CBD Oil Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Emerging Trends In Migraine Research And CBD Oil

Migraines are complex disorders with many triggers and different ways of manifesting. A migraine can show up as a pulsing sensation or severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. It usually comes with vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine attack is often painful and can last for several hours or even days. The pain can be so severe sometimes as to be disabling.

Therefore, sufferers are always on the lookout for new ways to manage the pain. A lot of migraine sufferers have praised CBD oil for its ability to alleviate migraine pain. While such success with the use of CBD oil is exciting, is there scientific evidence to back up these claims? Or are they just internet hype?

Although the research on the effect of CBD oil on migraine is positive, more research is required as the existing research is limited due to reliance on self-reports, small sample sizes and little or no research on CBD-specific applications. Hopefully, as the legal status of cannabis improves, more detailed studies will be undertaken.

What Does Existing Research Say About Migraines & CBD?

A study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research observed some positive effects of oral cannabis. Over a period of six months, 26 subjects who suffered headaches took either ibuprofen or nabilone with oral cannabis. At the end of the study, participants taking the cannabis-nabilone formula reported more improvements in their conditions and better quality of life. However, it’s noteworthy that the researchers studied a combination therapy and not cannabis alone.

In yet another study published in, Pharmacotherapy, researchers reported that out of 48 participants, about 40 percent said they had fewer migraines. The most common side effect noted was drowsiness.

The two studies examined the effect of cannabis – and not pure CBD oil – on migraine pain. More research, as well as clinical trials with human participants, are required to assess the impact of CBD oil on migraines and potential benefits.

Before you seek relief for your migraine with CBD, make sure to contact your primary healthcare provider. They can help advice you on the right dosage and the legal requirements if any.

Is Cannabis Effective For ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder common in children but may persist until adulthood. Millions of people are diagnosed with the condition every year, and its symptoms include squirming, excessive talking, fidgeting, difficulties in getting along with others, daydreaming, etc.

No one knows the exact cause of ADHD, although genetics has been observed to be a major contributory factor. The current treatment for ADHD consists of the use of medication – classified as stimulants and non-stimulants and behavioral therapy. The drugs are believed to work by altering the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. However, they may have some rather unpleasant side effects.

CBD Oil & ADHD

A basic understanding of how cannabis affects the body through the “Endocannabinoid System” (ECS) is necessary to see how CBD might help relieve ADHD symptoms. The ECS plays a critical role in the regulation of bodily functions such as pain, appetite, inflammation and many others.

Cannabis has over 100 compounds, with the most prominent being THC and CBD. These two compounds along with other cannabinoids interact with the ECS through its receptors known as CB1 and CB2 and alter its functions. For example, CBD can activate serotonin receptors in the body to create an anti-anxiety effect. And THC has been in use as a way to possibly assist against side effects of chemotherapy like loss of appetite and vomiting.

Several studies have indicated the possibility of using cannabis to relieve some of the symptoms of ADHD. A study published in the journal Substance Use & Misusein 2014, analyzed subtypes of ADHD and cannabis use among 2,811 people. Majority of the participants responded positively to cannabis use showing that cannabis might be useful in reducing at least some presentations of ADHD.

In yet another study presented at the Cannabinoid Conference in 2015, researchers found that cannabis was effective and well-tolerated for adults with ADHD especially those who do not benefit or suffer adverse effects from standard treatments.

Results of a 2012 animal study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology observed that CBD reduced hyperactivity and regularized “social investigative behavior.” Lab rats were administered with a substance that induces symptoms of ADHD such as shortened attention span; reduced social investigative behavior; and hyperactivity.

After ingesting 3mg per kg dose of CBD, the rats showed significantly reduced hyperactivity and at the same time not only normalized social investigated behavior, but also increased it. However, the rats showed no change in attention span.

In conclusion, Cannabis or CBD oil doesn’t cure ADHD, but it has been found to certainly help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the condition.

Does CBD Oil Work For Spine Pain Relief?

As the interest in the medicinal use of marijuana continues to grow, so does the body of evidence that points to the use of CBD oil as a possible solution for chronic pain conditions like spine pain. Back problems like slipped disc, sciatica, and spinal stenosis are usually symptomized by persistent and sometimes excruciating pain.

And the problem is prevalent, affecting millions of people across various age ranges. A significant part of the treatment of these back problems involves the relief and management of the associated pain.

The marijuana plant contains many different compounds, with the most important ones being the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the “high” effect of marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD), which is the compound associated with the therapeutic effects.

CBD is not psychoactive, and hence less controversial. Marijuana strains can be cultivated to contain no trace of THC. But CBD can be easily extracted, usually in the form of oil and are available in areas where medical marijuana is in use.

In these areas, an increasing number of back pain patients claim they obtained relief from their pain with CDB usage. A good number of patients, seeking alternative therapy for their pain due to the adverse effect their existing medication resorted to CBD oil. While their experiences were overwhelmingly positive, the reports are largely anecdotal and will require further rigorous scientific inquiry.

What Makes CBD Capable Of Tackling Spine Pain?

CBD acts directly on the cannabinoid system – the part of the brain responsible for controlling many bodily functions. This compound stimulates the cannabinoid system to reduce inflammation in the body and help reduce pain. Unlike typical pain drugs which are opioids, CBD is neither habit-forming nor does it have adverse side effects. Instead, CBD reduces central nervous effects, according to this research.

But can CBD oil help relieve your back pain? Yes, if the reports of dozens of scientific research studies are anything to go by. Here are the summaries of some key research findings:

In a study published in the journal, Current Neuropharmacology, researchers outlined the mechanism by which the cannabinoid system helps in chronic and acute pain management. They observed that the use of CBD may offer some pain relief and suggest it can be an alternative to the use of opioids to prevent central nervous system side effects. They also concluded that the anti-inflammatory actions of CBD are beneficial.

Dr. Kevin P. Hill and others, in a more recent review of the existing literature, agree that although more research is needed, CBD has some pain managing effects. In their report, published in the journal Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, they concluded, just like in the report above, that CBD is most promising as an alternative to potentially dangerous opioids used in managing pain conditions.

In yet another study, mice with degenerative disc disease responded favorably to high doses of CBD.  The researchers discovered reduced damage to spine areas in their test subject. However, they weren't able to determine the exact mechanism.

While further research is being carried out, it’s certain that the evidence is mounting in favor of the use of CBD for relieving spine pain.

So, how much CBD do you need to see results? This is a problem for those in favor of treatment with CBD oil. Because for now, it’s difficult to figure out the right dosage for optimal results. It’s not yet approved by the regulatory bodies. Hence, caution should be taken when taking CBD. Make sure to discuss with your doctor before trying out CBD oil.

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

How long CBD stays in your body depends on several factors like weight, diet and usage. But usually, it shouldn’t linger more than a week in your system.

Are you worried about how long CBD stays in your body? Maybe you are facing a drug screening at your workplace, and you feel they might test for both CBD and THC?. Whatever your concerns, here is the existing information on the subject.

A study found that patients who took extremely high doses of 700 mg of CBD/day for 6 weeks, didn’t have any trace of CBD in their blood after a week of not dosing. Even at this rare extreme case of dosing, the CBD was entirely out of their system within a week.

So, if you’re a light to moderate user, the time CDB will stay in your system is around 3 – 5 days. This is also applicable to various forms of CBD like topical cream, tinctures, and vapes.

However, these are estimates, and further research is needed to take into consideration other factors and individual differences that might affect the lifespan of CBD in your body.

Can Cannabis Oil Be Used In The Management Of Diabetes?

CBD has been known to help relieve various symptoms of many diseases and disorders. And for diabetes, CBD can help with some symptoms associated with the disease in lots of amazing ways. Diabetes is a debilitating disease which affects millions of people worldwide. It is due to the body’s inability to sufficiently produce or regulate the hormone insulin. Diabetes may cause complications such as;

• ulcers,
• cardiovascular disease,
• oral disease,
• kidney disease and more.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or a family member has been living with diabetes, you ‘re likely to be conversant with the traditional treatment options available such as diet changes and insulin. While these two are essential in keeping the disease in check, many people are turning to cannabis to help manage diabetes. CBD has shown great promise in helping people living with diabetes cope. Some of the ways which it may assists include:

• It may help stabilize blood sugars
• Possibly reduce arterial inflammation due to diabetes by acting as an anti-inflammatory.
• It may reduce pain often associated with diabetes due to nerve inflammation or neuropathy.
• It may help improve blood circulation by keeping the blood vessels open.
• Possibly help to reduce blood pressure slowly.
• It may help calm restless leg syndrome which is common with diabetics.
• Possibly help to ease muscle cramping and gastrointestinal disorders by acting as an anti-spasmodic agent

Managing Diabetes – What Does The Science Say?

Insulin resistance which leads to diabetes is known to be caused by chronic inflammation. Researchers from Israel believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD could reduce this inflammation and improve the body’s metabolism.

Additionally, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties were found to benefit a whole lot of bodily functions which include the immune system, heart function, cell growth, and sugar metabolism.

The American Journal of Medicine agrees that cannabis can help control diabetes blood sugar and that users are less likely to be obese. If you suffer from diabetes or are at high risk of developing the disease, you may want to try CBD as an addition to diet changes. But make sure to carry your doctor along.

Could Fail A Drug Test After Using CBD Oil?

Most drug tests often do not detect CBD. This is because only trace amounts of THC are found in CBD-rich hemp oil, and these will usually not be detected in a blood test when consumed at recommended quantities.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound of cannabis. It doesn’t cause a high unlike THC. Luckily, the urine drug test for THC and its derivatives do not cross-react to CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabis compounds.

However, some studies have found that eating hemp foods and ingesting hemp oils can cause a positive result in urine and blood tests in a few cases. Again, regularly consuming large amounts or very high doses of CBD may increase the possibility of testing positive due to cross-reactivity.

In summary, if you are concerned about a positive drug test or you are in the military, a competitive athlete or a first responder that has to undergo strict drug testing, it’s recommended you avoid taking any form of CBD before your test.

CBD Oil And Depression: Can Weed Make A Positive Change?

Depression is a complex mental health disorder which causes feelings of extended sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. According to the World Health Organization, depression leads to about 800,000 suicides annually.

Genetic preposition and temperament are some of the many factors that could trigger depression. Some medications can also cause changes in mood in patients.

Depression manifests in several ways individually or in combination:

• Inability to concentrate and remember details
• Lethargy
• Insomnia, or excessive sleep
• Experiencing negative emotions:  guilt, restlessness, irritability, hopelessness, pessimism or anxiety.
• Loss of interest in everyday activities.
• Loss of appetite or excessive eating.
• Digestive problems and pains and aches
• Suicidal thoughts

Thus, depression negatively impacts many aspects of the patient's life; productivity, social interactions, and general well being.

Treatment for depression is typically a combination of antidepressant drugs with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Treatment often requires some trial and error to find the right medication. Also, some antidepressant medicine may have quite unpleasant side effects such as weight gain, suicidal tendencies, headaches, nausea, sleep disturbances and more.

It is not surprising then that people are searching for alternatives for depression; and going by the results of dozens of studies, CBD could be the real deal.

Throughout history, marijuana has been used as an antidepressant. But how do cannabis and its compounds relieve depression? Scientists believe that the root cause of depression is an imbalance in the endocannabinoid system. And that is how cannabis and its compounds come in.

The human body has a network of cellular receptors called the endocannabinoid system or ECS. This system is responsible for many bodily functions and consist of cellular receptors and activators

There are two types of receptors – CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptors are spread throughout the body and are part of the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are located in the white blood cells, stomach, and peripheral nervous system. The activators are the endocannabinoids which are created by the body but also can be supplemented from outside sources such as cannabis.

The activators and receptors work together to ensure our body runs smoothly. For instance, when your body needs to regulate its temperature, it sends cannabinoids to the CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus with precise instructions on what to do.

So, this is how CBD links with depression: according to researchers at the University of Buffalo, when the body is constantly stressed, it tends to make less of these regulating compounds in our brain which leads to depression.

Cannabinoids which are found in marijuana are a very similar compound to the body’s cannabinoids and can supplement them to increase healing and growth of tissues. Theoretically, cannabinoids should balance and align the endocannabinoid system, to alleviate the symptoms of depression in several ways.

Not only does CBD restore healthy cellular homeostasis, but it also lightens the mood and reduces other symptoms of depression like anxiety, loss of appetite and insomnia.

A variety of experiments performed on animal subjects confirmed that CBD had an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect. The CBD interacted well with the 5-HT1A neurotransmitter. The 5-HT1A neurotransmitter is a receptor that normally binds to and reuptakes serotonin into the neurons in the brain reducing amounts of free serotonin in the extracellular space. And Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known to play a significant role in the treatment of depression. Therefore compounds which increase serotonin levels like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) or Cannabidiol, are believed to be useful in reducing the effects of depression with little or no side effects.

There is still a whole lot of research to be done, and extensive human trials have not yet been done on CBD treatment for depression. But a lot of users swear by it and if finally, CBD treatment gets the appropriate approvals, it will be a welcome relief for patients who won't have to continue with addictive and expensive anti-depressants.

All in all the legalization of CBD Oil in the United States has now opened  the flood gates to full scientific testing of CBD oil’s effectiveness to help alleviate many aliments.

How Long Does It Take For CBD Oil To Start Working?

This all depends on several different factors. The general rule of thumb is that it usually takes around 20-40 minutes for CBD oil to take effect on a person. The effects of CBD oil will differ from person to person based on their weight, digestive system within the body and metabolism.

For instance, if a smaller person and a bigger person take the same amount, the bigger person will most likely take longer for the effects to take place and the effects may not be as strong. Taking a higher dosage will help to solve this problem. It also depends on what you are using the CBD oil for in terms of the symptoms you are trying to relieve.

Another factor depends on the potency of the CBD oil or the quality of hemp or marijuana it is derived from. CBD oil in the form of edibles will take much longer to take effect, usually around 60-90 minutes. If it is your first time taking the product, you should see results within half an hour usually.

But, if you are an avid CBD oil user, then the turnaround time will be much higher if you are taking the same dose each time. Increasing the dosage will solve most of these problems and allow the CBD oil to work much faster on the body.

Can I Put CBD Oil In My Vape Pen?

While there are several ways to consume CBD oil, vaporizing the oil is one of the most common methods. There are several reasons why people prefer this method over edibles, lotions and straight ingestion. The main reason is because of how fast the CBD oil is able to enter your bloodstream, quickly rectifying any symptoms you may have.

Another reason could be because of the small amount of oil used when vaping. Your CBD oil will last much longer while vaping allowing you to stretch your supply costing you less money in the long run. Another clear and clairvoyant reason is because of the simplicity and ease of usage. You will be able to load your vape pen and carry it around wherever you go.

It is recommended to consume CBD oil through the use of a vaporizer, although there are several other ways to consume the oil if you prefer to.

Can You Take Too Much CBD Oil?

Again, this all depends on the person and how much they use the product, their metabolism and their body weight. The number one thing to remember here is that it is literally impossible to overdose on CBD oil or marijuana for that matter that which would lead to a fatality.

However, there is a chance you may have some adverse side effects if you are not a CBD or marijuana user to begin with. Taking a higher dose than recommended or using more than you are comfortable taking could end up with effects such as paranoia, anxiety, mood disorders, nausea, appetite loss and drowsiness. While these symptoms are very limited and not as much of a threat, you will want to avoid them by taking a dose your body is comfortable with.

Some CBD oils are of higher quality and can sometimes contain trace amounts of THC within the oil which will add to these side effects causing a shortened overdose to occur. Make sure to know where your CBD oil comes from and the chemical compound makeup. Also, be sure to know what your limit is, dosage wise, if you are not an avid user of CBD oil or marijuana.

It is important to remember that the sole purpose of using CBD oil is to temporarily relieve any negative symptoms you may have. Abusing the drug will only lead to negative side effects and unwanted stress in the long run which will totally defeat the original purpose of using CBD oil.

Does CBD Oil Help Insomnia?

The most basic and general answer here is yes, it can help prevent and improve insomnia. Research has shown that consuming CBD oil a short period of time before going to sleep can help increase quality sleeping time by reducing the effects of insomnia.

In the cases of chronic pain and other disorders that prevent people from getting a good night's sleep, CBD oil has proven to have the ability to aide in improving the quality of sleep. Using the correct dosage amount before sleeping will indefinitely help to reduce the effects of insomnia.

CBD oil is generally recommended to people who have sleeping disorders like insomnia because it is able to reduce stress and anxiety and allow the body to fully relax ensuring a good night’s rest. If you have insomnia, CBD oil may be the perfect option to look into without having to take alternative options such as sleeping pills that may have negative side effects on the body over time.

Can CBD Oil Get You High?

The short answer to this question is no, CBD oil cannot get you high. The compound that gets you “high” is referred to as THC which is most commonly found in marijuana. Most CBD oils are derived from the hemp plant which contains very little to no THC content at all. CBD oil that is made from hemp will in no way get you high or stoned.

However, CBD oil is able to be made from marijuana as well. This is all dependent on the dispensary where you purchase the CBD oil. Some states do not allow marijuana to be sold within the state and therefore are forced to sell only CBD oil made from hemp.

There are some states where marijuana has been legalized for recreational and medicinal purposes so there is a chance of obtaining CBD oil derived from the marijuana plant. While the CBD oil made from marijuana will have very small traces of THC content sometimes, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be able to get high off the oil.

CBD and THC are two totally different compounds and they serve different purposes. If you are looking to get “high” then CBD oil is not the route to take. CBD oil serves only as a medicinal purpose to relieve pain, anxiety, insomnia and other negative symptoms of debilitating disorders and diseases.

Can You Use CBD Oil For Arthritis?

While the answer to this question is inconclusive there have been some studies to show that it may help to relieve arthritis temporarily. Yes, you can use CBD oil for arthritis, but will it work? There is no definitive answer to that question.

CBD oil can be used for a wide array of different reasons, one of the main reasons is to be used as a pain reliever. CBD oil may help to aide in relieving the pain of arthritis but this will vary from person to person and there is no definitive guarantee that it will work. There have been treatments for arthritis in the past and present that do contain CBD oil but also contain other chemical compounds as well.

CBD oil could be used to help alleviate the pain that comes with arthritis but there have not been any successful studies to show that it will help to reduce the inflammation that come along with arthritis. It is recommended that you discuss CBD oil with your doctor before usage to see if there will be any positive outcomes.

Can CBD Oil Help You Lose Weight?

This is a loaded question which can be debated back and forth. The common misconception is that CBD oil will increase your appetite when in fact it does the complete opposite. CBD oil has the potential to actually suppress your appetite. The oil also plays a major role in raising your metabolism by reducing the number of mitochondria found in cells within the body.

This helps to burn fats cells much easier. The CBD oil turns the white fat cells into brown fat cells which are much easier for the body to break down and burn. While the body is burning the browning fat cells the CBD oil actually prevents the growth and production of new white fat cells which helps to burn fat at a higher rate. Make sure if you are planning to use this method to get the CBD oil that is derived from hemp and not marijuana.

If the CBD oil is made from marijuana, there is a chance of the oil containing THC which will have reverse affects. But all in all, yes, CBD oil has the ability to aide in losing weight if utilized properly.

What Is Decarboxyation?

Decarboxylation is a process that allows consumers of cannabinoids to experience the psychoactive effects we are looking for. Decarboxylation is needed to activate the compounds found in cannabis such as THC. We wrote an in depth answer to this question in this post.