CBD Oil: What Is It? And Is It Worth the Hype?

An odd phenomenon has cropped up in Kansas City. From billboards dotting all along I-35 to storefronts in almost every strip mall around the city, one particular sort of business seems to be everywhere you turn. I?m talking, of course, about CBD oil.

The CBD industry has been booming over the past few years, with businesses and products containing the controversial ingredient popping up what seems like everywhere. Kansas City is no exception

So what is CBD oil, exactly? And why does there seem to be so much hype around it? Because I?m always curious about the latest trends in the health and wellness industry, I decided to do a little digging and see if CBD is worth all the buzz.

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a chemical found in the cannabis plant. It?s this fact that probably makes CBD the controversial topic that it is. The reality is, though, that cannabis is comprised of two key elements: CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, for short. The main difference between these two elements? THC is the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant that gets you ?high?. CBD does not. It does, however, promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. That is why, when distilled into oil and incorporated into various products, CBD has taken the nation by storm: it is known for calming the mind and body, relieving pain and soothing anxiety, among many other ailments.

How is CBD Oil Made?

CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant. According to Vice, the hemp is ground down and then run through an extraction process using methanol. Then it is distilled a couple of times to produce the oil that can be used in a wide variety of products such as gummies, soap, shampoo, balms, energy drinks and so much more. Almost anything you can dream of, someone has most likely made a CBD version of it!

What?s All the Buzz about CBD Oil?

Much like the phenomenon of essential oils before it, CBD oil has been hailed as a cure-all treatment of sorts. Die-hard fans of CBD oil claim it can help with everything from depression and anxiety to inflammation and even multiple sclerosis.

On a very basic level, CBD oil is thought to block certain nerve receptors in your brain without giving you the ?high? brought on by THC. And since CBD oil is legal in all 50 states (with varying restrictions), it?s easy to purchase, with new products and stores popping up popping up every day.

For these reasons, CBD has become a popular homeopathic means of fighting pain and other conditions, but the science is still inconclusive as to whether or not CBD is as effective?and safe?as its fans claim it to be.

Is It Safe?

As I mentioned above, the science is still inconclusive as to whether or not CBD is all that it?s hyped up to be.In fact, many companies have been accused of making claims about CBD oil that cannot be proved. In a recent hearing, the FDA warned:

“Other than one prescription human drug product to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy, the FDA has not approved any other CBD products, and there is very limited information for other marketed CBD products, which likely differ in composition from the FDA-approved product and have not been evaluated for potential adverse effects on the body.?

While many people tout its benefits, it?s hard to know at this point in time how effective, and safe, CBD really is.

Do I Use CBD Products at My Massage Practice?

There are many CBD massage creams and oils available and worth trying out at home. I have opted to not use such products in my office for safety reasons. For one, the products may not be safe for all clients. Also, I do not want to overexpose myself to the CBD ingredient by using it all day long on client after client. This is the same reason I do not use products with essential oils blended into themduring my massages. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, which is why I choose to err on the side of safety.

I do, however, use hemp CBD cream at home to soothe tired, sore and achy muscles and do notice improvement. I am of the mindset that this kind of cream does have healing properties, but because I don?t have chronic pain, I can?t speak to its effectiveness in that capacity.

Tips for Buying and Using CBD Oil

While I only use CBD on a very limited basis, I do believe that these products can provide tension relief for tired and sore muscles if used correctly. That being said, I believe that everyone should make the best decision for their own health and wellbeing. If CBD oil sounds like something you?d like to try, here are my recommendations on what to look for:

Looks for organic hemp grown in the U.S. Domestically grown hemp is preferable because hemp farmers have to abide by FDA farming regulations. Look for farmers who are transparent about their growing, extraction and distilling processes. And avoid CBD oil from China, since the product tends to be of subpar quality.

Don?t go overboard at first. Every person feels CBD differently, so it?s hard to find the right dosages right off the bat. Start small and work your way up to a higher dosage until you achieve your desired goals (pain relief, inflammation reduction, etc.)

Choose broad spectrum products. Premium CBD oil brand Joy Organics recommends broad spectrum products over isolated ones. Broad spectrum refers to products that contain over 100 cannabinoids that make CBD so effective and beneficial. In order to get the highest quality possible, broad spectrum is the way to go.

Do your research! There is much to be done in the realm of CBD research, so it?s important to be diligent in researching the products you decide to use. I?m wary of believing the wide variety of therapeutic claims made by CBD supporters, but that doesn?t mean that you can?t find something that serves your wellness journey.

Is CBD Oil Right for You?

The jury?s still out on the safety and effectiveness of CBD oil. But it may be just the thing you need to supplement your efforts to find relief from pain and to become healthier overall.

Do you use CBD oil? I want to hear your thoughts! Let me know if the comments below what your experience with CBD oil has been!