom relief.
Research on the
potential health benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, so new therapeutic uses for
this natural remedy are sure to be discovered.
Though there is
much to be learned about the efficacy and safety of CBD, results from recent
studies suggest that CBD may provide a safe, powerful natural treatment for
many health issues.
If you’re
interested in trying CBD, you can purchase many products online,
including gummies, oils, and lotions.
Is CBD
Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less
than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal
under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the
federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and
those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products
are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.
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