For centuries, the hemp plant has been one of the most important bases for the production of natural remedies. There are cannabis products in abundance, their effect unfold due to a variety of cannabinoids. The focus is on THC and CBD, whereby only the latter is legal in Germany.
A distinction must be made between classic cannabis oil from marijuana and legal CBD products. Cannabis oils containing THC are prescribed by a doctor and are only available in pharmacies. CBD-based cannabis oil, on the other hand, is sold in many places and is perfectly legal in Germany and most European countries.
What is cannabis oil and how is it made?
Cannabis oil is a product made on the basis of cannabis flowers and a carrier oil, which can be used for various ailments. In the beginning, there is the cultivation of the cannabis plant. For CBD products, it is important that EU seeds of the useful hemp are used for cultivation. In general, for all types of cannabis sativa, it is crucial that the plant is cultivated under ecological aspects. This means that the use of pesticides is avoided.
After harvesting, an extract is obtained from the cannabis flowers, which is then dissolved with a carrier oil (e.g. hemp oil). For extraction, processes such as alcohol extraction, oil extraction and especially often CO2 extraction are used.
The history of cannabis oil: from its use in traditional medicine to its modern application
Marijuana became publicized mainly during the hippie era, and since then cannabis oil has also been the talk of the town. However, the discovery goes back much further. For centuries, people have been using hash oil for various reasons. For example, in the age of the Vikings, cannabis was consumed for religious reasons, while the Chinese used cannabis oil in natural medicine.
It is postulated that the invention of cannabis oil dates back to the Asian region. In ancient Mongolia, cannabis traces more than 10,000 years old have been discovered, allowing conclusions to be drawn about our ancestors. The further spread of the oil took place shortly after the birth of Christ, from Korea cannabis reached the whole world.
Today, cannabis no longer plays a role only in alternative medicine. In Germany, for example, it is possible to be prescribed medical cannabis in the form of cannabis oils. In parallel, the use of CBD-based cannabis oil in particular continues to develop.
Cannabidiol, like THC, is one of the cannabinoids contained in the hemp plant. The biggest difference is found in the intoxicating effect. While THC has a psychoactive effect, cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN and CBC have no intoxicating effect.
Looking to the future, a legalization of cannabis products is to be expected in the Federal Republic of Germany. Recently, the Federal Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach, indicated that he expects legalization to take place from the year 2024. From that point on, it can be assumed that both the cultivation of the cannabis plant for consumption purposes and medicinal cannabis oils will be freely available for sale.
The main components of cannabis oil and their potential health benefits
A high-quality cannabis oil consists of two important components. One is the extract of the plant and the other is a carrier oil. Now, we need to distinguish between classic cannabis oil (prescription) and CBD oil. If a CBD cannabis oil is produced, flowers from special cultivation are used for this purpose. They contain a maximum of 0.2% THC and a significantly higher CBD content. Prescription cannabis oil, on the other hand, is made from cannabis containing THC, but is otherwise produced in the same way.
Regardless of the type of cannabis oil, the effect on the endocannabinoid system is understood to be the greatest health benefit. Research is currently active in understanding the cannabis oil effect and backing it up with scientific studies. So far, however, we already know that cannabinoids have the following efficacy, among others:
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Regulation of blood pressure and possibly blood sugar levels
- Speculation about cell growth in tumors
- Positive effects on gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea and stomach pain
- Strengthening of the immune system through interaction with CB receptors
- Effective in various skin diseases by regulating sebum production
Again and again, the term “full spectrum” is mentioned in connection with cannabis oil. It is a decisive criterion for buying a CBD hash oil. Full-spectrum oils contain not only the cannabinoid cannabidiol, but also CBN, CBG, CBC, and especially terpenes and flavonoids. The interaction of these plant components leads to the entourage effect and thus enhances the effect.
The different types of cannabis oil and how they differ
Primarily, we distinguish between THC oil and CBD oil. Both are cannabis oils, but the modes of action differ. Doctors prescribe THC oil when numerous other treatment options have shown no effect. Diseases such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, osteoarthritis, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s disease, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are among the many indications for cannabis oil.
The biggest difference between the two oils (CBD and THC) is the THC content. In Germany, it may not exceed 0.2% for legal CBD oil (1.0% in Switzerland, 0.3% in Austria), while there is no restriction for a THC oil. Cannabidiol is therefore also freely available for sale, THC oil, on the other hand, is only prescribed by doctors on prescription. It is a recognized drug about which there are already many studies.
How cannabis oil can be used: From capsules to oils to topical application
The active ingredient in cannabis oil can be used in a variety of ways. Although it is not allowed in this country, many users smoke CBD and THC flowers in the form of joints. An alternative is vaporizing in a so-called vaporizer.
Classic oils are also used in a variety of ways. Cannabidiol, for example, is usually dissolved in either MCT or hemp seed oil. However, the aroma takes some getting used to, so some users prefer to dissolve their cannabis oil in a liquid. It is important to note here that the effect is then delayed.
Two other alternatives are the use of cannabis oil in the form of capsules, or topical application via the skin. Especially for superficial inflammations (skin diseases), an ointment with cannabis oil is very beneficial. The effect can then occur directly on the spot!
Cannabis oil and its application in various everyday problems
In the coming years, we can expect more and more results of research on the application of cannabis oil. However, the experience of users already shows that it is suitable for the treatment of various ailments. CBD oils are legally available and can therefore be used as an alternative or supplement at any time.
Tip: If treatment is already being provided by the doctor, he should be informed about the use of CBD. Although cannabis oil does not interfere with most active ingredients of medications, interactions can never be completely ruled out. Here now comes a small guide together with an overview of the most exciting areas of application:
- Cannabis oil for mental illnesses: Whether for anxiety, depression or even psychosis – cannabis oil and especially CBD oils are very popular. The cause of such a disease are often disorders in the field of neurotransmitters. Through its effect on the human endocannabinoid system, cannabis oil can provide a balance. A balanced relationship between serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and cortisol reduces stress and also shows good potential effectiveness in anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis oil: the ability of cannabinoids to interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors can stimulate the immune system. As a result, cannabinoids appear to be able to control or reduce chronic inflammation.
- Pain reduction through cannabis oil: Probably the most common application of cannabis oil is pain of any kind. In the case of THC oils, the effect has already been proven in studies. But also the CBD cannabis oil effect is increasingly proven. Thus, there have already been studies on rats that have proven relief from arthritic complaints.
- Cannabis oil to increase vitality: Cannabidiol is harmless to health and freely available. Due to its positive effects on general well-being, more and more people are using it to increase their vitality and power. A low concentration is sufficient to integrate the drops into everyday life.
Possible side effects of cannabis oil and how to avoid them
CBD products are almost free of side effects and are well tolerated by most people. The situation is different with cannabis oil based on THC, here stronger side effects are to be expected due to the psychoactive effect. In general, hemp is a natural plant and so the oils derived from it are also natural. However, THC, unlike CBD, is considered psychoactive and affects the body differently. The difference is also reflected in the potential side effects.
Potential side effects of cannabis oil with THC:
- Palpitations, rapid drop in blood pressure.
- Psychological symptoms such as paranoia, delusions
- Mood swings, increased euphoria
- Lethargy, listlessness, permanent fatigue
- Dizziness, dry eyes, visual disorders
- Dry mouth with constant urge to spit
Statistics have shown that numerous users of marijuana eventually discontinue the therapy for medical reasons. The culprit is often the side effects that occur! It becomes even more dangerous when THC is acquired and consumed illegally. Medically produced cannabis oils always contain the same amount of THC and other cannabinoids, illegally acquired products may be contaminated.
With CBD, hemp shows yet another side. Especially with a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum oil, there are always reports of a possible strong efficacy. For beginners, CBD-based cannabis oils exist in low concentrations (5%), so that gradual dosing is possible. Looking at the potential side effects, there is a serious difference. This is one of the reasons why cannabinoids like CBD are becoming more and more popular.
Potential side effects of CBD-based hash oil:
- Dry mouth
- Mild fatigue when starting to take the product
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea
- Decent dizziness
Due to the lack of psychoactive effects of CBD, it shows a big difference especially with regards to psychological side effects. Cannabis oil based on CBD has no negative psychological effects. The cannabinoid does not change the perception, the hash oil with CBD also does not restrict the ability to drive!
Buying cannabis oil - what is essential to pay attention to when shopping
While marijuana is only available on prescription in pharmacies, CBD cannabis is available for free sale in numerous online stores. The effect itself depends largely on the quality of the product. Here are a few important criteria to look out for:
- Clear declaration of the concentration
- Certificates of manufacture and results of laboratory tests
- Exact declaration of contents and additives
- No use of pesticides and herbicides during production
- Genuine organic quality with cultivation in the EU
- Use of EU hemp seeds
- THC content of maximum 0.2
- Optimally produced by Co2-extraction (especially gentle)
- Designation as broad-spectrum or full-spectrum oil clearly visible
- Shipped discreetly to your home in a package
CBD oil is now available for purchase in pharmacies, drugstores and even supermarkets. Since CBD is a legal component of the hemp plant, it may be sold. However, offers from established stores usually do not convince consumers and users. The problem here is that there is often only one variety available. However, CBD is extremely diverse and so there is a suitable cannabis oil for every user.
It is worthwhile to buy the personally suitable hemp seed oil better in the online store. Here you can get information about the possible cannabis oil effect, the origin of the hemp plant and other criteria.
Conclusion: Why cannabis oil can be a valuable supplement for well-being
Cannabis has a centuries-old tradition and is about to be legalized in Germany. Whether THC-based hemp oil will then also be available online in the future is still unknown. Possibly, however, the interest in THC will also decrease in the long term, as CBD has clear advantages with its effectiveness. It comes from the same plant, also has positive effects on well-being, but is not psychoactive. While the application of cannabis oil with THC lowers the reactivity, CBD can score exactly here.
You’ll remain able to cope with everyday life while still being able to use a CBD oil to alleviate numerous ailments. Anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and even anxiety-relieving properties have already been proven in various studies. The WHO declares CBD oil as harmless, as the potential for side effects easily proves.
So, since CBD-based hemp oil is well tolerated, has no negative influence on perception and is carefully produced, it is a valuable supplement for one’s well-being. Even if no specific ailments are to be treated with CBD oil, it can offer great benefits! Whether the reduction of stress, prevention from migraines or a general increase in vitality – the areas of application are growing.
