For most people, the idea of a cure-all is something of a miracle. When you are struggling with anxiety, neurological disorders, chronic pain, and inflammation, having something to positively impact your life would be a blessing. Of course, there is nothing like that right yet, but many are saying that CBD oil gets close enough. Although CBD needs a bit more research before specialists can say for sure whether it does as claimed, here are 9 science-backed benefits worth considering.
What is CBD?
In the Cannabis sativa plant, there are over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids [1]. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of many. Another commonly known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is known for producing a high. Cannabidiol does not have the same psychoactive properties as THC.
CBD is most often extracted from hemp, which is still cannabis but has lower levels of THC. Manufacturers will put the CBD in a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oils, then use them in products like dietary supplements, food, topical lotions and creams, and even vaping cartridges.
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9 Science-Backed Benefits of CBD Oil
Scientists have long been fascinated by Cannabis sativa and cannabinoids. As such, the number of studies has increased dramatically over the years. More and more results are pouring in, some suggesting that CBD oil may have a place in healthcare in the future. Yet, the effects of CBD on the mysterious endocannabinoid system still need to be better understood before anything is made certain [2].
Keep in mind that, despite research finding favorable results, these are only possible benefits. CBD may not work the same way for everyone. That said, CBD has the potential to do the following:
1. Treats Certain Forms of Epilepsy
There is currently a prescription called Epidiolex available for the treatment of seizure disorders, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved of the drug after several studies suggested that cannabidiol was effective when certain anti-epileptic medications were not, particularly with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome [3]. It is believed that CBD increases the excitatory threshold within the brain, meaning that seizures happen less often.
The FDA did not approve Epidiolex without sincere vetting. The organization reviewed three major studies before coming to their decision.
In 2020, the FDA further approved Epidiolex for another disease—tuberous sclerosis complex [4]. Such a rare genetic disease causes benign tumors to form within the brain and other parts of the body, often resulting in seizures.
2. Relieves Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
One of the main claims of CBD is that it helps users feel more calm. As you may know, anxiety and depression can have terrible mental and physical impacts on individuals. Since the side effects of many pharmaceuticals are unfavorable, people have turned to CBD for some help.
A study from 2017 that was published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry provided some eye-opening results [5]. 57 men were given either a placebo or CBD oil (150, 300, or 600 mg) 90 minutes before a public speaking presentation. Those who received 300 mg of CBD were reportedly far more relaxed than those with the placebo. Interestingly, the men who received 150 mg or 600 mg of CBD felt far more anxious.
More human clinical studies are needed however. While many studies are currently ongoing, most of the completed ones have used animals.
For example, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that, for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), CBD was shown to reduce overall stress in animals [6]. In the study noted by NIDA, CBD lowered signs of anxiety, including improving heart rate [7].
3. Assists With Drug Addiction Recovery
Is CBD helpful for substance abuse? Both animal and human trials have found possibilities for cannabidiol. One study looked at those addicted to heroin [8]. A week of CBD reduced the cravings for heroin, as well as anxiety caused by withdrawal.
Another study indicated that the anxiety and insomnia induced by opioid withdrawal could be lessened with CBD [9]. However, further research is required.
4. Reduces PTSD Symptoms
Dealing with PTSD can be draining. Therapy is often required, but something to take the edge off does not hurt. May CBD help? Research has provided some insight.
In a study from 2016, evidence was found that when drugs like cannabidiol interact with the endocannabinoid system are used in conjunction to aversive memory extinction, there is a reduction in PTSD symptoms [10]
More recently, a 2019 literature review found that synthetic cannabinoids, medical cannabis, and CBD may ease the symptoms of PTSD [11]. That said, the scientists stated more research was needed to decide on the effectiveness of CBD.
Furthermore, researchers are unclear as to how CBD works within the endocannabinoid system and how the system is linked to PTSD. An article from Frontiers in Neuroscience suggested that CBD may influence the hippocampus and amygdala [12]. The hypothesis is that CBD reduces the hyperactivity of the brain, thus lessening the effects of PTSD.
5. Soothes Unbearable Pain
Did you know that cannabis sativa has been used for pain relief since 2900 BC [13]? Although science has yet to decide if CBD is similar to medical cannabis in how it inhibits pain, there is reason to believe that CBD is at least partially responsible for the analgesic effects.
Studies on cannabidiol have found that it interacts with neurotransmitters and affects the endocannabinoid system, resulting in reduced inflammation [14].
Other research on the entourage effect—the combination of cannabinoids that results in greater efficacy—have found that CBD (alongside THC) may dull back and nerve pain, as well as assist with pain management [15, 16].
6. Shields Against Neurological Diseases
Presently, there are many preclinical studies looking into CBD as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. So far, researchers have decided that antioxidants and anti-inflammatories contain neuroprotective characteristics that can ward off diseases like Alzheimer’s [17].
For example, one study from 2021 looked at how CBD affected amyloid clumps in mice [18]. Results showed that those who received CBD had less amyloid plaque than those that did not receive it. More research is necessary, however.
7. Lessens ALS Symptoms
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that causes nerve cells throughout the central nervous system to decay. Those with ALS experience a loss of motor control that only gets worse. Like multiple sclerosis, there is no cure for ALS.
Research concerning the possibilities of CBD as a complementary medicine for ALS and MS is ongoing, but results have been optimistic. A drug known as Sativex, for example, has been shown to reduce muscle spasms in 75% of participants in one study [19].
In 2019, a study utilizing a combination of CBD and THC of varying amounts looked at the effects on those with ALS. Depending on the severity of the disease and the amount of CBD and THC given, patients reported differing levels of satisfaction [20]. Those with moderate or severe spasticity saw greater benefits than those with more mild symptoms.
8. Soothes Complications of Diabetes
Testing the efficacy of CBD in the realm of metabolic disorders like diabetes has been sparse. Most tests are small and provide no significant results to say whether CBD should be included in a regimen to manage diabetes. That said, one case study from 2021 noted that when a patient added CBD to his daily routine, he saw a more stable A1C reading [21]. Furthermore, the researchers stated that the patient’s stable nature suggests that their “use of CBD was safe.”
As with most benefits, utilizing CBD for diabetes requires more insight from researchers.
9. Reduces Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis is incredibly detrimental to your quality of life. Finding relief that targets inflammation and joint pain beyond prescription medications can be challenging. As mentioned earlier, there have been studies on CBD to test its anti-inflammatory and pain-reduction properties.
CBD interacts with neurotransmitters, meaning it may have the potential to relieve pain from arthritis, nerve damage, and inflammation. In a four-week trial, individuals with nerve damage used topical CBD and stated that there was a noticeable reduction in physical pain [22].
In 2006, Sativex—which has been approved for use in the United Kingdom since 2010—was tested for those afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis [23]. Participants in the small study stated that the spray improved sleep quality and lessened pain. Any side effects were mild.
Thinking About Trying CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol is certainly a mysterious compound with many possible benefits to the human body and mind. While more research needs to be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of CBD, there is little risk in giving cannabidiol a try. Once you have spoken with a medical professional about giving CBD a try, seek out a reputable manufacturer like Sugar Bottom Hemp.
At Sugar Bottom Hemp, our CBD comes from organically grown hemp. All of our CBD products for both people and pets are tested in a certified lab and are of the highest quality. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our products.
Bibliography
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[2] Grinspoon, P., MD. (2021, August 11). The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious. Harvard Health. Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
[3] Silvestro, S. (n.d.). Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Efficacy and Security in Clinical Trials. MDPI. Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/8/1459
[4] Office of the Commissioner. (2020, July 31). FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare
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[21] Mattes, R. G., Espinosa, M. L., Oh, S. S., Anatrella, E. M., & Urteaga, E. M. (2021, May 1). Cannabidiol (CBD) Use in Type 2 Diabetes: A Case Report. Diabetes Spectrum, 34(2), 198–201. https://doi.org/10.2337/ds20-0023
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