Weed all about it!

Our editor told us we weren’t allowed to use that joke, but it was so fitting for this trendy topic.

Marijuana has been given a bad rep for decades – a drug for the rebellious, dangerous – you know the story. Some have been believers in its health benefits for years, but it has only recently been truly considered in the medical field.

CBD oil, a byproduct of marijuana, is a major trend in the health and wellness industries. Why? We’re here to fill you in on the benefits and help clear up some of the common misconceptions surrounding CBD and its uses.

What is CBD?

CBD is the chemical found in the cannabis plant. It contains very little to none of the psychoactive ingredient, THC, that produces a high. This allows its users to reap its healing benefits without feeling “intoxicated” or in an altered state of mind.

Possible benefits

The benefits, side effects and possible uses of CBD as a treatment are still being studied, but the medical world has found great potential in using the oil for treating epilepsy. CBD oil research has also shown to be hugely effective in treating the following conditions:

  • Chronic pain control
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Cancer-related symptoms
  • Diabetes
  • Multiple sclerosis

Common Forms

  • Oils and tinctures
  • Creams and lotions
  • Vaporized liquid
  • Oil-based capsules and pills
  • Edibles

Side effects

CBD oil has shown to be generally well-tolerated among users but, as with most things, there are some minor side effects:

  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhoea
  • Reduced appetite
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue

Take care

CBD oil may also interact with other medications. We wouldn’t recommend just buying off the street, ask your medical professional for a trustworthy source. What’s on the label may not accurately tell you what’s in the bottle. Some cheaper products may contain less CBD than labelled and more THC – something to look out for!

Current research on the health benefits of CBD oil is limited but extremely interesting. There is great potential for new therapeutic uses. There is still much to be learned about the efficacy and safety of CBD – although the results from recent studies suggest that it may be a safe, powerful natural treatment for health issues.