Cannabis oil: benefits and uses

Cannabis oil is facing a resurgence in interest as several countries and states review their laws to accommodate its use. As more and more studies come up praising the benefits and therapeutic potential of this oil, it’s only normal to have a new look into it.

One of the main obstacles that this oil faces, though, is evidently its name. Prejudice and misinformation have conditioned the use of this oil in the past. This is why it’s important to make it clear what is cannabis oil exactly.

Cannabis oil vs CBD

As its name indicates, cannabis oil is an oil extracted from the leaves of a plant from the cannabis family. Depending on the variety of the plant, its content in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance that makes you high, can differ greatly. 

The other big component of cannabis is cannabidiol (CBD) which is the main responsible for the therapeutic properties of this plant.

The most widely studied cannabis oil is CBD oil, an extract of the therapeutic component from hemp leaves. The name distinction is important as cannabis oil from hemp is extracted from its flowers. In practice, the main difference between the two aside from the cannabidiol content is that CBD has a much smaller content of THC, not enough to leave anyone high.

Benefits of cannabis oil: the soothing essence

Cannabis oil has been widely studied for its therapeutic benefits. Despite some fears regarding its possible psychotropic effect, the isolation of CBD as the most promising component made a significant difference.

CBD oil is now used in medication and medical treatments. Cannabis oil labels always need to state its content and the one of THC to distinguish between a therapeutic oil and a possible recreational one.

Pain relief

It has been proved that cannabinoids can alleviate pain by affecting several receptors and non-receptors in the nervous system. As a result, it has a direct anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that can help patients with chronic pain.

Furthermore, the possibility of cannabis oil being used as an anesthetic for surgeries is becoming more likely as experiments with rats seem to be very promising so far.

Relaxation and depression treatment

The intake of cannabis oil is soothing to the mind and the body, helping to eliminate stress and anxiety.

It has already been used to treat children with PTSD insomnia with success, as well as a treatment for depression and anxiety.

One of the main benefits of the cannabis oil according to the researchers involved in these studies, in that it doesn’t cause addiction like most medications for these conditions, nor the normal side-effects from these such as drowsiness or agitation.

Neuroprotective properties

By affecting the receptors and non-receptors of the nervous system, cannabis oil does much more than just relieve pain. This effect can also prove useful in the case of neurological disorders.

In a study from 2016, scientists concluded that this oil can help reduce seizures in 36,5% on average. Another research found that it can ease the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in almost 75%.

Even though it is still under study, so far cannabis oil has also shown positive results in helping to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Cardiovascular protection

According to a study published by The American Society for Clinical Investigation, cannabis oil can help lower the blood pressure and prevent its rising too.

Since high blood pressure elevates also the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular problems, it can thus be used as a preventive measure.

Cancer symptoms relief

Although there are some indications that cannabis oil could help with cancer treatments, there is not enough research to prove so.

However, what is indeed proved is that it can be a big help with cancer symptoms, particularly with those related to chemotherapy such as vomits and nausea.

How to administer cannabis oil

There are several ways you can use cannabis oil. You should choose your preferred one carefully, as it might influence the oil’s performance.

Under the tongue

This is the most common way of administering this oil for medical purposes.

Normally it is sprayed under the tongue so the small blood vessels localized there can absorb it and send it into the bloodstream faster.

Besides providing a quicker effect, this direct absorption also ensures there are no alterations to the components of the oil like it could happen while going through the digestive system.

Oral intake

Oral intake is not recommended because it takes longer to provide effects and the oil’s efficiency can be compromised.

The oil normally goes through the digestive system intact and is only absorbed in the small intestine, where it’s then sent to the liver to be processed. Besides the actuation delay, there are also some concerns regarding the alterations some components of the oil go through, which could compromise its effectiveness.

Smaller doses applied under the tongue tend to be much faster and precise.

Suppositories

The suppositories follow the same principle of the under tongue application

Normally, the oil is trapped in a gelatine suppository that will melt down once in the rectum. Due to the abundance of small blood veins in the rectum wall, the oil can then be quickly absorbed without having to be processed by the liver.

This method can also be used for vaginal administration for the same reasons.

Through the skin

Cannabis oil can also be absorbed directly through the skin in the form of gel, lotions, and sprays.

This method is mostly used to treat localized pain and skin problems.

Is it legal?

It depends on the country and its laws.

Cannabidiol, the component with more potential for health, is more widely accepted and used in treatments and medication. However, its legality is also dependable on its concentration levels.

For instance, cannabidiol is legal in the UK as long as its content of THC doesn’t go over 0.2%. In the US, however, it is only legal in states where cannabis was legalized but, still, only if it comes from the hemp leaves as it ensures a lower THC content.

Make your own oil at home

If you’re willing to give this oil a try, make sure to always get it from legitimate and certified vendors. Another option is making it yourself at home. That way you can ensure there won’t be any chemicals or unknown substances in your oil.

Check the video below for a step by step recipe.