What is CBD Oil Good For?

CBD oil is the most popular way to enjoy the health benefits of cannabidiol. CBD oil, a novel food in the UK, is a kind of food that has not been traditionally consumed in the UK. Although science shows that CBD may help in many health conditions, those selling CBD oil in vape pen cannot make any healthy claims. It is something that is not allowed legally. 

It is worth knowing that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has now reduced their recommendation for daily intake to 10 mg per day or 4-5 drops of 5% CBD oil. This dose is relatively small enough to experience all its health benefits. On the other hand, pharmaceutical companies are selling prescription-based CBD products with much higher dosages of 100 mg or more.[1,2] Hence, it would be correct to say that CBD does have health effects, and it is safe to consume CBD oil.

Studies show that CBD oils are not meant to treat or cure health conditions but are commonly used for their health effects. One of the studies found that the top 4 reasons for using CBD were:[3]

• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Stress
• General health and well-being

People commonly use CBD for other reasons like muscle soreness, managing skin issues and insomnia.

At higher dosages, CBD is also good for more severe conditions. For example, one of the CBD-based medications called Epidiolex is approved for use in the UK, US, and EU for managing resistant epilepsy in children.[2]

Although CBD does not cause euphoria, there is no doubt that it is still a mild mind-altering substance. Hence, there is a sound reason to believe that it can help reduce anxiety. Additionally, new studies show that CBD may influence metabolism due to its effect on the endocannabinoid system.[4]

Unlike CBD-based medications, commonly available CBD oils have lower CBD concentrations to ensure that the products are safe for the wider population and regular use. Hence, most commonly sold CBD oils are not meant to treat or cure any severe health issues. Nonetheless, studies show that even at lower dosages, CBD may be good for controlling anxiety levels.[5]

When we say that CBD is good for countering anxiety pen with CBD, reducing stress, enhancing sleep quality, and boosting metabolism, we are not talking about any severe disorders or diseases. Everyone experiences mild anxiety on a day-to-day basis, sleep issues, mild pains, or other minor health issues. Supplementing diet and lifestyle interventions with CBD oil may help overcome these common health problems.

So, what is CBD oil good for? Well, for a range of health conditions. Of course, one does not have to be living with some disease or severe health issues to enjoy its health effects. It is good for controlling stress and anxiety, enhancing sleep quality, reducing inflammation, and helping with chronic painful conditions. Consistent CBD oil use may result in an improved feeling of well-being and overall health.

1. Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland update consumer advice for CBD | Food Standards Agency [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 2]. Available from: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/food-standards-agency-and-food-standards-scotland-update-consumer-advice-for-cbd.
2. Epidyolex 100 mg/ml oral solution - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 2]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10781/pil#about-medicine.
3. Moltke J, Hindocha C. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. J Cannabis Res. 2021;3:5.
4. Chye Y, Christensen E, Solowij N, et al. The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol’s Promise for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:63.
5. Wright M, Di Ciano P, Brands B. Use of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Anxiety: A Short Synthesis of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2020;5:191–196.