CBD oil has been studied for its potential to provide relief from a variety of common health conditions, such as anxiety, neurological disorders, and heart health. It is also believed to help reduce certain types of pain. CBD is often advertised as a way to reduce anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, it is marketed as a sleep aid.
Part of the appeal of CBD is that it is “non-psychoactive”, meaning that consumers can get the health benefits of the plant without experiencing a high or craving pizza at midnight. While more research is needed to understand the full range of effects of CBD, medical experts agree that it is generally safe. The FDA has not approved the use of CBD to treat any condition, but there are indications that it may be beneficial. It is important to note that taking CBD oil with alcohol or other recreational drugs that cause drowsiness can increase side effects.
Cannabis-derived CBD oil is extracted from cannabis plants with a high THC content, which may contain varying amounts of THC. In one four-week trial, people with nerve damage in the lower half of their body reported a significant reduction in severe and acute pain after using topical CBD oil. In another trial, schizophrenic patients received 600 milligrams (mg) per day of CBD oil for six weeks. Unlike other recreational drugs, CBD oil does not usually produce a euphoric feeling or make a person feel high.
When applied topically, CBD oil does not enter the bloodstream and therefore does not affect the entire body as it would if taken orally. It is important to be aware that taking too much CBD oil can lead to dangerously slow breathing in children. CBD may help treat anxiety disorders, although few studies have been conducted to examine the effects of CBD on anxiety in humans. That means that taking CBD oil with certain medications could have a stronger effect than desired or cause them to not work as well.
For example, in one trial, patients admitted to the emergency room for acute back pain received a single dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD oil.