CBD is officially famous, people worldwide are no longer just stumbling across this miraculous cannabinoid. People use it, to great effect, and the word has spread like wildfire. CBD has grown fast in popularity for its proposed benefits, so much so that market analysts have suggested that the CBD industry could be valued at over 20 billion dollars annually by 2024! You’ve probably heard of this miraculous Cannabinoid, and i can assume that you would love to know how it can benefit you because thats what this blog is about! So what is CBD and how effective is it really? We will explore 5 proven or possible health benefits as we progress.
What is CBD or Cannabidiol?
CBD, scientifically and less commonly known as Cannabidiol, is one of over 200 chemical compounds that has been found and identified by researchers in cannabis to date. CBD is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis, only second to THC. However, Cannabidiol still more commonly found than the more recently hybridized CBG dominated strains. We'll cover CBG at a later date!
Cannabis is a plant of which there are three main types, indica, sativa and ruderalis. All three have been selectively bred by growers and farmers for centuries to have certain traits, among these traits is a high CBD content and less than %0.3 total thc. This is what it takes to make a high quality CBD oil product! In addition to CBD and other cannabinoid production, the cannabis hemp plant is capable of more than 20,000 different uses! We will explore 5 of those but I suggest you do some poking around to find out for yourself!
1. CBD Oil for Epilepsy
June 2018:The FDA approved Epidiolex (a plant-based formulation of CBD) to treat seizures for people 2 years of age and older with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which are two rare forms of epilepsy.
CBD has also been investigated for use in other forms of treatment-resistant epilepsy, usually in addition to conventional epilepsy medications. Results varied, but several trials showed CBD significantly reduced seizure frequency by almost 44% in most people.
CBD can interact with other medications used for epilepsy and some serious side effects have been reported, notably, a decrease in liver function when given to people already taking valproate. Speak to a doctor before trying CBD oils if on other Epilepsy medications to ensure it will not interefere.
Conclusion: CBD and CBD Oil is beneficial for treating certain types of epilepsy.
2. CBD Oil for Pain
Animal studies have shown that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory effects and works on the endocannabinoid and pain-sensing systems to relieve pain.
Unfortunately, few human trials investigating the use of CBD as a single agent to relieve pain exist, with most trials using a combination of CBD and THC to relieve pain. Notably, Health Canada has approved a combination medication that contains both THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio for the relief of central nerve-related pain in multiple sclerosis, and cancer pain that is unresponsive to optimized opioid therapy. Hempvada also produces a Soothing CBD Oil for Pain that uses terpenes and CBD to potentially assist in combatting symptoms.
An observational study of CBD treatment reported an improvement in self-reported quality of life measures for people with non-cancer-related pain but there was no statistically significant improvement in those with cancer-related pain or with neurological symptoms.
A case series of 47 people with multiple sclerosis reported improvements in pain, walking, and muscle spasms with a combination of CBD and THC.
Animal studies have shown that CBD has a positive effect on serotonin levels in the brain, and serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are thought to play a key role in mood as well as pain.
Other research (both animal and human) has shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory effects, and it may relieve pain by this mechanism.
CBD can interact with other medications used to treat heart conditions or immunosuppressants so you should always talk with your doctor before taking CBD for Pain!
Conclusion: CBD may be beneficial at relieving pain but no high-quality human studies prove this.
3. CBD Oil for Anxiety
CBD oil has been anecdotally shown to treat anxiety with decent effects. Some say better, CBD for anxiety worked better their prescribed "meds" most cases when all side effects of medications were considered. Stories and shares from users worldwide suggest CBD oil has helped relieve them of their anxious moods. A study showed that pretreatment with 300mg CBD oil per dose significantly relieved anxiety in 57 healthy males who undertook a simulated public speaking test. However, dosages of 150mg CBD and 600mg CBD did not make any difference to the men’s anxiety levels.
Beneficial effects on anxiety after taking CBD were reported in an observational study where 21 patients out of 400 had anxiety.
Anxiety scores decreased in a large case series of 72 patients, with 57 patients (79.2%) reporting decreased scores within the first month after CBD treatment.
Conclusion: Yes, CBD may relieve anxiety before events such as public speaking but it is not known what the optimal dose is.
4. CBD Oil for Sleep Disorders
CBD Oils have shown promising results where sleep and sleep disorders are concerned! 31% of people taking CBD for other conditions such as anxiety or non-cancer-related pain reported improved sleep with CBD Oil for sleep.
In a large case series of 72 people, 48 patients (66.7%) reported an improvement in sleep scores within the first month, but these fluctuated over time.
Other trials of 300 mg of CBD in people with anxiety or depression showed that CBD appeared to preserve sleep architecture, meaning it was unlikely to have any negative effects on sleep quality.
Conclusion: CBD does not appear to interfere with sleep and may help people sleep better in most cases!
5. Depression
Uplifting CBD Oils aren't exactly a new for us. Ive personally struggled with depression for years and how found that certain blends work marvelously for my moods. In addition to my experience, animal studies have shown some effect of CBD at relieving depression, possibly related to its strong anti-stress effect after either acute or repeated administration.
Animal studies have shown that CBD has a positive effect on serotonin levels in the brain, and serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are thought to play a key role in mood as well as pain.
Conclusion: CBD may help with depression but more trials are needed.
So Does CBD Oil Work?
Based on the studies, anecdotes and my own personal experiences, I can faithfully say that CBD Oils can benefit or have been proven to benefit a wide range of symptoms as explained above! If you ask me, YES, CBD works and the benefits associated with this cannabinoid make it an absolute must try!