Cannabidiol, or more popularly referred to as CBD, has gained quite a media reputation for providing multiple CBD health benefits to users. But what’s the actual, hard scientific evidence that it’s a wonder ingredient that can help treat various ailments? Let’s examine what current research has to say about CBD.
First, what makes CBD different from cannabis, hemp, and marijuana? It’s the second most active component of cannabis and is either made in a laboratory or derived from hemp. It does not make you high by itself, and according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, there’s currently no evidence supporting health issues related to the usage of pure CBD. The Neuropsychopharmacology journal also came to the conclusion that its use alone is not likely to negatively affect daily performance.
What about its touted health benefits? The strongest evidence for CBD is its effectiveness in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome, which are epilepsy disorders that don’t usually react well to antiseizure drugs. Studies have found that CBD use was able to decrease seizure incidents and even prevent them from happening altogether in some cases. Other studies have produced promising results showing that CBD can also help with the following conditions:
- Using CBD can serve as a possible treatment for insomnia due to its ability to relieve anxiety and chronic pain. Insomnia sufferers who take Shango hybrid weed, for instance, can have an easier time falling asleep as well as staying asleep.
- Studies are supporting the claims that CBD can help ease chronic pain. One European Journal of Pain animal study has suggested that the topical application of CBD can lower inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. Other research findings, meanwhile, pose the possibility that CBD may be able to inhibit neuropathic and inflammatory pain.
- In certain conditions, CBD may help decrease cravings for addictive substances like heroin, tobacco, alcohol, and stimulants.
Though the science certainly supports the idea that CBD offers multiple benefits to health, it’s still a good idea to be aware of possible side effects. Some examples are irritability, fatigue, and nausea. It may also increase medicine levels in your blood since it competes for the enzymes the liver produces to break down these substances. This can be potentially harmful to those who are taking blood thinners or immunosuppressant drugs since these need to be present in your blood at stable levels. If you’re taking CBD, it’s recommended that you inform your doctor so they can run checks on your liver enzymes from time to time.
CBD is available in many forms such as tinctures, oils, patches, capsules, topical preparations, and vapes. If you’re planning to use it to relieve joint and muscle pains, a CBD-infused lotion, cream, or oil could be your best choice. You can also opt for a spray or patch that will let CBD enter your bloodstream quickly.
Though more research is needed, initial studies have already shown that CBD has the potential to be a useful, non-toxic treatment for chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety. If you intend to use it, make sure that you get it from reputable and legal sources. You should also always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or substances that could impact your overall health.