Cannabidiol or CBD comes from the cannabis plant which is a big reason why many people are hesitant to consider it as beneficial to our health. There is a misconception that anything which derives from the cannabis plant will have a psychoactive effect, but this is not true. Cannabis contains many natural chemicals which are known as cannabinoids. While the THC chemical creates the famous ‘high’, CBD is a separate chemical and does not have any intoxicating effect.
How is CBD Taken?
CBD can be extracted from cannabis plants as either an oil or a powder. The powder is also referred to as CBD isolate. You can purchase CBD isolate wholesale and then add it to lotions, salves, gels or put it into capsules to be swallowed. The oil itself can even be sprayed into the mouth, mixed with food, turned into edibles or added to vaping e-cigarettes.
While research into the benefits and side effects of CBD are ongoing (and more study is needed), there is mounting evidence that it may be of medicinal use for several common conditions and symptoms.
1. Relieving anxiety and stress
There are studies which have found that CBD can help to relieve symptoms associated with stress relief and anxiety such as a faster heart rate. This is because it can affect the way our brains receive serotonin.
2. Preventing seizures
Epidiolex has been approved by the FDA in the treatment of epilepsy and the American Epilepsy Society has stated that there are ‘anecdotal reports of positive effects of cannabis and/or other CBD products on seizures’. However, they also say that ‘Robust scientific evidence for the use of cannabis itself in the treatment of epilepsy is limited’. They state that more data is needed to ‘adequately inform rational clinical decisions for our patients with epilepsy’.
3. Treating neurological diseases
Research is ongoing into the effect of CBD on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, strokes and Parkinson’s disease. By reducing inflammation in the brain, CBD may be able to alleviate the symptoms associated with these diseases.
4. Alleviating pain
CBD oil may also be effective in pain management as it has a direct impact on our brain’s receptors. Research has suggested that CBD could be effective in treating pain associated with chronic pain, MS pain, muscle pain, arthritis, spinal cord injuries but more research is needed in this area.
5. Treating acne
CBD can reduce inflammation in the body as it effects the receptors in our immune system. Studies have suggested that CBD can inhibit activity in the sebaceous glands which are responsible for producing the oil which, if overactive, can cause acne.
6. Treating cancer
The debate around CBD oil and its potential uses in the prevention and treatment of cancer is ongoing. While there have been some studies which suggest CBD may prevent cancerous cells from growing, other research has shown that it can also adversely affect the immune system. The National Cancer Institute does not endorse CBD as a treatment for cancer, but studies have shown that it can act as a complementary therapy for patients undergoing treatment. It may, for example, help to reduce inflammation and chronic pain.