Does CBD Oil Really Work? Here’s 5 Ways To Tell

Maybe you’ve decided to try CBD oil because a friend recommended it. Or maybe you’ve heard that it helps with anxiety or pain. Whatever the reason, many people ask the same question when they first start using it – does CBD oil really work?

Yes, it does – but the differences may be too subtle for you to really even notice at first. While everyone is different in regards to what they are using CBD for and the dose they take, there are a few ways to tell if you’re CBD oil is working or not.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that comes from the industrial hemp plant, though it can be sourced from marijuana as well; this is less common due to the low CBD, high THC ratio found in the plant. Many people claim to get relief from all sorts of ailments when using CBD, and the science behind more than a few of these is solid.

5 ways to tell if your CBD oil is really working

CBD can be used in many different ways, including CBD oils, CBD capsules, CBD topical products, even sublingual CBD strips. Regardless of how you want to take it, here’s what to look for if you’re questioning whether or not this cannabinoid is actually working.

Your mood is more positive

Scientists have discovered that phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids like CBD) play on the same things that our body’s own naturally produced endocannabinoids do, one of which is anandamide. Anandamide is known as the “happy” or “bliss” endocannabinoid, and its job is, you guessed it, to regulate mood and happiness.

This 2015 study that involved both humans and mice concluded that high levels of anandamide led to enhanced mood and fear reduction. So if you find yourself smiling a bit more and feeling a bit more positive, this is a good sign that your CBD is doing what it’s supposed to.

You feel calmer and aren’t as stressed out

If you’re not familiar with the word hormone cortisol, you should be. Nearly 2 out of 3 people globally are reported to be stressing out over something, be it work, money issues, or the world’s state in general. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, and CBD may help you out in that regard.

Research shows that CBD may directly affect the level of cortisol being produced in your body, leading to a less stressed out you. Cortisol isn’t all bad, however, and some is necessary for our bodies to function. The flight or fight response? That’s cortisol at work.

If you find yourself feeling a bit more optimistic and not so doom and gloom? That may be the CBD talking.

You’re sleeping better at night

CBD has been reported to help many people get a better night’s rest; science is unclear on this one. Reducing the amount of cortisol produced by your body can greatly impact the quality and quantity of sleep you get at night.

Also well researched is the impact that CBD has on our hormones, one of which is melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle in humans; studies show that CBD can help stimulate melatonin production, which again leads to more ZZZ’s for you.

You’re less anxious about life in general

General anxiety disorders have skyrocketed in the past few decades. It’s unclear whether it’s the changing state of the world that’s causing it or the fact that more attention has been brought to the issue; one thing is clear – it’s an issue for a great many people.

Thankfully, CBD and anxiety seem to go hand in hand with one another. Plenty of research has already been done on the subject, with even more currently ongoing. This 2019 study showed a decrease in anxiety in a whopping 79% of subjects which remained lowered for the study duration. Another shows CBD potentially work for many anxiety disorders, including SAD, PTSD, GAD, and more.

Heartbeat a little slower, and your thoughts aren’t racing as much? This is a telltale sign that your CBD is really working for you.

Your body feels more relaxed

Cannabinoids like CBD work by way of our Endocannabinoid System. This is a vast network of receptors that runs throughout our bodies and brains. The Endocannabinoid System’s job is to keep our bodies in balance, which is called homeostasis. This intricate system plays a major part in how our bodies function as a whole; this is why CBD seems to work for so many things.

One of CBD’s big potential benefits is its impact on inflammation in the body. Scientists have learned that cannabinoids can suppress the body’s inflammatory response while regulating the immune system through research. CBD shows great potential for many inflammation-related diseases like arthritis, MS, and colitis; more research in this area is needed, however.

So does CBD oil really work?

It may be difficult at first to tell if your CBD oil is working or not; the signs can be pretty subtle. CBD may take some time to build up in your body before you notice any change, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get instant results.

The best way to go about taking CBD is low and slow with it until you figure out your optimal dose. Remember, consistency with CBD is key! Taking your CBD at regular intervals during the day will keep a constant amount of CBD in your system.