Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the hottest natural ingredients on the wellness market today. CBD oil is becoming more popular as emerging research suggests it’s highly effective for age-related health issues such as pain, chronic illness, inflammation and a variety of other disorders (all without making the user high). For these reasons this compound from marijuana plants is gaining popularity with the baby boomer audience.
CBD, along with THC, is one of the two most abundant chemicals found in the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, which makes people high and can lead to other mind-altering effects if ingested, CBD does not. CBD is not the same as marijuana. A growing body of research has suggested CBD could be an effective way for people to deal with pain, inflammation and even seizures. As a result, CBD has been added to everything from oils to lotions to edible products.
What’s The Big Deal About CBD Oil?
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from a cannabis plant and then diluting it with something like coconut or hemp seed oil. Initial research suggests CBD oil can be effective for improving bone health, protecting against dementia, combatting Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, aiding in a good night’s sleep and keeping blood pressure under control.
In Spring 2018, a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel approved a CBD medication called Epidiolex as treatment for two rare types of childhood epilepsy. Many seniors are interested in CBD oil because it potentially represents an alternative to prescription drugs or other medication taken to ward off aches and pains. Nancy Giacobbe told AARP how her use of topical CBD for arthritis made it possible to work “a full 35-hour workweek” as an aesthetician.
Much of the research around CBD oil is still very new, and a lot of people in the medical community are not exactly sure how or why it seems to work so well. Part of this has to do with the Drug Enforcement Agency’s labeling of marijuana as a Schedule One drug, which makes it hard to study CBD. Some researchers and medical professionals are worried about the general lack of regulation over the CBD oil market. Since it is still largely a ‘grey area,’ product quality can vary, and quality CBD oil is often quite expensive. Natural CBD Oil is one good option for a high quality, reasonably priced oil.
Is CBD Oil Even Legal?
The legality of CBD oil is still a bit murky since it is a state-by-state issue. Laws and regulations surrounding CBD and the marijuana industry can also change very quickly. As of December 2018, the only states where marijuana in any form is still illegal are Idaho, Nebraska and South Dakota. Fourteen states do currently have some form of legal medicinal CBD, but requirements vary.
Is CBD Oil Right For Me?
With new research and results continuing to emerge, CBD oil shows a lot of promise as a more natural treatment for a variety of age-related issues. It is always important to be careful about any new substances you are taking, and to consult a doctor before doing so. And of course, to make sure you are aware of the current laws in your locale.