As someone who experiences frequent headaches, low energy, insomnia, and low mood, I was eager to try CBD when I first discovered it. The first brand I tried was a pure CBD vape oil from a local shop. It was synthetically created, and while it provided a brief relaxation, it was not up to snuff. Eventually, I tried Charlotte's Web, and shortly thereafter, Palmetto Harmony. I have also tried a sample of Ozia's Elevate hemp oil. By far the best product I have had is Palmetto Harmony hemp oil (see website here). I will review it briefly on the main reasons I use it:
1. Headaches & other pains - Palmetto Harmony's hemp oil by far exceeded any over the counter or even prescription (ie, oxycodone) pain medication. Having been prescribed opiods for brief amounts of time a couple of times, I can say for sure hemp oil knocks the socks off those dangerous and addictive drugs, and even if used for several days in a row for bodily aches, there's no withdrawal or anything of the sort.
2. Low energy - Palmetto Harmony's hemp oil can give a little boost of energy in the correct dose. I think by making you feel relaxed, in a good mood, and killing the aches brought on by poor sleep, it allows you to function more normally on those days.
3. Low mood - Feeling down? The hemp oil will lift your spirits. It can quell anxiety and lift a depressed mood. Simple as that.
4. Insomnia - A little bit of a larger dose of PH (about 5 ml for me) about 2-3 hrs before bedtime makes me sleep very well. I usually take a long time to fall asleep and also toss and turn a lot, or wake up in the night. When PH is taken as said here, I find I sleep normally. As a chronic insomniac, this is very helpful.
While I cannot attest personally to its efficacy in treating autism, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders since I or a close one does not have these issues, it is worth noting that in some countries a CBD rich hemp oil is already a pharmaceutical option for bad epilepsy.
How does it work?, you might wonder. While the hemp oil contains other similar molecules with a variety of slightly different mechanisms, CBD itself has a well known pharmacology.
1. CBD is a weak antagonist of the CB1 receptor. THC, the more famous chemical in marijuana, activates the CB1 receptor. CBD rich strains of marijuana are reported by smokers of marijuana to provide a more relaxing recreational experience. Source: Opposite Effects of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Human Brain Function and Psychopathology (2010) and A Critical Review of the Antipsychotic Effects of Cannabidiol: 30 Years of a Translational Investigation (2012)
2. CBD is an agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor like certain medications for anxiety or depression (buspirone, trazadone, vilazadone). This contributes to the relaxation of CBD. Source: Agonistic Properties of Cannabidiol at 5-HT1a Receptors (2005)
3. CBD is a weak positive modulator of opioid receptors. This means it does not have direct analgesic and potentially habit forming properties like proper opiates, but rather, that it enhances your body's response to its own endorphins. Source: Cannabidiol is an allosteric modulator at mu- and delta-opioid receptors (2006)
4. CBD inhibits the T-Type calcium channel, which likely is the main reason for its anti-epileptic properties. Source: Inhibition of Recombinant Human T-type Calcium Channels by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol*
However, as I said before, I have had pure CBD. The whole hemp plant extract is far more effective. The other molecules in the hemp oil seem to have a synergistic effect that makes the CBD's effects both stronger and much longer lasting. The effects of Palmetto Harmony's are stronger and better than Ozia's Elevate or Charlotte's Web hemp oil. I don't know what exactly is different on a chemical level, but these are sourced from different farms. Palmetto Harmony's is the best, try it for yourself and see!
