What is CBD Oil? | CBD Benefits & Uses South Africa 2024

A few years ago, very few people knew about CBD. Even fewer people publicly endorsed its health benefits.

However, times have quickly changed, and now CBD products can be found just about everywhere. You can even find CBD Oil in Dischem.

Derived from cannabis plants, CBD has helped break the negative stigma surrounding medicinal cannabis. Due to the medicinal properties of CBD, people around the globe are adopting it as an alternative to many pharmaceutical products.

Wondering what makes CBD so beneficial? We’re here to answer all your CBD-related questions. Read on to learn more about this cannabis compound and how to use it in several different applications.

What is CBD?

CBD is a type of cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis carries a negative stigma due to the well-known cannabinoid, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that delivers a “high” effect but also has many medicinal properties.

CBD and THC might be found in the same plant, but both are very different. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. Using CBD products will not give you the high sensation associated with using cannabis products containing THC.

The relationship between THC and CBD

When consumed, CBD and THC interact with the central nervous system. The CB1 receptors in our central nervous system are why CBD and THC have different effects on the body.

THC binds with the CB1 cannabinoid receptors, whereas CBD doesn’t bind with these receptors. When THC binds with the CB1 receptors, it gives users the euphoric sensation associated with cannabis use. THC is able to do this by mimicking an endocannabinoid neurotransmitter in our bodies, known as anandamide which induces a sense of bliss.

In contrast, CBD can’t stimulate the CB1 receptors. This is why CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects when consumed.

How to use CBD Oil

In South Africa, you’ll most likely find CBD oil sold in tincture bottles. However, you can consume CBD in many ways, including topical creams, vape pens, edibles, and even smoking cannabis containing high CBD levels.

If you don’t want to experience any effects of THC, don’t stress. Legal full-spectrum CBD oil products in South Africa must contain less than 0.001% THC and no more than 20mg of CBD per serving in each tincture.

There are minimal side effects of using CBD. You shouldn’t have any problems if you follow the recommended dosage that is displayed on the tincture bottle.

When purchasing CBD oil, it’s essential to make sure that the CBD is full-spectrum. Full-spectrum means the oil contains all the available cannabinoids, giving your body access to all the benefits of CBD oil.

If you’re contemplating using CBD oil, we recommend giving it a try. For more information about CBD products, check out our very own CBD oil, its full spectrum and in line with the standard specifications stipulated by the South Africa Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

CBD Oil Benefits

CBD oil is made by extracting the cannabinoids from cannabis plants. The extracted CBD is then diluting with a carrier oil. CBD oil is perfect for those looking for pain relief and treatment of other symptoms without the mind-altering properties of THC or various pharmaceutical drugs. Below you’ll find six reasons why more people are turning to therapeutic CBD Oil.

Pain Relief

Research on CBD suggests that it helps your body manage pain. CBD oil is an alternative for people that suffer from chronic pain but don’t want to use certain habit-forming pharmaceutical drugs to manage the pain, such as opioids.

More research is underway to test the effectiveness of CBD relieving symptoms caused by arthritis, MS pain, muscle pain, and spinal cord injuries. Conclusive clinical trial results are required before medical professionals can legally prescribe CBD to patients for pain relief.

Anxiety

Studies have suggested that CBD can help treat anxiety as it changes the way brain receptors respond to serotonin, which plays a significant role in mental health. Studies conducted on animals have shown that CBD helps alleviate stress, anxiety, insomnia and improves symptoms of PTSD. CBD oil for pets is an option for those that own anxious pets.

A CBD study showed that a dose of 600mg of CBD reduced respondents’ social anxiety when public speaking or speaking to a group of people, improving their speech.

Treating Acne

CBD reduces inflammation in the body, which helps treat acne. CBD does this by reducing and regulating sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance that hydrates the skin and causes acne when too much is produced by the body.

Neuroprotective Properties

A specific brain receptor could help researchers understand how CBD can potentially help treat people with neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. CBD may also help alleviate the inflammation of neurodegenerative symptoms in those that suffer from these diseases.

Cancer Treatment

Research studies are being conducted to determine whether CBD plays a role in preventing cancer cells’ growth, although these studies are not yet conclusive. However, CBD is effective in reducing the side-effects of cancer treatment in cancer patients.

Anti-seizure

CBD oil is an approved treatment for seizures. CBD reduces the frequency of attacks in people who have epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex. More research is underway to determine CBD’s effectiveness in treating other types of seizures and how much CBD is required to reduce seizures’ frequency.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of CBD Oil

The research on CBD’s medicinal properties is excellent for two reasons. Firstly, as more health benefits of CBD are discovered, the negative stigma against cannabis is changing as society perceives it in a positive light and acknowledges the plant’s medicinal properties.

Secondly, clinical research on the benefits of CBD gives more people the chance to use CBD oil instead of certain pharmaceutical products that can be habit-forming. CBD has minimal side effects, and if taken in the correct doses, should be of no harm to you.