How to Use Cannabis Oil Therapy

By Lizzie Howard

Cannabis is a genus of plants, native to southeast Asia, known for its unique composition. Inside of it, there are several cannabinoids that have potent effects on humans. CBD has grown in popularity, thanks to its health benefits. We’ve put together a guide to help you use it if you’re interested.

Figure Out Which Form You Prefer

CBD comes in a variety of forms, each a little different. Tinctures allow sublingual administration, making them convenient for travel. Edibles are also suitable options for people who don’t smoke.

Of course, CBD oil has been the most popular form. This is similar to THC oil, minus the psychoactivity. You can apply it topically or place it under the tongue. To dose it, use the small dropper attached to the bottle. Most bottles have a label with the dose inside each drop.

Identify Potential Indications

A ton of people benefit from CBD, but not everyone. Some people hardly notice anything after supplementing it. However, there are several indications with solid support for its use.

By administering CBD oil, the body’s CB1 receptors get stimulated. That causes a cascade of biological processes, eliciting the compound’s effects. For most people, it has a powerful impact on pain perception. So, they don’t have to live with chronic pain anymore.

There’s even a lot of evidence supporting CBD as a treatment for epilepsy. When given to people with the condition, it can reduce their risk of seizures.

Plus, many have benefited from CBD while trying to treat depression. It seems that stimulating the endocannabinoid system may alleviate some mental health conditions. If you’re struggling, it may be helpful as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy.

Finding the Right Dose

FECO Dosing, or the average dose of CBD, is a standard range. Given no previous health conditions, stick to the low end when starting treatment.

Work your way up to larger doses as you gain experience with the compound. Over time, an intuitive sense develops that makes it easier to find the correct amount.

Studies have examined CBD’s effects in doses as large as 1,500 mg. By taking that much, side effects are more likely. However, even large doses don’t cause any severe damage.

Most research says to use a dose of 15-40 mg. Usually, study participants reported the best results with doses of 25 mg.

Learn About Potential Side Effects

As always, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Research shows CBD to be relatively benign when used responsibly. Yet, a few respondents report a few side effects in every survey.

Most of them seem to vary in relation to dose. So, lowering the size of the dose usually decreases any side effects.

Some people notice a paradoxical increase in their anxiety. This typically dissipates after they’ve had a few minutes to process the CBD.

The other issue some people have is drowsiness. Since CBD can be relaxing, it makes sense that it can make people feel tired. Again, this almost always has a lot to do with the size of the dose people use. Normally, using a smaller one won’t knock you out like an antihistamine.

Things to Watch Out For

CBD can be safely used with almost any medication. However, you have to be careful if using one metabolized by CYP450.

Cytochrome P450 is an enzyme that metabolizes specific compounds in the body. For many people, their daily medications rely on its function. Taking CBD could disrupt how their medicine works by interacting with this enzyme.

Speak to your doctor before taking CBD if you’re on any medications. They’ll know whether they’d interacted with it if you tried some. You can still use CBD most of the time, even if you’re taking meds. But, your doctor may have to adjust the dose first.

Using Cannabis Oil Therapy

Cannabis oil contains a broad spectrum of alkaloids, including CBD. Combining it with other terpenes creates an entourage effect. That’s why a lot of people feel like they notice more benefits. The entourage effect refers to the cumulative power of plant compounds. By working together, their effects can become more powerful. In fact, they can be even more effective than they are when used individually.

Lizzie Howard is a Colorado native who after graduating from the University of Colorado spends her time as a freelance writer. When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys going on hikes, baking for her friends and family, educating others on FECO Dosing, the Average dose of CBD, and spending time with her beloved yellow lab, Sparky.

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