What’s the Big Deal About CBD Oil?

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only. This article is not offering medical advice. Seek treatment with a specialist if you suspect that you may have a chronic health problem.

What is CBD?

The CBD craze is in full swing right now, but just how effective is CBD oil? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component found in the cannabis plant. There are over 400 different chemical compounds in the plant.

The most commonly known chemical is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC; this is the substance that produces the high effect. CBD by itself does not produce that effect and can even be found naturally in women’s breast milk. Both of these substances are cannabinoids, which are vital to human growth and development. Every human body has many endocannabinoid receptors that react with these different substances.

Common Misconceptions About CBD

Many people assume that because CBD comes from the cannabis plant, it can get you high. Research on the plant has been limited because of its former federal classification as a Schedule I drug. Only now are studies happening in legal states that explore the benefits of cannabinoids as a whole.

Benefits of CBD

One reason that you’ll find CBD in so many products today is the many touted benefits of the chemical. Many people are using the compound to address issues with anxiety, PTSD, and even pain relief.

Official research in these areas is sparse right now, as the cannabis industry is still considered an emerging industry. But several pharmaceutical companies are looking at cannabis treatments for serious medical conditions.

Recent studies have shown that CBD can help reduce chronic pain. CBD impacts endocannabinoid receptor activity, which interacts with our brain’s neurotransmitters. At least one study conducted on rats found that CBD injections can reduce the pain response. Another study found that CBD treatment in rats helped minimize sciatic nerve pain.

That’s great and all, but what about the effects on humans? Human studies have shown that CBD may be useful in managing pain from arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Another study found that CBD helped improve the sleep quality of people with rheumatoid arthritis.

CBD Sleep Benefits

A recent study from the National Sleep Foundation found that 45 percent of Americans report poor sleep quality. CBD may be key in helping those Americans address insufficient sleep that can affect their daily lives.

One company that hopes to address such sleep issues is MINERAL, whose CBD Sleep product features a combination of CBD and terpenes from superior hemp genetics. As such, the sublingual mix contains a variety of terpenes whose properties aid in sleep.

What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Along with substances like cannabinoids CBD and THC, terpenes are aromatic oils secreted by plants. Terpenes can be found in just about every plant across the globe. They are responsible for the berry, pine, and mint smells that some plants exhibit.

The effects that these terpenes can have on the human body is still under study. But what we do know about some of these substances is that they can have key effects on the body. Here’s a peek at some of the most common terpenes in the CBD SLEEP from Mineral Health:

  • Caryophyllene: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, sleep aid
  • Terpinolene: anticancer, tranquilizing, sedative, anti-proliferative
  • Linalool: calming, sedative, relieves anxiety, analgesic, antiepileptic, antidepressant, antianxiety
  • Myrcene: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, sedative

While CBD SLEEP from Mineral Health is a sublingual product, CBD oil can be mixed into a variety of treatment methods. Topicals are very popular for pain relief. Lotions, face serums, and even dog treats can feature this popular cannabinoid.

Is CBD legal in Austin, TX?

The short answer to this question is yes, but only recently. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation legalizing CBD production in the state in May 2019. This bill creates state regulations around the production of hemp.

Hemp-based products such as CBD oil are legal in the state, as long as the THC content is less than 0.3. Emerging regulations around the industry are still evolving, so these guidelines may change in the future.