In a little more than a decade, the hemp-derived compound CBD has emerged as a super-popular supplement. It has been a popular choice among health-conscious consumers and is being marketed to help treat a variety of conditions, including Dravet syndrome in children and cancer.
Despite its potential benefits, however, there are still many questions around the safety and effectiveness of CBD. There are a few factors you should consider when shopping for CBD oil, including the purity and concentration of the extract.
The best CBD oils are formulated with high-quality hemp extract and processed safely to ensure you’re getting the most out of your dose. We tested a range of hemp-based products and found some that work well for a wide range of ailments.
Some of the most effective CBD oils are tinctures that contain a water-soluble form of the plant’s compounds. This allows for easy absorption into your body.
For example, the Green Roads Original CBD Oil tincture contains a combination of glycerine, MCT oil and sunflower lecithin as well as hemp seed oil. The tincture has been shown to relieve short-term and chronic pain, as well as quell both incapacitating and mild anxiety.
It also supports healthy sleep, reducing stress, depression and superficial pain without inducing drowsiness. The tincture is available in multiple potencies and comes in an assortment of price points.
There is little research into the effect of CBD on cancer, but there is some evidence it may alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and other treatments. Additionally, some studies suggest it can alleviate side effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
The most important factor when choosing a CBD product is the brand and the quality of the hemp extract used in the tincture. Look for a product that is third-party tested and made from organic, U.S. grown cannabis.
Avoid CBD tinctures that use solvent extraction, which can be dangerous and often dissolves the plant waxes. Solvent extraction can also cause the plant to produce a bitter taste and chlorophyll, which can reduce the CBD’s potency.
CBD oils can interact with certain medications and should be taken with caution. Talk to your doctor before taking CBD if you’re currently on any prescription drugs, especially anticonvulsants like phenobarbital and lamictal or antidepressants such as Paxil, Celexa and Remeron. These medicines can change the way your body metabolizes CBD, which could increase the amount of the drug in your system and exacerbate its side effects.
You should also take CBD with caution if you’re already taking medication that affects your liver enzyme CYP450. This is especially true if you’re taking medicines for anxiety, depression, insomnia and chronic pain.
Buying CBD oil from a reputable provider is crucial to ensuring you’re receiving the right dose and avoiding harmful interactions with your existing medicines. It’s also a good idea to opt for organic products, which are grown without pesticides and other chemicals.
Fortunately, CBD has no major side effects, but it is recommended to speak to your doctor before using CBD for the first time. It’s also important to understand that some CBD products do contain traces of THC, which can induce a feeling of euphoria and even hallucinations. CBD Oils UK