Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is just one of the over hundred cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. However, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychotropic cannabinoid present in cannabis, generating the “high” sensation commonly associated with cannabis. However, CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive.
Because of this, CBD gummies can be an excellent choice for individuals seeking relief from chronic pain and other illnesses without the mind-altering impact of cannabis or the additional adverse effects associated with other prescription medicines.
CBD oil is made by isolating CBD from the cannabis plant and infusing it with a base oil like coconut oil. CBD is available in various items, including bath soaks, nutritional supplements, beverages, and food online and offline.
It’s gaining traction in the healthcare industry, with some scientific studies indicating that it can assist with symptoms of ailments such as chronic pain and anxiety. It is also promoted as an appetite stimulant, a sleep aid, a cure for skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, a pain reliever, a seizure preventative, and more. But how reliable are these claims? Is CBD oil good for you? This article will discuss CBD, its therapeutic benefits, how to consume it, and any potential hazards associated with its usage.
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash
- Scientifically-Backed Benefits Of CBD Oil
- Blood Pressure And Heart-related Illnesses
Some studies have linked CBD oil to various heart and circulatory system benefits, including the capacity to decrease high blood pressure. High blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and metabolic syndrome.
According to research, CBD appears beneficial for patients with high blood pressure. In a small experiment, nine healthy males were given 600 mg of CBD. When compared to a placebo, CBD therapy lowered resting blood pressure. In the same research, the individuals also participated in stress tests, which generally raise blood pressure. Unexpectedly, the men’s blood pressure increased less than typical in response to these tests after a single dosage of CBD.
Overall, these findings are encouraging, but additional research into the potential advantages of CBD therapy on heart health is needed.
Photo by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash
- Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis is characterized by the degeneration of the tissues in and around the joints. Arthritis is classified into numerous forms, and symptoms include pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Pain reduction and increased joint function are generally the goals of arthritis therapy.
Compared to a placebo, 2006 research indicated that Sativex—a CBD-based botanical medication licensed in the United Kingdom in 2010—promoted statistically significant improvements in sleep quality and reduced pain during movements of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. With 58 patients, it was the first controlled study of Sativex as a therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. CBD was discovered to have anti-inflammatory properties along with the capacity to reduce disease symptoms.
Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash
- Cancer
CBD may help reduce cancer-related symptoms and adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain. Prior research examined the impact of CBD and THC in about 200 people with cancer-related symptoms who had not found relief from regular pain medication.
Those who got an extract containing both CBD and THC components reported much less pain than those who simply received a THC extract. An analysis of five trials revealed evidence that Sativex may benefit some persons with cancer-related discomfort.
However, research on the benefits of cannabis and cannabinoids like CBD on cancer-related symptoms, including nausea and discomfort, has yielded conflicting results. Although CBD oil may benefit certain cancer patients, additional study is required to establish whether CBD should be used frequently in cancer symptom treatment.
Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash
- Addiction
According to a 2015 analysis published in the journal Drug Abuse, CBD oil may benefit persons suffering from substance use disorder. The findings of 14 published research were examined in the study. Nine of the research investigated the effects of CBD on animals, while five investigated the impact on people.
According to the study, CBD showed potential for treating people with opiate, cocaine, or psychostimulant use problems. However, the effects of CBD vary depending on the drug. However, CBD without THC, for example, did not alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms.
It did, however, lessen drug-seeking behavior in those who used methamphetamine, cocaine, and other related substances. Some experts believe CBD can assist in curing nicotine addiction, but additional study is needed to support this notion.
- Epilepsy
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Epidiolex, a CBD oral solution, in June 2018. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome are two uncommon types of epilepsy in children under two that are treated with Epidiolex. These are very unusual genetic abnormalities that induce lifelong seizures beginning in infancy.
CBD’s usefulness in treating seizures is unknown outside of these two illnesses. Even with Epidiolex, it’s unclear if the anti-seizure benefits are due to CBD or something else. However, evidence exists that CBD interacts with seizure medications such as Onfi(clobazam) and increases a patient’s blood levels. However, more research is required to understand the connection entirely.
Conclusion
CBD is gaining popularity as a relief for various ailments, but only one product has FDA clearance. As regulation in the United States improves, more exact doses and prescriptions will emerge. For the time being, consumers should seek the counsel of a healthcare expert regarding which product to use and how much to take. They should also conduct their research to guarantee that they abide by regional and local legislation.