Cannabidiol (CBD) is a pharmacologically active phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa L. that has a number of beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. CBD is not psychoactive, but it can be used to treat pain and inflammation. It is available in both topical and edible forms.
CBD has been found to have calming and pain-reducing effects without the negative side effects associated with THC. This has led to an increased interest in the medical community in the potential of cannabis. Gamma linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in hemp, has been suggested to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have also linked the omega-3 fatty acids in hemp to reducing inflammation.
Hemp oil has also been studied as a potential treatment for acne, although more research is needed in this area. The CBD in most products is extracted from hemp, a cannabis strain that contains only trace amounts (up to 0.3%) of THC, the active compound that causes people to get high. Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is made from hemp and contains little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The Farm Bill removed all hemp-derived products, including CBD, from the Controlled Substances Act, which criminalizes drug possession.
This means that CBD is legal if it comes from hemp, but not if it comes from cannabis (marijuana). Studies have shown that the CBD in hemp oil can reduce seizures in rare types of childhood epilepsy that are resistant to other treatments. It is possible that ingesting oils that contain CBD, such as hemp oil, could cause stomach discomfort or diarrhea. However, hemp seed oil is generally safe to ingest or use topically.
If you decide to start taking hemp oil, start slowly to see how it affects you.
