CBD Oil
I’d heard about CBD oil but hadn’t really done much research into it until our dog, Cosmo, developed issues with his leg which may require surgery. As we do with any major decision (and some minor ones!), Larissa and I are doing a lot of research about his condition, including treatment options, before we choose a course of action for our precious boy.
To this end, I wrote a post on Facebook asking friends and family for vet recommendations so we can get a second opinion. Among the recommendations were posts from several friends suggesting that I look into CBD oil to help Cosmo with his pain.
As I began to research it, I discovered that many people use CBD oil to treat a variety of issues, some of which are detailed below. Before you read on to learn more, please note that the information we provide on health topics should not be used as medical advice. We are not medical professionals. We encourage you to discuss all health issues with your doctor or other qualified medical professionals.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, is a non-intoxicating (non-psychoactive) extract from the cannabis plant. It’s essentially the hemp plant without the mind-altering effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD oil is different from hemp oil. Hemp oil is taken from the seeds of the hemp plant, whereas CBD oil is made from hemp flowers, leaves, and stalks.
CBD has been used as an effective treatment for a variety of diseases and ailments such as mental health issues, sleep issues, childhood epilepsy (and other forms of epilepsy), and as an anti-inflammatory for pain relief.
How does CBD Oil Work?
The human body produces certain cannabinoids on their own. These cannabinoids have two receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are present throughout the body and brain. In the brain, they help regulate pain, emotions, anxiety disorders, movement, appetite, and other brain functions. CB2 receptors reduce inflammation and chronic pain.
Researchers initially thought that CBD attached itself to these receptors, but now believe that CBD simply enhances the body’s own endocannabinoid system by helping the body make more of its own cannabinoids. This is just another example of how plants help our bodies heal themselves!
How is CBD Oil Used?
Common ways to use include:
* Inhalation (like vaping through vape pod systems or smoking via joints or bongs)
* Topically (creams, lotions, salves)
* Sublingually (under the tongue)
* Ingestion (typically in recipes incorporating CBD oil like CBD drawn butter or CBD-infused coffee and smoothies. Even CBD craft beer is an option!)
Is CBD Oil Legal in All 50 States?
In June of 2018, the federal government (Food and Drug Administration) approved the oral use of CBD as an anti-seizure drug. It is legal if it is produced in accordance with certain federal guidelines. DEA guidelines state that for to be considered legal it must “consist solely of parts of the cannabis plant excluded from the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) definition of marijuana.”
At the state level, the Farm Bill (2014) permits states to have some discretion in experimenting with industrial hemp without being considered a controlled substance. Additionally, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act amends the CSA to exclude “industrial hemp”, which is any part of the Cannabis plant with a THC concentration of less than 0.3%.
Despite this, as of 2016 the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) still considered CBD oil to be a Schedule 1 drug because it is extracted from parts of the plant that also contain THC. This put it in the same category as heroin, peyote, and LSD. However, in September of 2018 the DEA relaxed its regulation regarding cannabidiol so that CBD oil containing less than 0.1% THC that has been approved by the FDA is no longer considered a ...
