Because of the many CBD health benefits, cannabidiol has recently become an extremely popular remedy used for a number of common ailments. Commonly known as CBD, it’s made up of one of the hundreds of chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, that are found in the cannabis plant.
While tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most widely known psychoactive cannabinoid from the cannabis plant, CBD is not psychoactive. This means that CBD will not give users the same sensation of getting “high” as those that use THC, which is commonly associated with marijuana.
Instead, CBD is an appealing option for individuals looking for relief from a number of symptoms. CBD health benefits are broad and, as more research is being conducted, increasing in popularity. These benefits also come without the mind-altering effects of marijuana and other specific pharmaceutical drugs, and they help those struggling live a happier, healthier life.
Due to multiple studies highlighting the benefits surfacing every day, CBD is gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry. The following are some of the many CBD health benefits.
1. Pain Relief
While marijuana has been used to treat pain throughout history, according to this 2017 study. Recently, scientists have narrowed down the specific components that are responsible for these effects, pointing to CBD as one of them.
The human body’s specialized system that focuses on regulating multiple functions like sleep, appetite, immune system responses and pain is referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Endocannabinoids are produced by the body, and these neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.
Studies have already proven that CBD can reduce chronic pain by interacting with neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid receptor activity to reduce inflammation. One study done one rats found that oral CBD treatments notably reduced nerve pain and inflammation. The reductions in pain have also been found to improve overall levels of happiness.
2. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders rank sixth as a contributor to disability worldwide. It’s usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can lead to a number of side effects like agitation, insomnia, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction and headaches. Some of these medications, such as benzodiazepines, can be extremely addictive and contribute to substance abuse.
CBD oil has shown possibilities as a treatment for anxiety and many people with the disorder have become interested in the more natural approach. It has even been used to treat insomnia and anxiety in children who have exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a 2016 study.
3. Depression
Much like its use with treating anxiety, CBD health benefits also include the possibility of treating depression. In several animal studies, CBD has shown antidepressant-like effects. This is a result of its ability to impact the brain's receptors for serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates social behavior and mood.
4. Arthritis
Studies done on animals have shown that topical CBD applications can relieve the pain and inflammation that arthritis causes with a few minimal side effects. Topical application of CBD benefits individuals with arthritis by directly addressing the joints causing pain.
5. Epilepsy
Epidiolex, a plant-based formula of CBD, was approved by the FDA in June 2018. It has been used to treat seizures for individuals 2 years of age and older with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy.
It has additionally been used in other types of treatment-resistant epilepsy, typically being paired with other conventional medications. Though results have varied, several trials indicate CBD significantly reduced seizure frequency by almost 44% in most people.
6. Sleep Disorders
When it comes to CBD health benefits, improved sleep is reported across applications. In fact, in a large case study of 72 people, over two thirds reported improvements in their sleep scores within the first month of use.
Improving sleep is an important factor in overall health. Getting consistent, quality sleep can protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.
Sleep deficiency can impact how well an individual thinks, reacts, works, learns, and gets along with others. CBD gummies can extend sleep that goes beyond one solid night of rest.
7. Acne
Acne, a common skin condition, impacts over 9% of the global population. The causes can range from a number of factors including bacteria, underlying inflammation, genetics, and the overproduction of sebum, which is an oily secretion made by glands in the skin.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, studies have shown CBD can be used as an efficient and safe way to treat acne. This is yet another CBD health benefit scientists have recently discovered.
8. Substance Abuse Treatment
With the opioid crisis on the rise, and declared a public health emergency in 2017, many have begun to use CBD as a possible treatment in their recovery. Because it is non-psychoactive, the CBD health benefits come without a “high”. It has been shown to diminish cravings in regular drug users while treating other aspects of their withdrawal symptoms like depression or anxiety.
9. Neuroprotective Properties
With CBD’s ability to impact the endocannabinoid system, many researchers believe it can provide benefits to those with neurological disorders.
One example is in its treatment of individuals with multiple sclerosis. An oral spray of CBD has been proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce the spasticity of muscle in these patients. A study found spasms were reduced in 75% of 276 people with multiple sclerosis that usually experience muscle spasms that are unimproved through other medications.