What Research Says About CBD Oil....

What Does Research Say About CBD Oil?

CBD oil is the second most prevalent active ingredient of cannabis, or marijuana. However, the CBD oil sold in stores is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of the marijuana plant. Although there is not much hereditary difference between cannabis and hemp, the plants’ flowers and leaves contain different amounts of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid responsible for getting “high.” Though research has shown some traces of THC in certain CBD oils, most do not contain any THC.

While also derived from the hemp plant, hemp oil is different from CBD oil. “There is a specific difference between CBD oil and hemp oil,” explains Integrative Medicine Specialist Melinda R. Ring, MD, executive director of Northwestern Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Health. “Hemp oil comes from the seeds and contains very little CBD oil. Meanwhile, CBD oil or extract has a variable amount extracted from the flowers or seeds.” For that reason, she strongly suggests reading labels carefully.

 Uses for CBD Oil

“The benefits include a couple very rare types of seizures,” says Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Northwestern Medicine James G. Adams, MD. 

To date, the most significant research supports the use of CBD oil for those who experience seizures. Epidiolex, a CBD oral solution, was approved by the FDA in 2018 to treat people with one of two rare forms of epilepsy — Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Scientists believe CBD oil helps suppress seizures by slowing down messages being sent to the brain, changing calcium levels in brain cells and decreasing inflammation in the brain.

Animal studies have indicated some other potential uses for CBD oil. Research shows that dogs using CBD oil for osteoarthritis were more active and had less pain. This suggests there could be a human application for pain and inflammation treatment. “There are some possibilities suggested here,” says Dr. Ring. 

Other applications include managing anxiety, PTSD and cancer side effects.

 An Answer to the Opioid Epidemic?

Due to its inhibitory effect, CBD oil may help manage triggers for cravings and anxiety in people who use heroin. “From a research perspective, there’s interesting data that needs to be confirmed,” says Dr. Ring.

Some research has found that men and women using CBD oil experienced reduced cravings in drug-abstinent individuals. In a short-term study, 42 patients taking CBD oil reported reduced cravings for up to one week after their dose of CBD.

Dr. Ring says the findings are significant, suggesting that CBD oil could be a powerful tool in helping individuals seeking help for addiction.

 Bottom Line

There is still much to be understood about CBD oil, and Dr. Ring continues to seek additional answers. She recently conducted an initial study on CBD oil. “I think at this point, both professionals and patients don’t know what product to use or how often,” she explains. “I think having answers to those questions can help.”

It’s important to talk to your medical provider before beginning to use CBD oil, because it can interact with other medications you may be taking. Dr. Ring also advises looking at labels carefully and buying quality products. The lack of regulation means anything online can be easily compromised, and quality can vary widely. She suggests that you “read the reviews to ensure it has been tested, the ingredients are verified and there aren’t any contaminants.”

Why Choose 8Labs CBD?

Our hemp has a unique chemical composition. It is extremely rich in CBD and other cannabinoids with less than 0.3% THC. Therefore, our products do not have any negative effects associated with marijuana and THC use. With 8LABS CBD, you receive all the positive benefits of hemp’s full spectrum of components, with absolutely zero psychoactive effects.

8LABS CBD products contain the full spectrum of cannabinoids including CBC, CBG, CBDA, CBN and others. Additionally, our extracts contain terpenes - organic hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of plants. Together CBD, other cannabinoids and terpenes all interact synergistically to create what scientists refer to as an “entourage effect” that magnifies the therapeutic benefits of the plant’s individual components—so that the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.

We have a strict quality control program including on site chromatography reviews and independent lab tests on each batch of product. These reports confirm that the components of hemp remain potent, completely undenatured, and fully active. We maintain high standards of purity and potency to deliver only the highest grade CBD.