Benefits of Extra Strength CBD Oil
Author: Amber Gibson
You’re a construction worker who injured your back on the job. The surgery went well and your physical therapist says you should be able to resume work soon, although you are still having a lot of pain. Your doctor has offered to prescribe a painkiller for you, but you’re worried about getting addicted to it (that happened to a buddy of yours). A friend recommended medical marijuana, but your company does random drug testing and you don’t want to fail a test. You want to go back to work.
Or:
The arthritis in your hands is getting worse. Some days you can hardly stand the pain. It’s preventing you from doing the things you love to do, like knitting and working in your garden. Nothing seems to help.
Or:
Insomnia has been a real problem for you for a long time. You’ve tried both prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. Both leave you feeling groggy the next day, and you don’t get much done. It’s frustrating!
What is CBD oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound, or cannabinoid, found in the cannabis plant. It is associated with potential benefits for a wide range of health conditions, from inflammation to anxiety, and even neurological disorders. CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, many of which are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits.
What is extra strength CBD oil?
The potency of a CBD oil is determined by how much cannabidiol is in it. CBD oil is commonly sold in 30 milliliter (mL) bottles, and range from 500 mg per bottle (16.67 mg of CBD per mL) to 9000 mg of CBD per 30 mL bottle (300 mg per mL), which is the highest potency on the market today. Concentrations above 3000 mg per 30 mL are generally considered extra strength.
And just to make sure you’re not confused; high potency means extra strength.
Why take any CBD oil?
Although a great deal more research is needed to identify all of CBD’s potential, studies have already confirmed that it can relieve both chronic and occasional pain and reduce anxiety, stress and depression. It can also help insomniacs get quality sleep.
Many people turn to CBD because they have grown distrustful of the pharmaceutical industry and they want natural remedies that are compatible with the way they manage their health. They also appreciate the fact that it comes in a variety of products, including capsules, gummies, creams, sprays and oils, the most popular form of CBD.
Why take extra strength CBD?
Regular strength CBD may be appropriate for people who want to feel relaxed, support their immune systems and enhance their heart health. It might also be an excellent choice for those who experience short-term or occasional insomnia, like Lily, who uses a CBD oil in the low-to-middle range of potency. “I like how it helps me sleep,” she says.
A CBD of moderate potency will achieve the health results many people are looking for.
However, for more severe or long-term problems - like the ones outlined at the beginning of this article – extra strength CBD may be a better option. The stronger a CBD oil is, the greater the effect it’s going to have. Additionally, users are likely to get faster and longer lasting relief from their symptoms.
Extra Strength CBD FAQs
Don’t let the numbers fool you. Extra strength CBD is more expensive per bottle, but it actually costs less per mg or per dose of CBD. You will need a smaller amount to achieve the same results that a larger amount of less potent CBD would achieve.
Unlike the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is known for its intoxicating properties, CBD will not get you high. Extra strength CBD oil contains a stronger concentration of CBD, but it should not contain more than trace amounts of THC (less than .3% THC).
No. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that “CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”1 This is true whatever the potency.
The same WHO report referenced above found that a number of trials have found CBD to be “well tolerated, with a good safety profile.”1
Even so, some users of CBD oil have reported side effects like drowsiness and fatigue, diarrhea and a reduced appetite. These effects may be more pronounced with high potency CBD than a lower potency oil. You may want to start out with a lower potency CBD oil and see how your body tolerates it before progressing to a higher potency version.
There is also a concern in the medical community about potential drug interactions. It is important that you talk to your doctor before beginning to use CBD, especially if you are on any prescription medications.
Check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) on the manufacturer’s website, linked to the description of the CBD product you’re thinking of using. The COA proves that the product has been tested by an independent, third-party laboratory. It will display the results of the testing that was done and tell you which cannabinoids are in the product, along with their amounts - the total number of milligrams of CBD in the product, or the number of milligrams in each serving. COAs should be batch specific. That is, the batch number on the product label should be the same as the one listed in the COA. In this way, you will know that the test results you’re seeing are for your specific product choice.
If you don’t see a COA, or if the manufacturer says it does its testing in-house, you will have no guarantee that you are actually getting high potency CBD (or good quality CBD, for that matter).
The final word about extra strength CBD oil
Extra strength CBD oil offers an affordable, easy-to-use option for people whose health concerns may not be sufficiently addressed by lower potency CBD.
