What is cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is a member of a group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are found in the resin glands of the cannabis/hemp plant. Particular species of hemp are grown to be high in CBD.
Even though it comes from cannabis plants, CBD does not create a “high” effect or any form of intoxication — that is caused by another cannabinoid, known as THC.
David Finn, professor of pharmacology and therapeutics and co-director of the centre for pain research at NUI Galway, explains the difference:
“Cannabidiol is one of the most-studied constituents within cannabis, along with THC. THC is the constituent that’s responsible for the well-known psychoactive effects – the euphoria, the short-term memory loss, the high. CBD is not associated with the same kind of pharmacological effects.”
How does CBD interact with the body?
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not affect perception, mood or consciousness. The immediate effects are subtle, but most people report a sense of calm and relaxation.
CBD regulates a network of cell receptors in the body called the Endocannabinoid System. This system has two known types of receptors; CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are mainly found in the Central Nervous System, which influences most functions of the body and mind - mood, appetite, pain and sleep.
CB2 receptors are found in high densities on cells in the immune system, which regulates inflammation and protects against disease.
Will CBD cure chronic pain/anxiety/medical conditions?
By EU law, CBD oil is regulated as a food supplement in Ireland. Food supplements exist to add substances with a nutritional or physiological benefit to a normal diet. We do not have the authority to make medical claims about the benefits of CBD oil. Through anecdotal evidence, we know that many people have found CBD useful for various issues, however we encourage potential customers to do their own research to learn about the potential uses of CBD before purchasing.
What are the potential benefits?
Although there is sometimes controversy around cannabis products like CBD oil because of recreational cannabis use, there is growing awareness about the possible health benefits of CBD oil.
1. Anxiety relief
CBD may be able to help you manage your anxiety and the symptoms that come with it. Researchers think it may change the way your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health, also known as the “happy hormone” due to its links to happiness and wellbeing.
One study found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a speech. Other early studies done with animals have shown that CBD may help relieve anxiety by:
- Reducing stress
- Decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, such as an increased heart rate
- Improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Inducing sleep in cases of insomnia
2. Neuroprotective
Researchers are looking at the CB1 receptor located in the brain to learn about the ways that CBD could help people with neurodegenerative disorders, which are diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time.
Researchers are studying the use of CBD oil for treating:
CBD oil may also reduce the inflammation that can make neurodegenerative symptoms worse. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil for neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Anti-acne
The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help reduce inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil may offer benefits for acne sufferers. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD oil prevented activity in sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. Too much sebum, however, can lead to acne.
Before you consider CBD oil for acne treatment, it is worth discussing with your dermatologist. More human studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of CBD oil for acne.
Studies are ongoing to determine the effects of CBD on pain and also on epileptic seizures.
What is the recommended dosage?
It is recommended to begin on a low dosage since it makes economic sense not to overuse or overspend when testing out CBD oil. In general, anywhere in the range of 2.5mg – 20mg per day would be a standard dosage.
The general rule of thumb is to start small and increase as needed.
Celtic Wind
Celtic Wind Hemp oil products are sold in selected CarePlus Pharmacies.
Celtic Wind are committed to producing food supplements that are 100% natural and complement rather than “tamper with” a plant’s natural composition. They lovingly grow and nurture their own hemp crop on Irish soil without using any herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and are non-GMO.
Every bottle of hemp oil on the shelf is grown from soil that is fully lab tested by Celtic Farm’s well established and highly recognised lab experts. Celtic Farm are fully registered, licensed and approved to grow Irish Hemp. Their wonderful oil concentrate is produced from this hemp and sold across Ireland, UK and the wider European continent.
Celtic Farm’s CBD Multi Complex Hemp oil is a concentrate, not an extract. This means that all of the natural compounds and essential oils contained in their Irish grown hemp, are retained in their mother oil.
Celtic Farm do not tamper with, compromise or “extract” any element of their oil, rather they use a unique process to protect the components of the oil, enabling them to produce the wonderful and natural product that their customers love.
Pop into your local CarePlus Pharmacy to try out the Celtic Wind products.
