CBD Oil

I have been taking CBD oil since October 2018. When I told someone close to me that I was taking CBD oil they looked at me with total surprise, or shock possibly, I don’t really know but the look in their eyes made me feel like I was a ‘drug’ addict! I thought at the time what a strange reaction and it made me feel as if I was doing something wrong but I didn’t really think anything of it until I met a friend whilst out shopping. Unfortunately she too has had Breast Cancer and we got chatting about all our aches and pains! I mentioned to her that I use CBD oil and she was really interested in giving it a try and from that discussion I knew that it’s nothing I should hide away or be worried about sharing, so I thought I would share it with you to help others understand what CBD oil actually is and how it has helped me and continues to do so.

What is CBD Oil? – CBD is another name for Cannabidiol, a compound found in the Cannabis plant. CBD is completely non-psychoactive – this means that is does not produce an effect (such as changes in perception or behavior) on the mind or mental state. This allows us to benefit from the many health properties of the Cannabis plant without “getting high.”

What is the difference between CBD oil and Cannabis (marijuana, weed etc) – Cannabis contains a compound called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is famously known for producing cannabis’ mind-altering states. The CBD compound used in the oil does not have these psychoactive properties and therefore you cannot “get high” from using it.

How does it work? – there is a lot of information out on the web but basically it is how the cannabinoids found in CBD interacts with receptors throughout our body. Scientist have discovered that parts of our body systems are designed to work with cannabinoids and they can play an important part in our overall health and wellness.

Is it legal? – there is currently “a great deal of confusion around CBD oil in UK law”, with the vast majority of cannabinoids listed as controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act. However, CBD is an exception as long as it contains no more than 0.2% THC – the psychoactive compound.

Okay – is that enough science and ‘big’ words – Yes I think so!! So basically – it is legal, it is not going to make you high, you are not taking cannabis as we have commonly come to know it and you won’t get arrested if you have it in your pocket – you are in fact benefiting from the scientifically proven health benefits of using the other parts of this plant.

Why did I try CBD oil? – after my chemo was finished and as I’ve previously commented on in my blog my body hurt, my joints ached and at time things could be a struggle! The joint pain is/was the worst and I had heard about CBD oil but was rather sceptical. After I spoke to a really knowledgeable guy in a health store in London when I was there in July 2018 I was convinced and gave it a go.

There are different makes and ‘blends’ of CBD oil. So which one did I choose? – I use ‘full spectrum’ CBD oil. Why this one? –  full spectrum CBD oil uses the whole plant and gives it advantages over other alternatives, without using any substitute ingredients, but all are equally as good.

How do you take it? – CBD can come in different forms  and in different varying strengths ranging from 5% to 50%. It can come in oil form, wax, creams, sprays and massage oils, capsules and vape liquid to name but a few and can also be used in cooking.  I use 20% oil which comes in a 10 ml bottle with a dropper and take 3 – 5 drops under my tongue both morning and evening. Drops or sprays under the tongue is one of the fastest ways to absorb CBD oil.

Does it have a taste? – Yes! CBD oil has a herbal taste which becomes stronger for the higher percentage concentrations. It is an acquired taste but you get used to it!!

What benefits have I felt/noticed etc?…  CBD oil has helped with my joint pain and my incredible hot flushes. I still have pain but it is not so pronounced and has allowed me to get back into the gym which in itself has helped massively. The hot flushes are more manageable and whilst I can still get very ‘warm’ they are not quite so  debilitating. One bottle lasts approximately a month and it is about £45 plus per 10 ml bottle. There are of course cheaper alternatives but I believe you need to pay for quality and I don’t mind paying if it is going to help.

Do I feel a difference if I don’t take it? … simple answer is absolutely yes! As I write this I have not been taking it regularly for a couple of weeks and my aches in my legs are returning and my hot flushes are quite overwhelming! When I stand up from sitting my hips take a while to get going and my knees ache – or is that just the fact I am getting old?!! Is it psychosomatic?!! I don’t honestly know – but if it helps, if it eases some anxiety, aches or flushes – then surely it is worth it. Isn’t it?