We’re talking cannabis oil for erectile dysfunction alongside the differences between cannabis, hemp and CBD oil, and how you can choose the right product based on your needs and wants.
So before we get into that, let’s cover the details on erectile dysfunction, what the research tells us about it, what causes it, and what you can do with cannabis oil to aid this condition.
Cannabis Oil & ED
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common condition with more than 3 million cases diagnosed yearly. ED is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity and/or intercourse.
According to Cleveland Clinic, there is a direct correlation with age and the percentage of men affected. For example, approximately 40 percent of men in their forties and 60 percent of men in their sixties will experience this. Complete erectile dysfunction affects 5% of men at age forty, then jumps to 15% at age seventy. One-third of men reporting ED also experience premature ejaculation, but successful treatment of one usually resolves the other.
Erectile dysfunction is usually linked to an underlying physical or psychological condition.
Physical examples include cardiovascular issues (heart disease, high blood pressure, clogged blood vessels), metabolic issues (obesity, diabetes, elevated insulin), and sleep disorders.
Psychological examples include depression, anxiety, mental health conditions, stress, and relationship problems. With regard to ED, overall well-being and health are major factors that can either help or hinder its onset as men age. Cannabis oil has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of psychological conditions.
Cannabis Oil vs Hemp vs CBD
Before we get into cannabis oil, let’s get into the term “cannabis” so we can clear some confusion out of the way.
There are three species of the Cannabis plant: Cannabis sativa L., Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient of marijuana, is the main difference between the different species.
It’s important to note that the term “cannabis” refers to the species of plant. The only difference between cannabis, hemp and marijuana, would be the way it’s grown, the strain of “cannabis”.
We could look at it this way to keep things simple. You have;
- Cannabis, marijuana; 10-20% THC
- Cannabis, hemp; 0.3% THC
- Cannabis, CBD; a blend of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids, pending the way it’s cultivated
As you can tell, marijuana, hemp and whole plant CBD extractions are all from the “cannabis” plant. Just like granny smith and macintosh are both apples, they’re a different variety. Same as marijuana and hemp. They’re both cannabis, just a different variety. Cannabis oil could be either, so the real question becomes, for what purpose do you want to buy cannabis oil?
Marijuana Cannabis Oil
Marijana cannabis oil would be specifically grown to have high levels of THC to elevate the plant's psychoactive effects to give the user a “high”. Marijuana is illegal without a prescription. You can purchase medical marijuana from a pharmacy once your Doctor has prescribed this for you. That would be the same for cannabis oil marijuana.
CBD Cannabis Oil
In some countries around the world CBD cannabis oil is available. This is a cannabis oil rich in CBD, which could contain varying ratios of THC to CBD, such as 1:1 or 1:2 etc. The different levels would depend on the effect the user is wishing to obtain. In cannabis oil products that contain a ratio of 1:1 THC to CBD, CBD neutralizes the psychoactive effects of the THC, thereby removing the high, but leaving the user with what has often been described as a “balanced” state; pending they were using it for symptoms such as anxiety, stress and insomnia. Currently in New Zealand, medical cannabis products are available by prescription only.
Full Spectrum Cannabis Oil
Full spectrum cannabis oil is another variety of cannabis product containing a full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and fatty acids to enhance potency, synergy and effectiveness. A full spectrum cannabis product is typically made from hemp not marijuana, containing less than 0.3% THC.
Although the THC levels in this type of product are extraordinarily low, the benefits of a full spectrum cannabis oil (also referred to as “full spectrum hemp oil”) can be far reaching as it contains such a wide array of the 120+ cannabinoids found inside the hemp plant.
These cannabinoids are well documented in peer reviewed clinical research to have numerous benefits for human health through their ability to both directly act upon the body, and through activating the bodies own endocannabinoid system to restore order and balance to systems in disarray.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is considered to be the most important system of physiology in the body.
The ECS was discovered in mid-1990 by researcher Dr. Ralph Mechoulam. It was found that the ECS is an integral part of our physiologies responsible for maintaining order and balance across all other systems of the body from the circulatory, digestive and reproductive, to the nervous system and plays a crucial role in human health.
You can learn more about the ECS in our article What is the Endocannabinoid System or through our various articles throughout our blog.
Cannabis Oil for ED
Cannabis oil can help support cardiovascular health in a number of ways. Cannabinoids found inside cannabis oil act as vasodilators, which open blood vessels and allow more blood to flow more easily.
By promoting calmness and relaxation, cannabinoids reduce pressure and heart rates. In addition, vasodilators can treat or prevent heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and pain associated with reduced blood flow.
Many people using whole plant hemp show improvement in their metabolic conditions. Whole plant cannabis oil extractions are showing promise in regulation of blood sugar in those with diabetes.
The ECS is connected with some metabolic functions, like storing energy and regulating insulin sensitivity. Cannabis oil rich in cannabinoids such as CBD can decrease appetite and lower food intake, which can help with weight loss. By creating a healthy metabolism and losing weight, the symptoms of ED improve.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/can-cbd-help-you-lose-weight_b_58ae853ce4b0ea6ee3d035e6
Cannabidiol (CBD) can alleviate the struggles associated with sleep disorders. CBD also works with the ECS to support resolving insomnia by promoting restful sleep and regulating sleep patterns.
CBD being an anxiolytic, reduces anxiety and stress, which makes it easier to fall asleep. CBD also increases dopamine, a brain chemical that is released when one does something pleasurable. This further promotes relaxation and can help induce sleep. Proper sleep improves all functions in the body, including male sexual health.
With regard to mood and mental health, CBD rich hemp oil is making a name for itself by treating a host of such challenges. CBD is not only an anti-anxiolytic, as noted above, but it also works in treating depression. The ECS works to create balanced moods as well as maintain them.
It is so effective that it is being used in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can help men struggling with varying moods and can help improve their dynamics within relationships.
If you’ve found this article on cannabis oil and erectile dysfunction helpful, be sure to check out our blog full of the latest research around hemp, cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system relating to various bodily conditions.
As always, prior to making any changes to your lifestyle or treatment of ED, be sure to consult with your licenced medical professional.
