CBD is more than the second most abundantly produced cannabinoid by Cannabis sativa. Researchers uncover evidence that has proven cannabidiol to be viable as a treatment for various mental and physical disorders.
CBD, an acronym for the wonderful compound cannabidiol, has long been overshadowed by its psychoactive sibling, the cannabinoid THC. Recently, scientists and consumers alike have come to recognize the myriad physical and mental health benefits of CBD. Below, we’ve compiled 10 CBD benefits that might surprise you about the therapeutic power of this essential compound.
1. THE CBD THC MODULE
CBD is considered to be a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not produce a « high » when ingested. As most cannabis users know, THC causes various mind-altering effects when consumed. It can even cause anxiety, paranoia, and panic when consumed in excess. Fortunately, consuming CBD is known to counteract the symptoms of anxiety with sedative attributes that cause the physical manifestations, like tremors and racing heartbeat. CBD and THC used together more effectively than they do in isolation, in a process known as the « Entourage Effect ».
2. RELIEVES PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
If we had to talk about all the potential influences of CBD on human health, we would have to fill more pages than this article can contain. One of the most cited consumer health applications of CBD is for the relief of pain and inflammation.
While CBD research has advanced significantly in recent years, the international medical community has yet to fully accept cannabinoids as medically beneficial. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD suppressed chronic inflammatory pain in rodents. In their testimonials, many medical cannabis users suggest that taking CBD dietary supplements is essential for reducing inflammatory symptoms associated with chronic pain.
Cannabinoids like CBD help facilitate pain mediation by the human endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids attach to receptors and stimulate responses in different areas of the body, encouraging a host of positive neurological feedback. There is evidence showing that CBD binds to CB1 receptors and produces analgesic effects.
3. OCD AND PTSD
CBD shows promise for alleviating anxiety symptoms associated with two prevalent anxiety disorders: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Research linking PTSD to a deficiency of anandamide in the human endocannabinoid system shows a beneficial relationship between cannabinoids on symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety. Patients with OCD see their physical and mental compulsions diminish by ingesting varieties rich in CBD and poor in THC.
4. ANTIPSYCHOTIC
In addition to anxiety disorders, CBD has the potential for antipsychotic action. There is evidence to suggest that cannabidiol helps patients with schizophrenia and other mental disorders, including bipolar disorder. Although THC is not responsible for causing mental illness, it can mimic acute psychotic symptoms in some patients. This is another reason why CBD is welcome when ingesting large amounts of THC. While THC on its own can help bring about health benefits, the therapeutic palette is expanded by the presence of CBD, to reduce the risk of negative side effects experienced with mind-altering effects.
5. ANTI-VOMITING/NAUSEA
One of the worst feelings you can feel when trying to go about your daily business is that of overwhelming nausea, or worse, vomiting. But fear not, CBD oils are easily transported and can effectively treat the symptoms of nausea. Ingesting CBD oil is gentle on the stomach and does not contain the chalky texture or unpleasant taste of antacids or bismuth.
A 2012 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology confirmed that CBD promoted anti-nausea and antiemetic effects in rats. Additionally, ingested in the presence of THC, CBD facilitates even more potent anti-nausea properties, as THC and CBD can fight nausea individually and together.
6. ANTI-CONVULSIVE
Recently, there has been a lot written about evidence that CBD can be used as a powerful anti-convulsant. The data looks particularly promising in treating children with different forms of epilepsy, including Dravet Syndrome. In many testimonials, incredible progress has been made by patients who have used CBD-rich, low-THC cannabis strains to reduce seizures.
A six-year-old girl named Charlotte Figi was experiencing a debilitating amount of seizures every day – around 1200. Her desperate parents decided to try cannabidiol. The result ? Charlotte now only has three seizures per month. It may sound miraculous, but there are many other similar stories all over the world!
7. ACNE
If you stop by the skincare section of your local health food store, chances are you’ll come across a hemp-based skincare product. Hemp and CBD contain natural anti-inflammatory benefits that help inhibit lipid synthesis. CBD acts on the sebaceous glands of humans and appears to produce a « trinity » of anti-acne cellular responses that could be used to totally reduce the prevalence and effects of acne. This includes CBD’s ability to naturally reduce cell proliferation.
8. ENERGY
Although CBD is known for its calming effects on users, it also promotes a feeling of renewed energy and a lack of sluggishness. This is due to the fact that CBD strengthens the cells of the human body and contributes to proper regeneration. Additionally, CBD is an antioxidant that encourages a feeling of wakefulness, uninhibited by the presence of free radicals. A study published in 2008 notes how cannabidiol has more powerful antioxidant properties than Vitamins C and E.
9. ANTI-TUMOR/CANCER
One of the most promising areas of CBD efficacy is in shrinking tumors and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Cannabinoids bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system to prevent tumor metastasis, which inhibits tumor growth and limits cancer cell migration.
The potential applications of cannabis for cancer patients have long been noted. Especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy, cannabis is an effective way to reduce pain and vomiting, while inducing a pleasant feeling of euphoria.
10. LEGAL: NO PRESCRIPTION NEEDED
While it can be difficult to obtain and manage prescription drugs, CBD is legal in most European countries in the form of CBD oils, topical creams and more. Instead of queuing at the pharmacy looking at your watch, simply order your products online. CBD oils are easy to ingest and allow for precise dosing, as long as the oil has been properly purified and does not contain chemicals. CBD oils are produced by extraction. Solvents are introduced into the cannabis flowers, recovering the cannabinoids from the plant material, without additives or contaminants.
In addition to the 10 benefits of CBD listed above, there are many other areas that are being explored by researchers to determine the full therapeutic effects of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids on patients.