What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that comes from the Cannabis plant. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is extracted from the cannabis plant and mixed with a carrier oil. both the industrial hemp and cannabis parts of the plant. CBD extracted from the cannabis plant is only sold by Health Canada approved licensed producers. Patients can purchase this CBD oil directly from the LP they register with, after being prescribed by a Healthcare Practitioner.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
CBD oil acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is found in all mammals and contains CB1 and CB2 receptors, more receptors than any other system in the human body. Human bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids, which in turn, act on the receptors to produce a physiologic response. CBD introduces extra endocannabinoids into the ECS and helps to regulate many of the body’s functions. CBD oil can give your body more of what it already produces to promote health and well-being.
What is an Endocannabinoid Deficiency?
“Endocannabinoid Deficiency” is the term used to describe a lack of endocannabinoid activity in the human brain. The term was coined by Dr. Ethan Russo in 2003 and is thought to be linked to certain medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, seizure disorders and many more. CBD therapy activates and engages the endocannabinoid system so that crucial body systems can become regulated and maintained.
The endocannabinoid system acts as a master conductor, sending chemical messages and triggering biological actions throughout the body that are critical to health and well-being.
Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil
CBD oil is becoming a more mainstream, natural remedy used for many common ailments and symptoms. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and will not make the user feel “high”, yet may affect mood and bring a feeling of calmness and relaxation. This allows CBD oil to be consumed in a safe way that should not interfere with activities of daily life.
Many individuals are turning to CBD oil as a replacement for pharmaceutical drugs that have numerous negative side effects. Other individuals choose to use CBD oil to manage the side effects of medication, such as cancer treatments and opioids.
Interested in speaking to a healthcare practitioner at Apollo for a free virtual appointment?
Get your free CBD prescription here.
CBD Oil For Pain and Inflammation
Cannabis has been used to treat pain and inflammation as far back as 2900 B.C., by the Chinese. The Shennong Ben Cao Jing, a Chinese encyclopedia on agriculture and medicine, recommends cannabis for constipation, rheumatic pain, female reproductive tract disorders, and malaria. It also states that cannabis was used to sedate patients during surgical procedures. The Chinese mostly used cannabis seeds that were low in THC, and high in CBD, to reduce psychoactive effects.
When a tissue is injured, neural and non-neural cells in those tissues produce endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids inhibit pain signals being sent to the nervous system, through the brain. CBD acts on CB1 receptors which modulate neurotransmitter release in the brain and spinal cord.
Therefore, consuming CBD oil can reduce inflammation signals to the brain, through its action on CB1 receptors in the brain.
A research review published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Journal found that there is a need for additional scientific evidence-based research on the objective therapeutic effects of CBD oil, as the current research is scarce due to the past legality of cannabis.
CBD Oil For Anxiety
A small 2010 study found that “cannabidiol could reduce symptoms of social anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Brain scans of participants revealed changes in blood flow to the regions of the brain linked to feelings of anxiety”. In this study, cannabidiol not only made participants feel better but also changed the way their brains responded to anxiety.
A 2015 analysis of previous studies concluded that “CBD oil is a promising treatment for numerous forms of anxiety, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The report stated that data on long-term use of CBD oil is limited. Research is still needed to determine the role cannabidiols, and CBD, play in managing long term anxiety.
While the role of cannabidiol as a treatment for anxiety disorders requires further research, many patients report a decrease in anxiety when taking CBD oil.
CBD Oil For Depression
Using CBD oil for depression is believed to impact the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a region in the brain which acts on the limbic system. The limbic system is a system of nerves and networks in the brain which controls emotions, anger, fear, and pleasure, as well as drives like hunger and sex.
The hippocampus region becomes smaller when an individual is suffering from depression and anxiety. It is believed that CBD oil can stimulate neurogenesis, which is the brain’s process of creating new neurons.
CBD oil can help people suffering from depression. Research indicates that CBD oil “causes receptor 5-HT1A, which releases serotonin, to fire more effectively. This increases serotonin production stabilizes serotonin production within the body”. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that impacts various parts of our body.
CBD Oil For Sleep
In small doses, CBD can be a stimulating substance, as it acts on the same areas of the brain that caffeine does. CBD is beneficial for daytime use because of its non-psychoactive properties. Micro-dosing, or consuming small amounts of CBD throughout the day, is gaining in popularity, as it reduces the reported sleepy side effects of larger doses.
Larger doses of CBD have the ability to reduce anxiety, which can be helpful in improving sleep quality and reducing the time it takes to fall asleep. CBD may also reduce REM behaviour disorder in people with Parkinson’s or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
CBD Oil For Metabolism Boost
Genes and proteins, which play a role in increasing fat breakdown, can be stimulated by CBD. CBD may also be responsible for decreasing new fat cells from forming in the body.
It is important to understand that a proper diet, combined with exercise, are also excellent ways to boost the body’s metabolism. CBD oil is not a “skinny pill”.
When fat cells are reduced in the body, the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and complications from obesity are reduced.
CBD Oil For Temperature Regulation
Chemicals derived from the cannabis plant have been shown to influence homeostasis within the body. They act as biological regulators and reduce or enhance certain systems within the body.
A 2008 paper published within the Journal Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets explains the important role of the endocannabinoid system in maintaining homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system is involved in immunity and inflammation, pain, emotional memory, hunger, sex drive and many others. If the balance is not maintained, then an individual will experience negative symptoms, such as temperature de-regulation.
Where Can I Buy CBD Oil?
In order to purchase CBD Oil, an individual must be prescribed medical cannabis by a qualified Healthcare Practitioner, under the Cannabis Act A medical license may be obtained by contacting Apollo Cannabis Clinics to determine if you are eligible for medical cannabis. CBD Oil may be purchased from a Licensed Producer (LP) once you have your prescription.
CBD oil purchased from a Health Canada approved LP is regulated and tested. CBD oil purchased from unregulated sources such as convenience stores, health food stores and off Amazon are not regulated, and therefore not legal or safe to consume and use as medicine.
Interested in speaking to a healthcare practitioner at Apollo for a free virtual appointment?
Get your CBD prescription here.
CBD vs. THC
Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The major difference is that THC is psychoactive and CBD is not, therefore, THC will make the user feel “high” whereas CBD will not.
Both THC & CBD have medicinal properties and often work best in combination with each other, which is known as the Entourage Effect. It is beneficial to choose a CBD oil that has even a small amount of THC, to ensure the CBD works to its full potential.
How Do I Take CBD Oil?
CBD oil is generally taken orally, under the tongue (sublingually), although it may also be put into capsules and swallowed.
Capsules are noted for their discreet appearance and convenience.
CBD is also suitable for adding to food or drink and generally takes 1-3 hours to achieve maximum benefit.
A patient educator will help a patient determine what route of administration is most suitable for the individual.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Take?
CBD dosing is an individualized process and should be supervised by a patient educator. You will work with your patient educator to determine dosage and appropriate products for your individual needs.
The general rule of thumb is to ‘start low, and go slow’ so you can be sure you reach your therapeutic dose, without taking more than you need to.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
CBD Oil is legal and can be accessed through Health Canada’s Licenced Producers under the Cannabis Act ( Bill C-45 ). Apollo Cannabis’s team of doctors and licensed healthcare professionals are available to assist patients in getting their medical cannabis prescription to legally access medical cannabis CBD oil.
