22 Dec What Is CBD Oil? A Guide for Veterans
For veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or other health concerns, CBD oil might be a way to obtain natural relief without relying on contemporary medication. Besides being an all-natural compound, CBD reacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and relieves stress and anxiety.
But, before we move on to how CBD oil for veterans can do wonders for your mental and physical health, let’s take a look at what exactly CBD is.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD or cannabidiol is a naturally-occurring compound extracted from the cannabis Sativa plant. So yes, it is the marijuana plant. But unlike marijuana, CBD is non-intoxicating.
Simply put, you cannot get high after consuming CBD.
CBD oil is made by soaking cannabidiol extracts into a carrier oil like coconut or hemp oil. In addition to relieving anxiety, CBD oil can also provide relief from nerve pain, migraines, joint pain, muscle stiffness, and depression.
Where Does CBD Come From?
Like marijuana, CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant. And, while both have the same origins, marijuana is known more for its intoxicating effects. However, CBD’s composition is slightly different from that of marijuana.
But, how can two products that come from the same plant have different effects? The answer lies in the THC compound contained in the cannabis plant.
Like CBD and marijuana, THC is another compound extracted from cannabis. Consuming a high amount of THC can make you high. And, because marijuana is full of THC, you get high when you consume it.
However, in the case of CBD, compositions differ slightly. A CBD product must not contain more than 0.3% THC to be legal in the states. This small amount of THC is not enough to make you high.
Thus, while both marijuana and CBD contain THC, only marijuana has enough to get you high.
Related Article: Top 10 CBD Oil Companies For Veterans
How Does CBD Oil for Veterans Work?
CBD is immensely popular for relieving stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and skin problems in a world full of herbal remedies. Moreover, consuming CBD can also help with Parkinson’s, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, dementia, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.
But, how does it work? Well, there’s science behind this one too.
Our body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a vast network of neuroreceptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids responsible for uplifting mood, inducing sleep, improving memory, and regulating appetite. These three components work together to ensure that all functions are being carried out.
The CBD present in CBD oils reacts with ECS receptors and improves the working of the entire system. This uplifts your mood, relieves anxiety, helps you manage depression, regulates your sleeping patterns, and improves appetite.
Is CBD Oil for Veterans Legal?
As per the 2018 farm bill, cannabidiol has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act. This means that CBD can be legally cultivated on U.S. land.
Furthermore, CBD is legal in all 50 states. However, the concept of legality differs from state to state. For example, while some states allow recreational and medicinal consumption of CBD, other states might only allow CBD consumption under specific circumstances.
Moreover, while the Controlled Substances Act has made CBD legal in all states, the Agricultural Act of 2014 clearly states that you must obtain permits before opening a CBD product business.
CBD Oil Benefits for Veterans
Although the studies related to CBD oil benefits is limited, there is evidence that consuming CBD can help in the following ways:
- It can help you control symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- It is used to control seizures and epilepsy
- It can reduce PTSD symptoms
- It can help with alcohol and substance abuse
- CBD can help manage multiple sclerosis
- It has anti-pain, anti-acne and anti-cancer properties
- It can prevent neurological disorders
- It can help you manage arthritis
- It can also help manage diabetes
CBD Oil for Anxiety
CBD reacts with ECS receptors to relieve stress and uplift mood. Besides, there’s also evidence that this compound can react with the system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors to increase its efficiency.
Keeping this in mind, let’s take a closer look at CBD and anxiety.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital part in mental health. For example, low serotonin levels can indicate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Traditionally, low serotonin levels are often treated by giving SSRI medication, which is only available with a prescription.
In this case, CBD might replace an SSRI and help manage anxiety with a more natural remedy. Besides being an all-natural way to treat anxiety, CBD also has absolutely no side effects, unlike SSRI medication.
Moreover, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), CBD can control anxiety levels in rats. It can also help you manage anxiety symptoms like increased heart rate, insomnia, and nausea.
A 2019 study also stated that CBD could be used as an antipsychotic and help control severe mental disorders like schizophrenia.
CBD Oil for PTSD
CBD can also potentially be quite useful for veterans who have PTSD as it can reduce the number of flashbacks, nightmares, and negative thoughts. CBD oil can also help with alcohol addiction and drug abuse.
Furthermore, a 2019 study stated that CBD could reduce PTSD symptoms if taken alongside counseling.
Moreover, because CBD also affects memory, it can help with the sudden flashbacks often associated with PTSD.
CBD Oil for Pain
CBD oils are immensely popular among people with arthritis. The compound can help relieve chronic pain, muscle pain, and migraine with its anti-pain properties. CBD also helps reduce the inflammation and discomfort associated with pain.
According to a review of studies from 1975 to 2018, CBD oils can relieve the following types of pain:
- Cancer treatment pain
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
In addition to cancer pain, CBD can also help with other side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea and lack of appetite.
CBD Oil for Cancer Symptoms
Though the research related to cancer and CBD is still in its early phase, it is safe to say that CBD is showing promise in helping to manage cancer symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite, nerve injury, inflammation, and severe nerve pain.
Other Possible Benefits of CBD Oil for Veterans
In addition to the benefits stated above, there are several other possible benefits of consuming CBD. For example, it can improve overall health, mental health, heart health, and increase the immune system’s efficiency.
CBD is also beneficial for healthy skin as it has anti-pain, anti-redness, anti-acne, and anti-inflammation properties.
Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?
While CBD typically has almost no side effects, the likelihood of experiencing side effects is often tied to how much you consume. However, despite the consumption, the most severe side effect you can get from CBD is diarrhea, dry mouth, or nausea.
There’s no chance you could ever overdose on CBD. Moreover, starting with the smallest dose possible is recommended to avoid any side effects.
How Do You Take CBD Oil?
Generally, CBD oil is taken sublingually. In other words, you would put a few drops of the oil under your tongue for about 30 seconds.
However, there’s no one way to consume CBD oil. You can take it in any manner. Mix it with your favorite smoothie, drizzle it over your salad, or simply add a few drops to your meal. You can even add a few drops to a batter and bake brownies or cookies.
The only limitation is your imagination.
How Much CBD Oil Should You Consume?
If you are new to CBD, start with the smallest possible amount. On average, one drop of the oil equals 0.05ml of the total fluid. In short, a 30 ml bottle would have around 600 drops, and if the potency of the liquid is 1,500mg, one drop would be 2.5 mg.
If you are a veteran who is new to CBD, start with 2.5 mg-5mg. This equals 1-2 drops at a time. Then, wait for around 30-40 mins for the product to show its effects. Always remember, the higher the dosage, the longer it will stay in your system. Also, if you take CBD regularly, it tends to stay in your system longer.
It is also advisable to speak with your doctor before taking CBD oil. While CBD products like oils and tinctures have almost no side effects, it’s always wise to double check to make sure they won’t interact with any medications you may be taking or any conditions you have. Furthermore, a doctor will be able to suggest the product and potency that would best suit your body type.
Another major thing to keep in mind is that you should not replace medications with CBD completely. Though CBD can help you manage numerous illnesses, it can not fully treat severe disorders like PTSD or depression. Therefore, it is recommended to continue taking your regular medications and engaging in therapy while taking CBD oil.
Where Do You Get CBD Oil for Veterans?
You can find CBD almost everywhere. It is sold in cafes, gas stations, or shops selling CBD specifically. But, it is recommended to shop CBD from online stores that are willing to give you the Certificate of Analysis (COA) with it. This certificate states the content of CBD and THC in that particular product.
Also, you can go for vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, organic, naturally-cultivated products, which are available on various online marketplaces.
Our recommended platform is cbdoils.com.
Does the VA Have CBD Oil?
No, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not have CBD oil nor recommend veterans use it. However, this does not mean that you would be denied VA benefits if you consume CBD.
Because a product with less than 0.3% is legal in all 50 states, you would still be eligible for VA benefits, regardless of you take CBD or not.
Do You Need a Prescription for CBD Oil?
No, getting a prescription for a product with less than 0.3% THC is not necessary. However, a person with a medical marijuana card might be able to consume a product that is higher in THC content.
Though getting a prescription is not mandatory, talking to your doctor before consuming CBD oil is recommended.
How Much Does CBD Cost?
The cost of CBD will vary from brand to brand and product to product. Various types of CBD products are available in the market, ranging from CBD oils to tinctures and gummies, and even chocolates.
On average, 1 mg of CBD might cost you somewhere from $0.05 to $0.20.
Is CBD Oil Right for You?
If you are a veteran struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other disorders, and you don’t want to bear the mind-staggering side effects of contemporary medication, then yes, CBD oil for veterans may be right for you.
However, it is recommended that you are careful about your dosage, take suggestions from a doctor, and choose high-quality, organic CBD products for safer effects and better results.
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