Oct
CBD Articles, CBD Dosage, CBD in Japan
How to use CBD oil: CBD Oil Usage Guide in Japan
CBD, which has been talked about for its beauty and health benefits, became a worldwide boom, and over the past few years has become a fixture in the lifestyles of people aiming to live a healthier lifestyle.
It is said to have various positive effects on the human body and has become so familiar that one in three people in the U.S. is said to use CBD products.
CBD oil is particularly effective and easy to use. In this article, you will learn what CBD is, the benefits of CBD oil, how to use CBD oil, how to choose CBD oil, and the legality of CBD.
We hope that by learning more about CBD, more people will be inspired to take a fresh look at their mental and physical health.
Table of contents
What is CBD？
CBD stands for Cannabidiol. CBD is an active compound found in industrial hemp (cannabis or cannabis sativa), one of more than 100 different cannabinoids. It is used by people seeking to relieve anxiety, promote restful sleep, and relax. It is also is said to be effective for some mental illness symptoms including reduction of the symptoms of depression. Some people take it for its anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, anti-cancer, and anti-convulsant effects. Although still under study, CBD is also believed to be effective against many other diseases.
CBD was first identified by American chemist Roger Adams in 1940, and in the 1990s, the “endocannabinoid system” was discovered by Israeli Dr. Raphael Mishlam, the “Father of cannabinoids” and a leading cannabinoid researcher. The endocannabinoid system is said to be “an important physiological system related to human health,” including the brain, organs, and immune cells, and maintains balance in our body and mind.
To learn more about CBD from a medical perspective, check out our interview with endocannabinoid expert Blair, M.D.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
Hemp, the source of CBD oil, contains more than 100 cannabinoids, compounds that are beneficial to the human body. Some CBD oil products contain only CBD, while others contain both CBD and THC. Here is a brief overview of the differences.
CBD
・Legal in Japan as long as it is extracted from the stems and seeds of the industrial hemp plant and does not contain any detectable THC. CBD is legal in the USA, Europe, and many other countries in the world.
・Does not give you a high
・No hallucinogenic or toxic effects
・No addictive properties
・Generally extracted from Industrial hemp which contains high amounts of CBD
・It is said to have a relaxing effect and to be useful for depression and other mental illnesses.
・It is said to be effective for various diseases such as anti-inflammation, anti-epilepsy, anti-cancer, and anti-convulsions.
・It is used as a therapeutic drug in some foreign countries.
Almost no side effects*.
*There have been reports of dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, etc. due to sudden ingestion of large amounts, but the effects on the body and mind are said to be negligible.
THC
・IIlegal in Japan. Legal in a growing number of countries for medical and or recreational use including Canada, Thailand, and the majority of states in the USA.
・High (heightened sensation)
・Extracted from cannabis plants generally contain higher amounts of THC.
It is said to be effective for pain relief, nausea and cramps, and appetite stimulation.
・May cause side effects such as short-term memory impairment and nausea
Although the use and sale of products containing THC are not approved in Japan, it is believed that CBD oil containing THC may enhance medical benefits more than CBD oil without THC.
What is CBD oil？
CBD oil is CBD extracted from industrial hemp and diluted with a carrier oil such as MCT oil, coconut oil, or hemp seed oil. It is taken directly under the tongue with a special dropper.
CBD oil taken sublingually (under the tongue) is said to have a higher degree and rate of CBD absorption into the bloodstream (bioavailability) than other CBD products such as CBD gummies and CBD tablets which are chewed and swallowed (from 2018 research). CBD vapes, which are considered to provide the fastest absorption rate, have a lower duration. Thus, CBD oil is said to be the most balanced CBD product in terms of both absorption rate and duration.
Types of CBD Oil
There are three types of CBD oil
- CBD Full-Spectrum
- CBD Broad-Spectrum
- CBD Isolate
- CBD Blend
1. CBD Full-Spectrum
CBD Full Spectrum uses all parts of the hemp plant (natural hemp) and extracts all of its components, including not only CBD, but also THC and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The many useful ingredients interact with each other, making it the most effective CBD oil available.
However, current Japanese law makes it illegal to use any parts of hemp other than the stems and seeds. CBD Full Spectrum products containing detectable THC are not allowed to be manufactured, sold, or used in Japan.
2. CBD Broad-Spectrum
CBD oil from which only THC has been removed from the CBD Full Spectrum. Broad means broad spectrum.
CBD Broad Spectrum contains a variety of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in addition to THC. It is considered to be a CBD oil that is both legal and provides an interaction of useful ingredients, making it easy to feel the effects of CBD oil.
3. CBD Isolate
Isolate means to separate or make independent. This CBD oil is made from pure CBD crystal powder (CBD crystals) from which only CBD has been isolated from hemp.
CBD isolate contains no THC or other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids, and because it is a pure CBD oil with no ingredients other than CBD, it may be a good choice for those who are new to CBD oil and are nervous about trying it for the first time, or for those who want to try CBD oil in stages. CBD isolate is also approved for use by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and JADA (Japan Anti-Doping Agency).
Effects and Health Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil is said to have a wide range of effects on the human body and mind. The health benefits both span mental health and the health condition of your body. Let’s take a look at some of these effects.
Relief of Depression and Anxiety
Depression occurs when there is an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin, and CBD oil works on serotonin receptors and is said to have antidepressant-like effects. CBD is also believed to help control anxiety and decrease its effects.
Restful Sleep
CBD is often recommended for insomniacs. More and more people are taking CBD oil or other combination products before bedtime when they have trouble falling asleep or tend to wake up in the middle of the night.
Suppression of Nausea
CBD is also known to suppress nausea. There is particular evidence for nausea and vomiting as a side effect of chemotherapy in cancer patients, and the American Cancer Society has stated that cannabinoids can be helpful when regular anti-nausea medications do not work.
Improve PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which includes premenstrual abdominal pain, back pain, abdominal and breast tightness, irritability, headaches, lethargy, and difficulty concentrating, and premenstrual dysphoric mood disorder (PMDD), which is the most common form of PMS, causing mental instability to the point that it interferes with daily life. Although still under study, many women in the U.S. and Europe are using CBD to improve these symptoms, and it has been shown that several symptoms of PMS and PMDD can be improved by using CBD.
Improvement of acne and rough skin
In addition to its ability to regulate sebum secretion, CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties. Please also see our article on acne and CBD.
Pain relief
CBD is effective for both neuropathic and inflammatory pain and is said to relieve various types of pain (including chronic pain), including headaches and similar negative effects.
Improvement of Autism Symptoms
CBD, which reduces anxiety and calms the mind, is said to be effective for people on the autism spectrum. It is not a cure for autism but can be used to relieve symptoms.
Treatment of Epilepsy
CBD has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures. There is also the fact that EPIDIOLEX®︎, a CBD drug applied to treat seizures in refractory epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome, has been approved by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and is currently under development in Japan. Please also read our article on clinical trials of CBD in epilepsy.
How to Consume CBD Oil
How to take it
Drip a small amount of CBD oil under the tongue with a special dropper or spoon and allow it to pool for we usually say 30 seconds or more without swallowing immediately. Absorption through the capillaries under the tongue increases the bioavailability of CBD, allowing you to take CBD quickly and more effectively. This is the best way to take it.
Timing
It usually takes 15 minutes to an hour to feel the effects of CBD.
It is best to use it in reverse order of the time you want it to work for your purpose.
There is no problem using it whenever you want, but it may be best to avoid taking large amounts at work or before driving, as it may induce drowsiness or relax you too much depending on your physical condition and the amount consumed.
It can also be taken at night to induce sleep, so it is best to start with a small experimental dose and adjust the dosage and timing as you see how your body responds.
Food Combinations
For more effective use of CBD oil, try taking it before or after eating high-fat foods such as dairy, meat, avocados, and oils. Cannabinoids are said to be absorbed more efficiently when accompanied by fat.
CBD Oil Dosage and Calculations
There is no clearly defined intake guideline for CBD product intake.
This is because everyone has a unique biological system and the endocannabinoid system in the body differs from person to person, so the amount of CBD that is felt may vary from person to person.
Therefore, it is important to know your own appropriate amount of CBD. HealthyTOKYO recommends starting with 15 mg of CBD twice a day. If your goal is to get a good night’s sleep and take CBD oil before bedtime, try about 15-30 mg of CBD at a time. Try the same amount for a few days and gradually adjust the amount you take as you see how it works for you.
You may find it difficult to calculate the amount of CBD contained in a CBD oil product, but it is easy to do using the following formula.
First, find out how much CBD is contained per ml of CBD oil.
CBD content (mg) ÷ Total volume of oil (ml) = Amount of CBD per ml (mg)
Once you know how much CBD is in each milliliter of CBD oil, you can then determine how much CBD is in each dropper drop.
The amount of CBD per ml (mg) x 0.05 ml (approx. 1 dropper drop) = Amount of CBD in 1 dropper drop
Once you know the approximate amount of CBD contained in one dropper drop of your CBD oil, you can simply drop the required number of drops under your tongue with the dropper.
Things to keep in mind when using CBD
1. Know the proper amount to take.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the safety of CBD, and there have been no reports of overdose effects on the human body. However, using a lot of CBD is not always a good idea. The Food Standards Agency (UK Food Standards Agency) has advised that “healthy adults should limit their daily CBD intake to 70 mg”.
Low doses taken over a long period of time may help alleviate chronic symptoms and prevent disease recurrence. Studies have shown that small amounts of CBD can suppress alertness, relieve anxiety, and elevate mood, while larger amounts can make you sleepy, relaxed, and sedated.
Understand the right amount (sweet spot) for your CBD and aim for a comfortable CBD lifestyle.
2. Be conscious of the amount you take.
Some people may experience strong drowsiness if they take too much CBD. The way it works depends on your physical condition that day, so watch your body and be careful not to take too much during the day, such as before driving or at work. Although rare, some side effects might occur.
3. Focus on quality.
There are a lot of products in the market that do not contain the amount of CBD they claim on the label or are not trustworthy. The quality of CBD oil varies greatly depending on the type of hemp (natural hemp), the processing method, and the quality of the factory. The best CBD oil is the one that is extracted from high-quality hemp using CO2 in a certified factory and sold by a reputable company. Be sure to choose products from companies that are reputable and can provide a valid Certificate of Analysis.
4. Do not take during pregnancy and lactation.
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) also advises to “avoid the use of cannabidiol (CBD) during pregnancy and lactation”.
5. Do not choose THC-containing products.
Under current Japanese law, only hemp stems and seeds are allowed for use in products, and it is illegal to sell, use, or bring in from overseas processed products made from other parts of hemp.
Therefore, many foreign CBD oils that may use other parts of the hemp plant cannot be brought into Japan. Unlike in Japan where any amount of THC is currently illegal, the laws in other countries allow for small percentages of THC in CBD oil (0.2%-0.3%). When in Japan, be careful not to use foreign products, particularly those purchased overseas. CBD oil with THC is absolutely illegal in Japan (Cannabis Control Act). So we advise you to not travel with CBD products from overseas into Japan. One of the common side effects of THC is that it gives you a high.
6. Consult your doctor if you are taking CBD with medications.
CBD may interact with other medications, such as making them too effective or, conversely, weakening their effects. If you are currently taking any medications and would like to try CBD, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider to see if there are any problems with taking them together. We would advise caution when you take CBD with any medicine.
CBD Oil Summary
CBD oil is gaining attention around the world, and you may want to try it for your daily health. Apply this guide to your next experience with CBD oil. Follow our blog to read more news and events about CBD.
Try HealthyTOKYO’s CBD oil made in Japan, which is safely and carefully extracted from specially grown high-quality organic hemp using CO2. Buy CBD from our webshop to ease your mind.