Is CBD Oil Safe?

CBD oil is still such a new concept that some people are hesitant, wondering, "is CBD oil safe." This is a valid question. Of course, you want to understand the benefits and risks when using a product, particularly when you're considering using it for your health. This post will arm you with knowledge to determine what you think.

Is CBD Oil Safe?

There isn't an easy answer to this question, so I'll go over the details.

The History of CBD Oil

Cannabis has a past dating back to prehistory. It is said that Emperor Shen Nung of China recommended cannabis tea for many ailments including gout, rheumatism, absent-mindedness, constipation, and malaria and that cannabis is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus from ancient Egypt.

Marijuana has gained enough clout in recent years to be widely recognized for medicinal purposes, leading it to be prescribed regularly by medical doctors, to gain FDA approval in the form of drugs for epilepsy, and to be made legal to varying degrees in half of the states in the United States.

CBD oil, the component in cannabis plants called cannabidiol, was first studied on its own in 1946, determining that it did not have psychoactive effects (make you high). Many more studies have been conducted on CBD oil, finding that CBD oil shows promise at addressing a staggering number of ailments.

Scientists have found that humans and many animals have an endocannabinoid system. Briefly, that means our bodies make their own cannabinoids and use external ones to maximize our body's homeostasis.

CBD oil is gaining massive popularity as it is believed to combine the benefits of medical marijuana with no psychoactive effects and fewer unwanted side effects. Because it doesn't contain THC, it is also legal in all 50 states.

The FDA

CBD oil has not been approved by the FDA yet. This means no one is allowed to promise you that CBD oil can treat any ailment. Information can be shared with you about the amazing personal experiences people have had and what studies have found so far, but results can never be guaranteed. It is best to use CBD oil for non-serious ailments or when other more traditional treatments have been ruled out, due to risks or ineffectiveness. You might also want to consult your physician for guidance.

How CBD compares to marijuana - should you be concerned?

One hurdle many people experience to exploring CBD oil is the lingering negative associations with marijuana in our society. Marijuana is made up of mostly THC and a little cannabidiol. Both substances appear to provide impressive health benefits, but THC causes the psychoactive effects or high that many people don't want as well as other unwanted effects.

CBD is extracted from marijuana or hemp plants and contains virtually no THC. It's such a tiny amount, 0.3%, that it can actually be described as no THC in lab tests and causes no unwanted effects. This offers you as many, if not more, potential health benefits without the downsides.

Risks

You can't answer the question, "is CBD oil safe," without knowing the risks.

There is no association with CBD oil and deadly overdose. Using too much CBD oil can cause unwanted side effects like diarrhea, sedation, and disorientation.

You should consult your doctor if you will be using CBD oil when already on a medication or being newly prescribed a medication. CBD oil is processed by the liver and impacts the way doses of other medications work and vice versa. Your doctor may need to tweak the dose to ensure it works as intended.

Scientists are unsure whether CBD oil has a positive or negative impact on the liver. Some research shows that it may act like alcohol or acetaminophen and other research has shown that it may be beneficial to the liver. If you have liver problems or avoid alcohol or acetaminophen because of the potential for liver damage, you should consult your doctor to discuss risks versus benefits before using CBD oil.

Using CBD Oil Safely

CBD oil is generally considered to be safe, but there are things you should do to ensure that it is.

Check the ingredients list on any products you consider

Regulations have not caught up to the growth of the CBD oil industry and manufacturers can include ingredients that are not safe. Flavorings and other additives that impact the "smoothness" of the experience are the most common culprits and have resulted in many bans. These additives may cause VAPI or vaping associated pulmonary injury. Avoid products that contain propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and vitamin E acetate. It is also wise to choose products with as few ingredients as possible and to research those ingredients to ensure you feel comfortable with them.

Read the third-party lab test results

Manufacturers can and should provide third-party lab test results for all of their products. You will be able to find these on their website. Don't just check that they're there. Actually read them. Third-party lab test results prove that the amount of CBD oil you expect is in the product and that there aren't any surprise additives, toxic metals, or pesticides present in the product.

Find the right dose

Yes, I said find. Dosing isn't an exact science. For whatever ailment you want to address, there is probably a recommended dosage based on expert opinion and user experience, and you can use that as a guide.

Do be aware that age, weight, and overall health impact your dose. You may need to aim for less or more than the average recommended dose.

It is always recommended that you start with a lower dose than you think you need and work up to achieve the results you want.

If you are concerned about finding the right dose for you, consult your doctor. Many doctors can and will provide guidance for using CBD oil. If yours won't, you might look into a holistic doctor in your area.