11 Benefits of CBD Oil (Cannabidiol) & Why It’s Not What You Think

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Benefits of Cannabidol or CBD oil
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » 11 Benefits of CBD Oil (Cannabidiol) & Why It’s Not What You Think

I love remedies that have many uses (like emu oil), and cannabidiol oil (or CBD or hemp oil) is gaining popularity for this reason. This oil extracted from the hemp plant has come under a lot of legal and moral questions. Opinions may differ but what can’t be ignored is the incredible healing power CBD oil seems to possess and how versatile it is as a supplement and natural remedy.

CBD Hemp Oil: What Is It & What Does It Do?

CBD oil claims many benefits that seem to include every imaginable ailment. It’s a good idea to look a little deeper whenever something seems to be a cure-all… so I dug in.

The medical use of marijuana has brought some attention to the subject of using cannabis-derived products for health, but it’s important to understand how CBD oil differs. We’ll get into this more in a bit, but the key difference lies in the parts of the plant being used to make the product. For example, CBD oil is also different from hemp seed oil, since it is extracted not from the seed but from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of hemp.

Surprisingly, research shows that CBD products are actually helpful at reducing many ailments. Such diverse ailments that they seem to be unrelated, in fact… but they are not. Emerging research shows that each of these ailments may be related to dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short.

Haven’t heard of it? You’re not alone! It’s not as familiar to us as the cardiovascular or immune system, but is a critical component of the human body.

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is possibly one of the most fascinating systems in the body. It was discovered through researching the effects of cannabis on the body. In fact, this amazing system that regulates the body’s internal balance got its name from the cannabis plant that made its discovery possible.

The endocannabinoid system is made up of endocannabinoids and their receptors. These are found everywhere in the body from the brain and other organs to glands and immune cells. The endocannabinoid system works differently in different parts of the body but the end goal is homeostasis (internal balance).

Ever heard of a “runner’s high”? Research reported in the Scientific American found endocannabinoids are largely responsible for this natural “hit” of euphoria that increases feelings of well-being and decreases the perception of pain.

Cannabidiol (CBD oil) is another way to affect this powerful body system … but am I really saying “getting high” is a good thing?

It turns out there’s a very important distinction still to be made …

Does CBD Oil Create a High?

The short answer is: No. (Though oils with THC can also contain CBD).

There are two different types of CBD oil products — hemp-based CBD oil (the one I’m talking about in this article) and marijuana-based CBD (which is what someone would buy at the dispensary). Both contain CBD, and they’re both derived from the cannabis plant, but hemp and medical marijuana are are different varieties of the plant.

Marijuana-based CBD is generally going to have more THC and other cannabinoids. CBD oil does not contain THC (the compound that causes a “high” feeling). This is an important distinction that many people don’t understand.

The variety that is typically (and legally) used to make CBD oil is hemp. How is hemp oil different? A plant can only be legally considered hemp if it contains .3% per dry unit (or less) of the compound THC.

In a nutshell, CBD oil or hemp oil contains the benefits of the cannabis plant without the potential drawbacks of psychoactive compounds typically found from inhalation or other methods of consumption.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Benefits & Uses for Pain, Inflammation, Epilepsy & More

CBD oil is a great remedy for a lot of different ailments. Here are some of the amazing uses people (and medical research) report for CBD oil:

1. Relief for Chronic Pain

Those suffering from chronic pain from diseases like fibromyalgia are finding relief with CBD. Taking CBD can offer pain relief and can even prevent nervous system degeneration. In fact, it has been approved in Canada for multiple sclerosis and cancer pain.

What’s really amazing is that CBD doesn’t cause dependence or tolerance, so it’s a great choice for those trying to stay away from opioids.

Other Remedies to Consider: Not into CBD? Research also shows that turmeric consumption and heat therapy (like sauna use) may be helpful as well. A low inflammation diet also seems to be helpful for some people.

2. Calms Childhood Epilepsy

CBD has anti-seizure properties that have been shown to successfully treat drug-resistant children who have neurological disorders like epilepsy (with no side effects!). In one study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, CBD decreased frequency of seizures by 23 percentage points more than those taking a placebo.

While I much prefer a natural remedy as a first course of action, but even the Food and Drug Administration seems to agree that cannabis-derived drugs may have something to offer. In April 2018 FDA advisers cleared the very first cannabis-derived drug for approval, one that promises to help control seizures.

Other Remedies to Consider: Childhood epilepsy is a serious condition and it is important to work with a qualified practitioner with a specialty in this area. Emerging research also shows that a ketogenic diet can be very helpful for drug resistant epilepsy, especially in children.

3. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression affects 6% and anxiety affects 18% of the U.S. population each year. Research shows that CBD oil can help with both.

CBD has been shown to reduce levels of stress and anxiety in those suffering from conditions such as PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. CBD even reduced the stress and discomfort surrounding public speaking.

Though a B12 deficiency may also be to blame, CBD has been shown to reduce depression by enhancing both serotonergic and glutamate cortical signaling (both are lacking in those with depression).

Other Remedies to Consider: Dr Kelly Brogan provides a lot of helpful information for anxiety and depression in this podcast episode. Vitamin B12 is also linked to mental health and it may be helpful to work with someone experienced in optimizing levels of B12.

4. Fights Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria

Researchers discovered that cannabinoids (including CBD) have an unusual ability to destroy bacteria (especially drug-resistant strains). More research is needed to find out how and why it works.

A 2011 study found that CBD can also slow the progression of tuberculosis in rats. Researchers concluded that CBD likely does this by inhibiting T-cell proliferation, rather than possessing antibacterial properties.

Whatever the mechanism is for destroying bacteria, CBD seems to be a potent weapon against the antibiotic resistant “superbugs” that are becoming more and more of a problem today.

Other Remedies to Consider: Don’t want to try cannabidiol? There is also research on using garlic, honey and oregano oil for drug resistant strains, but work with a practitioner experienced in infectious disease.

5. Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a huge problem in our society that contributes to many non-infectious diseases including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune disease, and more, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Diet and lifestyle play a huge part in chronic inflammation but when folks are already eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet and optimizing their lifestyle (getting enough sleep and exercise for example), CBD oil can help. Research also shows that CBD oil can reduce chronic inflammation that leads to disease.

Other Remedies to Consider: Research agrees that it is important to address gut health to manage inflammation. Removing refined sugar from the diet has also been shown to reduce inflammation in as little as a week.

6. Reduces Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is responsible for many ailments today. Oxidative stress is when the body has too many free radicals and can’t keep up with neutralizing them (with antioxidants). This is more of a problem now than in the past because our environment is so much more toxic than it once was. A 2010 study shows that CBD oil acts as an antioxidant and another study found CBD has neuroprotective qualities. So CBD can reduce neurological damage caused by free radicals.

7. Help for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complicated and serious disease that is typically managed through therapy and pharmaceutical drugs (that carry hefty side effects). Anecdotally, many folks have found that CBD oil has helped reduce hallucinations. Research is beginning to catch up too. A March 2015 review of available research found that CBD was a safe, effective, and well tolerated treatment for psychosis. But more research is needed to bring CBD into clinical practice.

It should be mentioned that THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, may actually increase psychosis for those at risk. CBD oil, on the other hand, only helps reduce psychosis and may even counteract psychosis brought on by marijuana use.

8. Promotes Healthy Weight

Cannabidiol can help maintain healthy blood sugar, stimulates genes and proteins that helps break down fat, and increase mitochondria that helps burn calories.

CBD also encourages the body to convert white fat to brown fat. White fat is the kind of fat we typically think of when we think about body fat. Brown fat is fat that is in small deposits that behaves differently than white fat. Brown fat is said to improve health by enhancing the bodies ability to burn white fat, create heat, and even regulate blood sugar.

9. Improves Heart Health

Heart disease is a growing problem today. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death in the U.S. A healthy diet and lifestyle is a top priority for heart health, but CBD oil can also help. According to research cannabidiol reduces artery blockage, reduces stress induced cardiovascular response, and can reduce blood pressure. It may also reduce cholesterol.

As mentioned earlier, CBD oil is helpful in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation. Both of these are often precursors to heart disease.

10. Improves Skin Conditions

CBD oil can be used topically to treat skin conditions. Studies show CBD oil has a high potential for treating skin conditions like eczema by encouraging abnormal cell death. It can also help regulate the skin’s oil production, reducing acne. CBD also contains many nutrients like vitamin E that help improve and protect the skin.

Other Remedies to Consider: Diet is vitally important for skin health. Many people find that removing foods like sugar, dairy or grains (if sensitive) improves skin.

11. Fights Cancer

CBD oil’s role in cancer treatment still needs more research, but what is available is looking promising. According to the American Cancer Society, CBD oil can slow growth and spread of some kinds of cancer (in animals). Because it fights oxidative stress and inflammation (and both are linked to cancer) it makes sense that CBD oil could help fight cancer cells.

CBD vs. Hemp Oil

This is a common question and misconception. As mentioned above, while they come from the same plant, they are different strains and CBD is harvested from the plants that contain no THC (or negligible levels). CBD is completely legal and is not considered a drug. Because of the often confused history of these plants, many manufacturers use “hemp oil” instead of the more controversial “CBD oil” in their marketing. CBD levels can vary drastically based on manufacturing, so it is important to find a high quality manufacturer with verified levels.

From a sustainability standpoint, it is a shame that hemp has gotten so much negative press because it comes from a similar strain of plant. Aside from the CBD benefits, hemp is one of the strongest, longest, and most durable natural fibers and it can be grown without any type of pesticides or herbicides! It also:

  • makes up to four times as much fiber per acre as pine trees
  • can be recycled many more times than pine-based pulp products
  • is easy to grow without chemicals and is actually good for the soil
  • produces a seed and seed oil rich in protein, essential fatty acids and amino acids

Learn more about hemp and sustainability in this podcast interview. 

How to Use CBD Oil

CBD oil is most often used internally (through ingestion). Because CBD oil is a relatively new supplement, exact dosing isn’t well established. While more long-term studies are needed, there is no established CBD “overdose” and there are very few if any side effects at any dosage.

When trying to find the right dosage, consider these things:

  • Start by purchasing a high quality oil from a reputable company. A higher quality oil will be more bioavailable, so a lower dose can be enough.
  • Begin with the recommended dosage on the bottle (especially if using preventatively).
  • Some notice a change immediately, while others don’t notice any improvement for several weeks. If after several weeks there is still no change, increase the dosage.
  • As with most herbal supplements, a small dosage 3-4 times a day is usually more therapeutic than one large dose.

Important note: Though CBD oil on its own is very safe, it may interact with medications, particularly opioids. Speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about interactions or are unsure about using hemp oil for your conditions.

CBD Oil for Pets

Sidenote for our furrier friends: All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, CBD oil can have some of the same benefits for pets as it does for humans.

For cats and dogs in particular, CBD oil may help with:

  • excessive barking or crying
  • pets getting along with other pets
  • pain
  • relaxing pets before a trip to the vet
  • lack of appetite
  • separation anxiety

How to Use CBD Oil for Pets

There may be some trial and error in finding the right dosage for pets. Start with a low dose of 1 milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight and go up to 5 milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight if needed. A higher dose may be necessary for some ailments. A low dose 3-4 times a day is usually more therapeutic than one large dose.

Because I got so many questions on this, I dug into the research on CBD for dogs for you.

CBD: What I’ve Tried (& What I Will)

There are lots of benefits to using CBD oil as a supplement. A healthy diet and lifestyle should always be the first step to improved health, but CBD oil can help build on that foundation.

I have tried CBD oil supplements before and did notice a calming effect almost immediately. Since I have the MAO-A gene and am very type A, I’ve always struggled with sleep and getting my brain to turn off. I found CBD oil very helpful for this. I’ve also used it to reduce inflammation after injuries with good results.

  • I don’t use CBD oil all the time but keep it around for injuries or nights when it’s difficult to sleep. It is important to use pure CBD oil from a reputable company. Personally, I like this brand.

For more on CBD oil for health, hop over to this podcast interview to hear how a certified Bulletproof wellness coach uses it with life-transforming results.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

What are your thoughts on CBD oil? Would you try it or think it’s too controversial still? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

163 responses to “11 Benefits of CBD Oil (Cannabidiol) & Why It’s Not What You Think”

  1. Shannon Avatar

    The brand Pet Releaf is an AMAZING US-grown and owned organic full spectrum supplement for your pets (and for yourself if you want something lower in price point). I’m a holistic pet nutritionist and I’ve been in the CBD game for years, pleeeease consider this for your pets and family before going with commercial and usually toxic pain and anxiety relievers for pets!!!

  2. Willi Avatar

    So if it is such a wonderful drug why is it that someone I know who has smoked weed for 20 some odd years has nerve pain and stomach pain and depression. Would they not be benefitting from the CBD in the weed? And also taken the oil for a long time

  3. Molly Avatar

    I have been using CBD oil for a little over a year now to help manage my anxiety and pain from my endometriosis and it has done wonders for me. I have definitely noticed an increase in the amount of sleep I’m getting as well. I’ve been using Every Day Optimal’s CBD oil tincture and dropping some into a hot cup of tea for pain relief/relaxation. I would definitely recommend CBD oil to anyone who needs to chill out (EVERYONE), get some pain relief, or needs help sleeping/staying asleep
    (most people). Seriously, this has saved/changed my life in so many ways, I’m so glad it is legal.

  4. Hugo Avatar

    Bad thing is that people remain massively uninformed about cannabis and cannabis derivatives. The average person doesn’t know what CBD is, they just equate cannabis with getting high and lazy stoner stereotypes. The gossip he speaks of then turns into gossiping about him and how he’s stoned all day, that’s why he’s so happy. I have had 100% positive effects from cbd oil. My anxiety feels like it’s under control in a healthy way for the first time in 20 years. I take 12mg 3 times daily. The only negative things about it worth mentioning are that it’s kind of pricey, and that people have noticed that I’m acting differently and are gossiping about what could have improved my mood so much.

  5. Nancy Avatar

    I have CMS with fibrosis,taking shots to keep it from turning into Leukemia,what dosage of CBD oil should I take,Ive been told it can save my life

  6. Zach Avatar

    This is a solid resource for CBD oil information. I’ve recently been both researching and testing the use of various brands. I personally prefer a strong tincture over any gummies and vapes. It just works faster in my humble opinion. My uncle is a diabetic and he’s roughly 70 years old. Full disclosure, he’s not using this to treat diabetes, that’ would be foolish. However, he’s using this to help improve sleeping patterns and shoulder pain from painting all day as a working artist. His life has improved dramatically since supplementing with this daily. We go to great lengths to investigate and test these products and it’s been fun and believe it or not, has cut down on the number of Tylenol/Advil/Excedrin taken daily. You just have to be careful because there is a lot of repurposed garbage out there, just like the supplement industry. Do your homework.

  7. Chris Avatar

    Love the information and presentation here. Let me make one or two more distinctions for you: CBD oil can have THC and still not produce “high”, because it is not even active until you heat it to a certain amount for a length of time (don’t know the exact details). The process is called Decarboxylation, or decarb for short. If you’re dealing with heat in the right amount and time, the THC becomes “active” and affects the brain in a way that mood and perception are altered -the “high”. This is why smoking it is so effective; the THC is immediately activated with the right amount of heat and inhaled before it is all destroyed.

    But, one man’s (or woman’s) high is another’s anxiety relief, depression relief, and/or mood lifter. Many herbs cause some sort of “high” when consumed, and many times these are spoken of positively when it lifts mood, depresses pain, or relaxes muscles. We speak of the cannabis effect so negatively because of the stigma created from so many years of prohibition -and propaganda.

  8. Kay Avatar

    HI, Katie,
    I ordered the CBD OIL based on your reviews. I don’t have much, so truly strive to make every dollar count.
    This hasn’t. I have been taking it for a while now, and other than reflux from the MCT oil, there has been nothing. I’m pretty sure the flax oil in my fridge from MountainRose is as good or better
    I’m disappointed. I thought you might be different than most people just hoping to make a living from a blog.

  9. Leila Avatar

    Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your research and articles.
    Do you have a source for CBD oil not from hemp?
    Leila

  10. Willow Avatar

    I just started using CBD oil to help me sleep. I have no problem getting to sleep but can’t stay asleep. I have tried so many things but nothing worked except Benedryl. I have taken it for years and really didn’t want to keep using it. A friend mentioned CBD oil, I did research on it and then bought some. I am now into my third week of sleeping through the night without Benedryl! I am still working on the correct dosage. I have a 500 mg bottle and have been taking 1/3 of a dropper and that seems to work. 1/4 of a dropper didn’t last all night. If this can continue to help it will change my life. Not getting enough sleep is horrendous and not a good way to live.

  11. Ayelet Avatar

    Thanks for a thought-provoking and informative article. What would you say to using CBD oil during pregnancy and nursing?

  12. Caitie Avatar

    Hi! Would you be able to link me a good CBD oil that is available in Canada!? I’m sure I’m not the only wellnessmama fan who would really really appreciate it if the products you linked were available for us too! I just ordered a month supply of CBD oil for both my mom and husband who suffer from anxiety and other ailments but I’m not sure it’s a high quality enough one…

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      That’s really tricky because Canada doesn’t allow CBD across the border, so it’s questionable whether or not it’s legal there, and since I’m not Canadian, I primarily just research options in the U.S.

    2. Fiona Avatar

      I am in Canada too. I would suggest you find yourself a really good health food store ( if you’re in the Vancouver area, I can recommend one) and see if they will help. Canada is usually ahead of other places in regards to this and there shouldn’t be much of a problem.

  13. Rebecca Avatar

    Actually, this is false. 100% false. It isn’t the THC that is illegal when I am talking about CBD being illegal. It is the actual cannabis / hemp plant.

    It is crazy, because it should be legal. The farm bill a few years ago allows help to be used in industrial applications (farming applications) and to make clothing and rope, etc. but nothing to put on your skin or in your body is legal everywhere.

    Trust me on this. Actually, don’t trust me on this. Research for yourself. I didn’t know until recently, either. And then I researched my butt off to realize, holy smokes!!! But…. nonetheless, no one enforces it. It is just whether you want to do something that is unlawful or not. And I totally am not the judge of that and would not care either way if people use it. I just cannot stand ignorance and there are people telling me “you are wrong, a lady whose company sells it told me it is 100% legal in all 50 states” and whoops, they are wrong!!!

    A friend I know, his shop got raided in Utah about 6 weeks ago — they took all his CBD oil. He admitted he thought it was legal, too. That is when I initially looked into it more and realized I had been wrong all this time!

    1. Chris Avatar

      Each state has different regulations. Utah is one of the strictest on CBDs.

  14. Hanna Avatar

    This is true. It will show up on a drug test. I’m in HR and am dealing with an employee that takes CBD oil that has tested positive and will likely lose his job. This stuff is not to be taken lightly. Will ruin his career.

    1. Chuey Avatar

      It seems unfair… if he was prescribed– ‘scuse me, “recommended”, by an MD, and gets results that help him be a functioning member of the team, it seems to me he’s better off using it. Obviously better to err on the side of caution if he operates machinery, or tends children, or drives a bus, etc. I cant help thinking his performance would be better with cbd on board, than without. That would be an interesting experiment. Also, i wonder what medicine *is* allowable while at work. eg., i personally am totally drowsy when plagued by spring allergies, but at the top of my game once i pop some Allegra D. So there’s that

  15. Jenny Smith Avatar
    Jenny Smith

    I love Full Spectrm Hemp CBD Oil! The kind I take is USDA Organic, Full Spectrum, 98% bioavailable and is stable in the bloodstream for at least 4 hours. It’s like an “extended release” version and is really effective. I’m an RN and am fascinated in the ECS and the health benefits associated with supplementing it.

  16. Jane Avatar

    SOL CBD is not a quality product. It’s an isolate dissolved in some oil. Waste of money. You need ALL the plant compounds intact. True plant medicine is not a singled out lab made ingredient. Just CBD is not effective. You need as many cannabinoids as possible and to know that the terpenes, and phytochemicals are present. The best hemp plants grown for their mediciinal properties come from the US. Not imported plants. They also should have that allowable legal level of THC. CBD and THC are synergistic and the entourage effect is the sum of its parts, not one piece.

  17. Rebecca Avatar

    Just know that many states (most, actually) CBD oil is still illegal. They just don’t enforce it. So many people don’t realize this. But I say, ignorance is not an excuse….

    Research, and study if it is legal in your state. I thought it was in mine, because I had some shipped to me from out of state!! Wouldn’t they not be able to ship it to me if it were illegal? But after research I found that a couple years ago the state legislative passed a bill making it legal, but the governor vetoed it, making it still illegal (I am in Idaho).

    The Farm bill for industrial use hemp does NOT apply to anything you put on your skin or into your body. That is false.

    Many places that sell CBD oil have been raided in Utah this past month — and they all said “but I thought it was legal!”

    Well, no, it isn’t…

    If you are in a state with legalized cannabis use, you are safe. And lucky you. It should be legalized everywhere.

    But it is up to you whether or not you want to break the law. Even if they don’t enforce it, you have to live with yourself. For some people (many people, that is) it is worth it, and I would have to agree most of the time. It is the ignorance of people saying “it is legal in all 50 states” that gets to me. I don’t mind you using CBD in a state where it is illegal, it just irks me that people think they are doing it legally.

    1. Chuey Avatar

      Actually, the cbd oil made from hemp *is* legal everywhere, because it only has .03% thc, which is literally none: “three one-hundreths of one percent” to be more precise. Very likely you could get into trouble if you ordered cbd oil from cannabis (marijuana), as its rare that the THC content is less than 1-3%. That may be why a post above said her shipments were confiscated, also mailing any cannabis product is illegal even within your own state, as all of it, even medical, is not yet legal as far as the feds are concerned.

  18. Carol L Avatar

    A customer and I were recently discussing MJ,/hemp/etc..
    What we discussed is, even though it is legal in many states, if you use it and it becomes known, (medical or recreational), you can be fired as insurance companies will NOT insure an employee who uses it.
    End of discussion. Most companies will test, and then you are un-hirable.
    A shame, as I believe it is useful for many health issues, and as commented, it is natural and healthier than many toxic chemical drugs with fewer side effects.

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