CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids identified in Cannabis sativa
THC is the major psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, which creates the high feeling. CBD isn’t psychotropic, unlike THC.
CBD offers pain treatment without the mind-altering effects of cannabis or prescription medicines.
CBD oil is created by extracting CBD from cannabis and diluting it with coconut or hemp seed oil. CBD supplements, bath soaks, drinks, and food are available online and in stores.
Some scientific research suggest it may reduce chronic pain and anxiety problems. What do you think?
This article discusses 6 health benefits of CBD and potential negative effects and safety issues.
CBD legal?
Hemp-derived CBD products (less than 0.3% THC) are allowed federally but banned in some states.
CBD from cannabis is prohibited federally but legal in several states.
Check state and travel laws. Nonprescription CBD products aren’t FDA-approved and may be mislabeled.
- Pain-relieving
In 2900 B.C., cannabis was used to relieve pain
Recently, scientists discovered that CBD, a cannabis component, relieves pain.
The endocannabinoid system regulates sleep, hunger, pain, and immune system response
Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that attach to cannabinoid receptors.
CBD affects endocannabinoid receptor activation, reduces inflammation, and interacts with neurotransmitters, studies reveal
CBD may help nerve and back pain when administered alone, according to some research. It works well with THC.
Multiple human studies have demonstrated that CBD and THC can relieve MS and arthritic symptoms.
In certain countries, Sativex (nabiximols), a 1:1 THC/CBD oral spray, is licensed to alleviate MS pain.
In a month-long research, 47 MS patients took Sativex. Pain, walking capacity, and muscle spasms improved.
Without a control group, placebo effects can’t be ruled out
Sativex may help with MS-related neuropathic pain and persistent severe neuropathic pain, according to one review. Sativex may also help alleviate anxiety and stress, two key chronic pain causes.
Some research suggests CBD may improve fibromyalgia symptoms.
In a poll of 2,701 fibromyalgia patients, those who took CBD for pain treatment reported slight to major improvement.
Rodent studies suggest CBD may reduce arthritic pain and inflammation, but human trials are sparse.
More high-quality trials are needed to determine CBD’s usefulness in pain management, although researchers remain cautiously optimistic.
CBD, especially when combined with THC, may reduce MS and fibromyalgia symptoms. More research is needed to determine its pain-management capabilities.
- Reduces mental illness symptoms
Anxiety disorders and other mental health diseases can be catastrophic.
Mental problems are typically treated with pharmaceuticals, which can produce sleepiness, agitation, sleeplessness, sexual dysfunction, and headaches.
Benzodiazepines can cause addiction and substance abuse. CBD oil has shown potential as a treatment for several mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, attracting many patients.
57 males took CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before a simulated public speaking test. 300 mg of CBD considerably reduced test anxiety, according to experts. The placebo, 150-mg CBD, and 600-mg CBD had little to no impact.CBD oil has been used to treat PTSD-related sleeplessness and anxiety in youngsters. A 2019 study indicated that CBD reduced PTSD symptoms, including nightmares, in adults.
CBD may help with social anxiety and other anxiety problems, according to several research.
Human evidence of CBD’s possible antidepressant abilities is sparse.
Several studies suggest it may alleviate depressive symptoms in cannabis users.
CBD’s effects on anxiety and depression are being studied.
A study testing 150–300 mg of CBD per day for 12 weeks on anxiety and depression in bipolar disorder is planned to be finished in April 2022.
SUMMARY
CBD reduces anxiety symptoms. CBD may be used to treat mental health conditions, say, researchers.
- Reduces cancer symptoms
CBD may alleviate cancer symptoms and medication adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and pain.
A prior study looked at the effects of CBD and THC in 177 cancer patients without pain alleviation. An extract containing both components reduced pain more than THC extract alone.
Five studies found some indication that Sativex may alleviate cancer-related discomfort. The effects of cannabis and cannabinoids like CBD on cancer-related nausea, pain, and appetite are varied.
More research is needed to establish if CBD should be used frequently to control cancer symptoms.
Consult your healthcare provider before using CBD or other cannabis-derived products if you have cancer. Not all cancer patients will find these products safe, effective, or both.
CBD may relieve some cancer-related symptoms in some patients, but further research is needed to determine its effectiveness and safety.
- Neuroprotective
CBD’s capacity to affect the endocannabinoid system and other brain-signaling systems may help neurological illnesses.
CBD is used to treat neurological illnesses like epilepsy and MS. Several studies in this area have shown promise.
Sativex reduces MS spasticity safely and effectively.
75% of 276 MS patients with drug-resistant spasticity had fewer spasms.
Researchers administered 214 patients with severe epilepsy 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (2–5 grams per kg). Their seizures decreased by 36.5%.
CBD oil reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome compared to a placebo. In both studies, several participants reported seizures, fever, and exhaustion from CBD administration.
CBD may also help treat other neurological illnesses.
CBD may improve quality of life and sleep in Parkinson’s disease patients, according to many studies.
Researchers say high-quality data is lacking. There isn’t enough data to support using CBD to treat Parkinson’s.
One CBD product is FDA-approved for treating seizure disorders.
Epidiolex, a prescription cannabidiol medication, was authorized by the FDA in 2018 to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome seizures.
Epidiolex obtained FDA approval in 2020 to treat tuberous sclerosis complex seizures, a rare hereditary disorder that generates benign brain tumors.
CBD may treat epilepsy-related seizures. Epidiolex is FDA-approved to treat Dravet syndrome-related seizures.
- Heart-healthy
CBD may reduce blood pressure, according to some research.
Hypertension increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome. CBD may help high blood pressure patients, according to studies.
9 healthy guys took 600 mg of CBD oil in a small research. CBD lowered resting blood pressure compared to placebo.
In the same study, men underwent blood pressure-raising stress tests. The men’s blood pressure rose less after a single dose of CBD.
In another trial, 600 mg of CBD for 7 days led to significant short-term blood pressure decreases compared to a placebo group. After 7 days, the impact faded.
After multiple dosages, CBD maintained lower blood pressure in response to stress than placebo.
Repeated CBD administration reduced arterial stiffness and enhanced blood flow compared to the placebo group.
These findings are encouraging, but we need further research on CBD’s heart health advantages.
CBD may reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function, but further human research are needed.
Other benefits
CBD has been explored for treating health concerns outside those listed. CBD may give the following health benefits, though further research is needed.
Antipsychotics. CBD may reduce psychotic symptoms in persons with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, according to studies. Drug rehab. CBD may relieve heroin addicts’ anxiety and depression.
Possible glioblastoma life extension. CBD and THC may help some patients with glioblastoma live longer, although evidence is limited.
Better sleep. CBD may assist some sleep issues, but further research is needed.
Some research suggest CBD may help with substance misuse, mental health, and cancer. More human study is needed to determine these impacts.