Cannabis oil and its health benefits

Cannabidiol oil (cannabis oil), also known as CBD oil, is extracted from cannabis, however, it should not be confused with hemp oil. In recent years, many stores have sprung up to sell CBD oil or cannabis oil.

If you've been intrigued and want to understand what the reasons are for such success this article is for you!

CBD oil is becoming more and more popular due to its many health benefits. But not only that, it is finding wide field of study in cosmetics, especially in the United States, where several cosmetic companies have begun to use it.

For the extraction of CBD from cannabis plants, chemical extraction is generally used to take the cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids.

In addition to these extracts, MCT oil, derived from coconut, is added to act as a carrier and enhance the beneficial effects.

The success of cannabis oil-based products depends on its relaxing and analgesic properties. Many studies, in fact, have demonstrated the effectiveness of cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer symptoms, in the control of states of anxiety, in the management of diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

However, to grasp the full potential of cannabis oil, it is important that you know what it is and what the characteristics of each type of formulation are.

What is cannabis oil

Cannabis oil is a generic term for any type of extract from the cannabis plant. Included in this family are marijuana and hemp extracts.

Crude oil is extracted from the cannabis plant as it is very rich in body-healthy substances such as:

• vitamins,
• minerals,
• essential fatty acids,
• terpenes,
• flavonoids,
• cannabinoids.

Being a natural product, the chemical composition of the oil varies from plant to plant and can be influenced by the methods of extraction and processing it undergoes. For this reason, in addition to the substances described, it may contain other types.

The extraction of cannabis oil can be done from the dried or fresh plant and the result is a very dense product. The plant parts used are very important because depending on whether the substance is extracted from the leaves or the seeds, the substances contained change.

Only the extract from the plant and flowers is called cannabis oil, while the substance that comes out of the processing of hemp seeds is called hemp seed oil.

Cannabidiol oil (cannabis oil) is also known as CBD oil. CBD is actually the main non-psychoactive cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant.

Cannabidiol is a very different substance than THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of the plant.

How many types of cannabis oil are there?

Inexperienced people tend to lump all cannabis extracts together, as if they were the same product. In reality, there are substantial differences between cannabis oil, hemp oil, hemp seed oil, marijuana oil, THC oil or CBD oil.

Hemp oil

Hemp oil, also known as cannabis oil or CBD oil, is very rich in CBD while having a low THC content. Due to the low THC content, it can be used for many commercial products in a legal manner.

Hemp oil products are consumed all over the world on a daily basis because of the natural benefits they give. This product can be taken pure or in preparations such as tinctures, liquids, capsules, skin and hair care products.

CBD oil comes in different concentrations, based on the percentage of cannabidiol present in the product. The selection of plants is based on choosing those that contain high concentrations of CBD.

Unlike hemp oil, it is extracted from the flowers of cannabis sativa, which are rich in CBD.

The success of this product is linked to the benefits that CBD has for the body. In fact, it is a powerful painkiller that can manage pain even related to chronic diseases.

It is recommended in the treatment of addictions and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the cosmetic sector, it is used for the production of anti-aging products and to treat acne. Its use in trichology is also giving excellent results: CBD oil-based products in fact soften the hair and give it a healthier appearance.

Hemp Seed Oil

Although it is easy to get confused, it is good to specify that hemp oil and hemp seed oil are very different products. In fact, unlike hemp oil, cannabinoids are not present in hemp seed oil.

Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant and is considered a superfood, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fibre, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Unlike other oils, it has a very important content of omega 3 and, by consuming a spoonful daily, you can meet the body's daily needs.

In addition, it is a source of linoleic acid, rare to find in food, and has beneficial properties for our body: it is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating.

In particular, it is indicated to regulate blood cholesterol levels and prevent the risk of thrombosis.

It can be integrated for those who suffer from problems related to menopause or premenstrual syndrome and helps in cases of arthrosis, arthritis and osteoporosis.

It stimulates the immune system in a natural and effective way to prevent the symptoms of allergies. On a dermatological level, it is excellent for treating mycosis, irritations and psoriasis.

It is cold pressed and its taste is reminiscent of hazelnuts.

Its main use, therefore, is in cooking, as a condiment for sauces and salads. It should not be eaten cooked because it has a low smoke point and could spoil or develop toxic substances.

In order to preserve its nutritional properties, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 30 days.

It has no contraindications and can be taken daily in moderate doses.

Marijuana Oil, THC Oil, Hashish Oil

These terms indicate a semi-solid product made from the resin of the cannabis plant, marijuana or hashish. It is not an oil in the proper sense, therefore, but a resin oil.

They are extremely concentrated to ensure the presence of cannabinoids and terpenes.

The characteristic of these oils is the presence of high levels of THC and they can be used for medical or recreational purposes. They are applied locally, through vaporization or consumed orally.

They are products that can only be purchased by presenting a doctor's prescription and, according to law 94/98, the prescription is not repeatable.

THC oil has a high tetrahydrocannabinol content and is extracted from high quality, strictly controlled raw materials. The plants are specially selected and make it possible to obtain a pure product.

These oils can be used only on medical indication, in cases of serious and extremely painful diseases.

It is generally used to reduce the effects of anti-cancer therapies or severe neurological pain.

Difference between THC oil and CBD oil

The main characteristic of THC oil is that it contains Tetrahydrocannabinol. This substance, in many countries around the world, is considered a narcotic and that is why you cannot use it.

THC oil is an extract of therapeutic or recreational cannabis and is chosen for its recreational effects or to address issues such as insomnia or pain.

The formulation preferred by users is liquid cannabis, which is less harmful than smoking and easier to dose.

CBD, so CBD oil or cannabis oil, on the other hand, is a different active ingredient from THC and is chosen for very different reasons than THC oil. It can be extracted from the flowers of the cannabis sativa plant, also known as industrial hemp.

In order to produce CBD oil, you need to add a carrier oil which can be another type of vegetable oil such as hemp seed oil, olive oil or coconut oil. This is used to increase the bioavailability of the oil, thus speed and effectiveness, and to vary the flavor.