What is CBD Oil, and how is it different from Marijuana?

Cannabis oil, or CBD oil, comes from the cannabis plant, but it has a very low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the mind-altering ingredient in cannabis. Because CBD oil products are non-psychoactive, they are considered safe, even in high doses. In addition, CBD oil is not as controversial as marijuana, and as such it can be a good alternative if you’re suffering from migraines.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

Although it may seem like a no-brainer that CBD oil, which does not get the user high, should be legal, there are still some questions as to its legality. Federally, cannabis is classified as a dangerous and illegal drug, and there are states where all forms of cannabis are illegal. If the state you live in has legalized cannabis for medicinal use, you're in luck. All you have to do is apply for a marijuana card from your doctor. A marijuana card is a license required for the consumption of any form of cannabis, and this includes CBD oil. Be aware of the laws in your state. This is where you erally need to do your own research. If trying CBD oil as a treatment for migraines is an option that interests you, it’s also worth talking to your doctor. He or she can help advise you on everything from the proper dosage of CBD oil, to legal requirements.

CBD Oil and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Did you know that your body basically produces its own cannabis? It might sound crazy, but your body does produce cannabinoids (an active ingredient in  cannabis), and you have cannabinoid receptors in pretty near every cell of your body. The ECS is the largest regulatory system in the human body.  It controls everything from pain to appetite. The body’s natural version of THC is called Anandamide (AEA). A 2007 study showed that people who were sufferers of migraines also had below average levels of AEAs. This gave birth to the theory that migraines could be caused by Endocannabinoid (EC) deficiency. A lack of natural ECs can cause a host of problems, including possibly migraines and fibromyalgia.

CBD Oil’s Effect on Serotonin

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in your body and low levels have been linked to migraine. CBD oil affects the serotonin levels in your central nervous system by slowing down how much of the serotonin is lost during it’s transport through the nervous system. And the higher your levels of serotonin, the less is your risk of depression, a known migraine trigger.

CBD Oil and Pain Management

We don't know exactly what role CBD oil plays in the body in regards to pain management. One possible explanation is that CBD oil is a Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor. FAAH breaks down Anandamide (AEA). AEA is known as the bliss molecule in the body. Maintaining higher levels of AEA in your bloodstream is associated with reduced feelings of pain. In addition, CBD oil might work by limiting inflammation in the body and thereby reducing pain.

How Effective is CBD Oil in Treating Migraines?

Informal studies suggest that CBD oil can reduce both the intensity and the frequency of migraine attacks. Where CBD oil ingestion has been attributed to preventing migraines, inhalation of CBD oil (vaping) seems more effective in aborting a migraine onset. CBD oil is thought to deal as much with the triggers of migraines as with an actual migraine. It has an effect on several common triggers, such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia. As of today, there are no clinical studies published on the treatment of migraines with CBD oil. However, cannabis has been used to treat migraines for hundreds of years, maybe even thousands.

A Note on Quality

If you're thinking about using CBD oil in the treatment of your migraines, it is important to consider quality. There are several accounts of people experiencing persistent headaches, and even migraines following CBD oil use. This may seem to go against the research on CBD oil and migraines, but in reality, it’s a matter of purity. Low-quality CBD oil is produced using ethanol and other alcohols, and even harsh chemicals and preservatives. If you decide to try CBD oil, be sure to purchase a high-quality product, from a reputable distributor. A few to consider:

• Elixinol
• CBD Sky
• Vape Bright
• CBDfx