Cannabidiol is a popular natural remedy used to treat many common ailments.
Known as CBD, it is one of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the largest psychedelic cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it often causes excessive sensations associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
These criteria make CBD an attractive option for anyone looking to relieve pain and other symptoms without the brain – the reversible effects of marijuana or the side effects of another drug.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant and diluting it with carrier oil such as coconut oil or flaxseed oil. A variety of CBD products are available online and in stores, including supplements, bath tips, drinks and food.
It is gaining momentum in the world of health and fitness, and many scientific studies have shown that it can reduce the symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety. But is this the right choice for you?
This article looks at the 6 health benefits of CBD, as well as the potential side effects and safety concerns associated with CBD products.
Attention: Is CBD Legal?
CBD products derived from marijuana (less than 0.3% THC) are legal at federal level but remain illegal under some state laws.
CBD products derived from marijuana are illegal at the federal level, but are legal under some state laws.
Check the laws of your state and wherever you go. And be aware that CBD products sold over the counter are not FDA approved and may be incorrectly labeled.
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It can relieve pain
Cannabis has been used to treat pain since 2900 BC.
Recently, scientists have discovered that many components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
The human body has a special system called the Nine Endocrine System, which is involved in regulating many functions, including sleep, hunger, pain, and the immune system’s response.
The body produces endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters that attach to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
Research shows that CBD can help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.
Some research suggests that CBD may be effective for certain types of pain, including nerve pain and back pain, when used alone. However, it is most effective when combined with THC.
Numerous human studies have shown that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and arthritis-related pain.
An oral spray called Sativex (nabiximols), a 1: 1 combination of THC and CBD, is approved in many countries for the treatment of pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
A study of 47 people with multiple sclerosis looked at the effects of taking Sativex for one month. Participants experienced increased pain, ability to walk, and muscle tension.
However, no control group was included in the study, so the placebo effect cannot be ruled out.
In the review, the researchers noted that Sativex may benefit people with severe neuropathic pain related to multiple sclerosis and chronic acute neuropathic pain. Studies have also shown that Sativex can help reduce anxiety and stress, which are important factors in chronic pain.
Furthermore, several studies have shown that CBD can relieve the symptoms of arthritis, such as fibromyalgia.
The study, which included data from a survey of 2,701 people with fibromyalgia, found that those who used CBD for pain relief generally reported a slight improvement in symptoms.
And based on preliminary evidence from mouse studies, CBD may have beneficial effects on the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, but human studies are lacking.
Although cautious researchers hope that CBD may be helpful in treating certain types of pain, especially when combined with THC, other high quality studies have been conducted to determine its effectiveness in treating pain.
Summary
CBD, especially when combined with THC, may be effective in reducing some types of pain associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. However, more research is needed to explore its potential use in pain management.
It can reduce the symptoms of mental health disorders
Anxiety disorders and other mental health disorders can have a negative effect on overall health and well-being.
Psychiatric disorders are often treated with medication, which can cause a number of side effects, including drowsiness, irritability, insomnia, impotence and headaches.
Also, drugs such as benzodiazepines can be addictive and can lead to substance abuse disorders.
CBD oil has been shown to be effective in treating some mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders. Many people living with this condition are interested in this natural approach.
In a Brazilian study, 57 men received a CBD or placebo orally 90 minutes before taking a mock public speaking test. The researchers found that a dose of 300 mg of CBD was most effective in significantly reducing anxiety during the test.
People who have taken a placebo, 150 mg of CBD, or 600 mg of CBD have no side effects.
CBD oil is used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder.
A small study from 2019 also found CBD to be effective in reducing PTSD-related symptoms in adults, including nightmares.
Several other studies suggest that CBD may be effective for people with social anxiety and other anxiety disorders.
Although some people know that CBD improves the symptoms associated with depression, human evidence of the potential antidepressant potential of CBD is currently limited.
However, numerous studies suggest that it may help reduce the symptoms of depression in people with impaired cannabis use.
The effects of CBD on anxiety and depression symptoms are being studied.
In fact, a study on the possible effects of 150-300 mg CBD daily for 12 weeks on the symptoms of anxiety and depression in people with bipolar disorder is expected to be completed in April 2022.
Summary
The use of CBD has been shown to improve some of the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Researchers are investigating how CBD can be used to treat other mental illnesses.
It can reduce some of the symptoms associated with cancer
CBD can help reduce some of the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting and pain.
A previous study examined the effects of CBD and THC on 177 people with cancer-related pain who did not recover from the pain.
Those treated with both compounds experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who received THC alone.
A review of five studies has shown that Sativex may help reduce cancer-related pain in some people.
However, the results of studies examining the effects of CBD on cancer-related nausea, pain, and loss of appetite, such as cannabis and cannabinoids, have been compiled.
Although CBD can help some people with cancer, more research is needed to determine if CBD should be used more frequently to treat cancer symptoms.
If you have cancer and are interested in using CBD or other cannabis products, it is important that you contact your healthcare provider. This product may not be safe, suitable or effective for all cancer patients.
Summary
Although CBD may improve some of the symptoms associated with cancer in some people, research findings are currently mixed and more research is needed to assess its effectiveness and safety.
It May have neuroprotective properties
Researchers believe that CBD’s ability to affect the benign endocrine system and other signaling systems of the brain may benefit people with neurological disorders.
In fact, the most widely used use of CBD is in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Although research in this area is still relatively new, several studies have shown promising results.
Sativex has been shown to be a safe and effective way to reduce muscle itching in people with multiple sclerosis.
It reduced seizures in 75% of the 276 people with multiple sclerosis who experienced drug-resistant muscle tension.
In another study, researchers gave 214 people with severe epilepsy 0.9 to 2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (2 to 5 grams per kilogram) in body weight. Their visits decreased by an average of 36.5%.
Another study found that CBD oil significantly reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome, a more common complication of childhood epilepsy than placebo.
However, in both studies, some people experienced adverse reactions associated with CBD treatment, including seizures, fever, and fatigue.
CBD has also been studied for its potential effects in the treatment of many other neurological disorders.
For example, several studies have shown that CBD treatment can improve the quality of life and sleep quality in people with Parkinson’s disease.
However, researchers note that there is currently a lack of high quality data. This means that there is not enough evidence to support the use of CBD in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
But the FDA has approved CBD products to treat many seizures.
Epidiolex, a prescription cannabidiol product, was approved by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of seizures associated with two types of acute epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
In 2020, Epidiolex received FDA approval for the treatment of seizures caused by complex tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes benign tumor growth in the brain and other parts of the body.
Summary
CBD can be effective in treating seizures associated with many medical conditions. Epidiolex CBD prescription products have received FDA approval for the treatment of rare seizures associated with seizures such as Dravet’s syndrome.
It Can benefit heart health
Several studies have linked CBD to various benefits for the cardiovascular system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of many diseases, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.
Research shows that CBD can benefit people with high blood pressure.
In a small study, 9 healthy men were given 600 mg of CBD oil. CBD treatment reduced resting blood pressure compared to placebo.
In the same study, men also took a stress test that normally raises blood pressure. Interestingly, in response to this test, a single dose of CBD resulted in lower blood pressure in men than normal.
Another study of 26 healthy men found that treatment with 600 mg of CBD for 7 days could significantly lower blood pressure in a shorter time than the placebo group. However, the effect disappeared after 7 days.
The CBD group kept blood pressure levels lower in response to stress than the placebo group after repeated doses over time.
The researchers also found that the CBD group, compared to the placebo group, reduced arterial spasm and increased blood flow to the arteries after repeated doses of CBD.
Overall, these results are encouraging, but we need more research into the potential heart health benefits of CBD treatment.
Summary
Although more human research is needed, CBD can benefit heart health in a number of ways, including lowering blood pressure and improving arterial function.
Other potential benefits
CBD has been studied for its role in the treatment of other health problems listed above.
Although more research is needed, CBD is thought to provide the following health benefits.
- Antipsychotic effect: Research shows that CBD can help people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing the symptoms of psychosis.
- Substance Abuse treatment: CBD can help relieve anxiety and depression in people who rely on certain drugs, including heroin.
- Life expectancy in people with glioblastoma: Recent research suggests that a combination of CBD and THC may help prolong the life of some people in an aggressive form of cancer called glioblastoma, but research is limited.
- Sleep can be improved: Some research suggests that CBD may help improve sleep in some people with sleep disorders, although more studies are needed.
Summary
Some research shows that CBD can help with substance abuse disorders, psychiatric disorders, and certain types of cancer. However, we need more human studies to learn more about these possible effects.
Possible side effects of CBD products
Although CBD is generally well-accepted and considered safe, it can cause adverse reactions in some people.
Side effects observed in the study include:
- Diarrhea
- Appetite and weight change.
- Fatigue
Other side effects have been reported in childhood epilepsy studies, including abnormal liver function test results, drowsiness, sedatives, and pneumonia. But these effects may be due to interaction with other CBD drugs such as Clobazum.
In fact, CBD interacts with many medications, including painkillers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and diabetes medications. Before testing CBD oil, talk to a healthcare professional to assess safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions.
In addition, it is important to note that the market is currently full of CBD products, most of which are of low quality.
CBD is found in food, beverages, dietary supplements, and body care products, and these products are often sold to treat stress, pain, and sleep problems.
However, this does not mean that you should include any of them in your diet or exercise program.
Although there is some evidence that CBD can help with some aspects of health, research suggests that food intake varies. It is difficult to determine the best diet for specific health needs.
In addition, many products contain a blend of ingredients, not just CBD. For example, supplements containing CBD and herbal ingredients may not be safe for everyone, as many herbs may interact with commonly prescribed medications.
Before using CBD products, talk to a healthcare professional about proper nutrition and other concerns.
If you choose to use CBD products, choose products whose quality and authenticity have been verified by a third party.
Summary
Although CBD is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects in some people, such as diarrhea and fatigue. It can also interact with certain medications, which can have side effects.
The Bottom Line
CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in reducing the symptoms of many common ailments, including anxiety and neurological disorders. In addition, it can benefit heart health and help relieve certain types of pain.
Note that some of these health benefits come from using CBD in conjunction with THC, not just CBD.
In some cases the effects of CBD are being researched and much remains to be learned about the potential uses of CBD.
Consult your doctor first if you are interested in taking a CBD test to improve your health or maintain your overall health. They can help you decide if it is appropriate to include CBD products in your daily routine and help you choose the best product.