7 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CBD
Things you may not have known, that are good to know.
Cannabidiol (CBD), is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance that can be isolated to make products such as CBD oils and edibles. Unlike it’s cousin cannabinoid THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, CBD does not produce a “high” feeling.
So what does CBD do? Here’s what you need to know about 7 potential medical uses of CBD and where the research stands:
1. Anxiety Relief
Research on CBD is still in its infancy, but there is mounting evidence to suggest it can be an effective method of anxiety relief. How exactly? Well, researchers think it may change the way our brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical closely linked to mental health. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your individual cells that enable the cell to receive chemical messages and help respond appropriately to different stimuli.
One study found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a speech, while others have shown reduced symptoms of social anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. Other earlier studies done with animals have shown that CBD may help relieve anxiety by:
Reducing stress
Decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, such as an increased heart rate
Improving symptons of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Inducing sleep in cases of insomnia
2. Anti-seizure
CBD has been in the news for some time now, especially as a possible treatment for epilepsy. The American Epilepsy Society states that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use.
The UNC School of Medicine researchers show it may alleviate seizures and normalize brain rhythms in Angelman syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental condition.
3. Neuroprotective
Researchers are looking at a receptor located in the brain to learn about the ways that CBD could help people with neurodegenerative disorders, which are diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. This receptor is known as CB1. Researchers are studying the use of CBD oil for treating:
Alzheimer’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson’s disease
Stroke
CBD oil may also reduce the inflammation that can make neurodegenerative symptoms worse. Of course, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Anti-acne
The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil may offer benefits for acne management. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the oil prevented activity in sebaceous glands.
These glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. Too much sebum, however, can lead to acne.
5. Pain Relief
The effects of CBD oil on your brain’s receptors may also help you manage pain. Studies have shown that cannabis can offer some benefits when taken after chemotherapy treatments. Other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health are also looking at the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by:
Arthritis
Chronic pain
MS pain
Muscle pain
Spinal cord injuries
Nabiximols (Sativex), a multiple sclerosis drug made from a combination of TCH and CBD, is approved in the United Kingdom and Canada to treat MS pain. However, some researchers think the CBD in the drug may be contributing more with its anti-inflammatory properties than by acting against the pain. Clinical trials of CBD are necessary to determine whether or not it should be used for pain management.
6. Cancer Treatment
The key word here is “treatment”, not to be confused with “cure”. Even using treatment in the same sentence as cancer might be a little premature, but there is evidence to suggest CBD may help manage symptoms of cancer.
Pain relief: Both cancer and its treatment can lead to pain. CBD indirectly acts on the CB2 receptors, which may help with widespread pain relief by reducing inflammation.
Tumor: researchers noted in a 2016 study that the use of cannabinoids seem to inhibit the growth of many different types of tumor cell in both test tubes and animal models.
7. Weight Regulation
Boost metabolism and reduce food intake
Preliminary research suggests that CBD may reduce food intake and boost metabolism, which could promote weight loss.
Animal studies indicate that CBD affects weight by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in lymphoid tissue and the brain. These receptors are thought to play important roles in metabolism and food intake.
While such results are promising, there are not enough human studies to support these findings, and more research is needed to be conclusive.
Browning of fat cells
Two types of fat exist in your body: White and Brown.
White fat is the predominant form, and it’s also the type of fat most associated with chronic illness when accumulated in excess. Brown fat, on the other hand, is responsible for generating heat by burning calories.
You can convert white fat to brown by exercising, getting adequate sleep, and exposing yourself to cold temperatures. Interestingly, research shows that CBD may aid this process. However, more human research is needed to confirm these effects.
Read more about CBD and weight management here.
8. CBD oil side effects
CBD oil does not pose any major risk for consumers. Unlike traditional medications for pain management, there are no apparent lethal doses of CBD. This is because the drug does not affect the central nervous system in the way that opiates do. However, some side effects are possible. These could include:
Depression
Dizziness
Hallucinations
Low blood pressure
Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and insomnia
More human studies are needed to fully understand the range of risks and side effects that CBD oil may cause. Studies of CBD on its own aren’t common, as most studies are done on the cannabis plant as a whole and not on CBD isolated.
Summary
CBD may not help, but it will not hurt.
CBD oil does not pose any major risk for consumers. Unlike traditional medications for pain management, there are no apparent lethal doses of CBD. This is because the drug does not affect the central nervous system in the way that opiates do. However, some side effects are possible. These could include:
Depression
Dizziness
Hallucinations
Low blood pressure
Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and insomnia
More human studies are needed to fully understand the range of risks and side effects that CBD oil may cause. Studies of CBD on its own aren’t common, as most studies are done on the cannabis plant as a whole and not on CBD isolated. However, the potential health benefits of CBD cannot be ignored.
Now you know, the things that are good to know.
