Consider Supplementing with CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil
The supplement has become increasingly more popular over the years, and it is more available now than ever! Anyone can buy this product at health food stores, online, pharmacies, CBD stores and even at smoke shops. This post will talk about the positives of supplementing with CBD oil, reasons why you should not take CBD oil, and more!
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil (cannabidiol) comes from the cannabis plant.
Why Should We Consider CBD Oil?
It typically has minimal side effects!
Unlike medical marijuana, it does not make you high. CBD oil still has the potential healing benefits. Prescription medications can have side effects ranging from headaches, constipation, poor sleep, dry mouth to effects as serious as seizures, stroke, and coma. CBD oil doesn’t typically have severe side effects. Common side effects are feeling tired, diarrhea and nausea. This is a big sigh of relief for people that have trouble tolerating prescription medications.
It claims to have multiple healing properties all in one concoction. CBD oil can help with the following:
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia/difficulty sleeping
- Focus
- Chronic pain
- And more!
Think of all the people that may be struggling with one or more of these issues that could benefit from CBD oil!
You can pick a form that is right for you!
CBD oil is available in many different forms! This makes supplementing CBD oil into your routine simple and convenient for you. This supplement comes in topical creams, tinctures (liquid form), capsules, chewable/gummies, teas and more! I have pictures of capsule and tincture (liquid) forms here within this blog post.
It’s great for dogs too!
I can attest to this personally with my dog. CBD oil works wonders for my dog. When I first rescued my dog, Brady. He would rarely play or run around in the yard. Once I started giving him CBD oil on top of his kibbles for breakfast, his mood improved, his movements were less stiff, and he even started to run around in the yard! He also lost weight because he could be more active. It is also great for dogs that get anxious with car rides or visits to the veterinarian.
I will also advise to confirm with the manufacturer, pharmacist, or veterinarian that the product is safe for pets. Some CBD oil companies may manufacture the oil with other products that can be harmful to pets. Many CBD oil companies will have a separate line of products designated for pets or clearly label “safe for pets” on their product. It is always a good rule to double check with a professional before giving anything to your pets.
Supplement or Prescription?
For some of us, we don’t like the word “prescription.” Prescription sounds like something you are obligated to take. The word “supplement” sounds more pleasing. Supplement sounds like something that goes along with your lifestyle and enhances your lifestyle. A supplement gives the impression of adding to your life.
Some of us may only prefer to take supplements, some may only want to take prescriptions because we prefer the security of taking medication that is directed by our doctors. Some of us may include a combination of supplements and prescription medications. This goes into our next topic of reasons to avoid taking cannabidiol, and why it is so important to talk with your health care provider about adding cannabidiol to your routine.
Reasons to Avoid CBD Oil
Always check with your healthcare provider (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or doctor) before adding CBD oil to your daily routine. It can interact with some medications such as anti-depressants and various pain medications.
Unfortunately, most studies only explore effects of marijuana or generally identify “cannabis products” in pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are not enough studies done that truly study or isolate the effects of CBD oil alone. It also is not recommended to take CBD oil if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant because it can potentially cause harmful effects to the unborn child. It is also not recommended if you are breastfeeding because the baby would ingest the product through the breastmilk.
More research is needed to study and prove the effects of CBD oil. These supplements are advertised with the above listed health benefits, but there have not been enough research studies confirming these results. According to a recent study published in the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Journal, “approximately 62% of CBD oil consumers reported that they were taking CBD oil to manage a health condition.”
Not all CBD oil can be treated equally. It is labeled a “supplement” which means that it is not FDA approved or regulated as strictly compared to the medications that you pick-up at the pharmacy or over the counter. Some companies that make CBD oil offer better quality products than others. I strongly suggest researching brands for the best quality. You can also ask the pharmacist, provider, and health stores for recommendations. They can also offer guidance on which dose you should take. Typically, the recommendation is to start with a small dose and slowly increase the dose over time and as needed.
Another reason to avoid CBD oil is the risk of a positive drug test. Depending on the dose, type, and frequency that CBD oil is taken, it can show positive for THC/Marijuana on a urine drug test. This can affect people’s employment and people with professional licenses (attorneys, health care professionals, etc.).
Ultimately, CBD oil can possibly offer positive effects for some people, but it is not for everyone. It is important to do your own research and determine if supplementing your routine with this product is a good fit. It is important to have a discussion with your healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) to determine what is right for you and your individual needs.
-Rael Thymes ©️
Sources for this Post
Samantha Goodman, Elle Wadsworth, Gillian Schauer, and David Hammond.
Use and Perceptions of Cannabidiol Products in Canada and in the United States.
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. June 2022.355-364.http://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0093
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits
https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cbd-oil-benefits/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/cbd-oil-benefits-uses-side-effects-4174562
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