CBD Oil has grown to become one of the most talked-about health crazes of 2018.

What are the Benefits of CBD Oil? This is perhaps no surprise, when you consider the vast number of health problems it can supposedly cure.

There have been suggestions it can be used to treat a wide range of chronic pain issues, skin problems, sleep problems and mental health problems.

Some people have gone as far as suggesting it can help cure cancer.

However, the clinical evidence of its benefits remain slim. For this reason, many experts are warning people away from CBD Oil altogether.

So what’s the verdict? Is CBD Oil the miracle medical product that’s here to stay? Or is it no more than the latest health fad?  

What is CBD Oil?

CBD is an non-intoxicating marijuana extract. It’s one of many cannabis oils being used for medical purposes, in the U.S states where it’s legal to do so. There’s a strong argument for it being the most well-known cannabis oil.

It’s commonly available as a tincture, although it can also be taken with water or as a spray foam. Alternatively, there are capsules you can swallow or creams you can rub into your skin.

It’s recommended you begin with the smallest possible dosage, upping it until you see results. The effects of CBD Oil are immediate, so you should know the perfect dosage size pretty quickly.

What are the benefits?

CBD Oil is said to activate the receptors in our brain associated with pain relief. This helps to relax certain muscles and nerve endings, reducing chronic and neuropathic pain. Click the link for a more detailed guide of how CBD Oil helps to ease pain.   

There’s reportedly no dependency on this treatment, like there is for traditional painkillers. Also, it’s not psychoactive, so there’s no risk of getting high off it. It’s believed that the activation of these receptors in the brain can also help to cure mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

A 2017 study presented evidence that CBD Oil protects the hippocampus; a part of the brain responsible for memory, learning and navigation. This could potentially reduce the effects of stress and anxiety, while preventing mental health problems such as Alzheimer’s or schizophrenia. If you’re after ideas for non-pharmaceutical anxiety cures, see our guide on how regular exercise can boost mental health.

Separate studies have shown evidence that CBD Oil reduces the symptoms of various skin conditions and cancers.

What are the warning signs?

The fact is: there have been very few clinical trials of CBD Oil at present. That means there’s little to no official evidence of these health benefits. There is currently no regulation for this market either. This means the effectiveness of various CBD Oil brands could differ massively.

This lack of clinical testing also means there is little evidence for the potential side-effects of taking CBD Oil. Some users have reported spells of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

That’s why many medical professionals still regard CBD Oil as a last resort, only to be considered for serious health conditions.  

The future for CBD Oil

With all the buzz surrounding medical marijuana, there is certain to be a lot more clinical testing on the way.

The long-term survival of CBD Oil as a popular health product will surely be down to the results of these tests.

In the meantime, there will inevitably still be plenty of people gambling on CBD Oil, regardless of the lack of official evidence surrounding its effectiveness.  

If you’re thinking of giving CBD Oil a try, it’s recommended to choose a product that has been reviewed positively by a reputable source.