Cannabidiol is among the 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. It is a chemical compound found shortly known as CBD. There are several ways to intake CBD, either through smoke inhalation, topically applied, or edible consumption.
It interacts with neuroreceptors in your ECS during intake. ECS transmits signals between your cells to synchronize your immune system, movement, mood, and homeostasis.
Forbes Health Survey:
Cannabidiol is extracted from the plant as oil merged with an inert carrier oil like hemp seed oil for consumption. OnePoll conducted a Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults. According to it, 55% of the 60% of U.S. CBD users used it as CBD oil and tinctures.
Health Benefits Of CBD Oil:
CBD research is going ahead. CBD is helpful in inhibiting Arthritis and ALS symptoms, diminishing Opioid addiction, easing Diabetic complications, and treating Neurological disease. Below are the comprehensive details of CBD health benefits.
Depression & Anxiety:
CBD can calm its users. It is the significant reason for its widespread use and most famous effect. In 2017, the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry conducted a study to evaluate the anxiety extent in 57 males during a simulated public speaking test. Some of them received a placebo. At the same time, others received a different amount of CBD. Some got 150 milligrams, and others received 300 or 600 milligrams of CBD before their speeches.
The results were quite contrasting. The 300-mg CBD receivers experienced an incredible decrease in their anxiety levels during the test. It was way more than those who received the placebo. At the same time, the 150 or 600-mg CBD users encountered more stress as compared to 300-mg users during the test.
During these times, a study in mice demonstrated that CBD showed similar effects to the antidepressant imipramine. There is a need to conduct this trial on Humans to confirm the CBD response of this antidepressant to our bodies.
Treat Epileptic Seizures
CBD’s potential is studied to treat several medical conditions, including epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is indicated by recurring seizures. These seizures are like sudden electrical bursts in the brain that can bring changes in consciousness, muscle jerking, and hallucinations.
The Food & Drug Administration authorized the use of cannabidiol under the brand name ”Epidiolex” in 2018. Here, its use was to treat seizures developing from two rare forms of epilepsy. These two forms, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, are found in almost two-year-old patients.
Three trials provided the foundation to support the decision of the FDA. Over five hundred patients suffering from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome participated in these trials. Some participants received Epidiolex, while others received a placebo. Those who received Epidiolex with other medications had shown a decrease in seizure frequency.
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Reduce PTSD Symptoms
In 2018, the Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine conducted a small trial. Eleven patients who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) received cannabidiol along with daily psychiatric care. This trial was carried on for almost eight weeks in a psychiatric clinic.
The results were extraordinary. After the intake of CBD, PSTD symptoms of almost ten out of those eleven patients were decreased. The researchers reviewed that CBD was well tolerated overall.
Margaret Rajnic is a doctor of nursing practice experienced in cannabidiol and medical cannabis. He emphasized the importance of using any cannabis or CBD therapy in tandem with any cannabis or CBD for PTSD. But she added that cannabidiol will give you that little bit of decreased anxiety.
Four different human trials took place from 2012 to 2016. These trials suggest that cannabidiol reduces PTSD symptoms in the patients. However, some have THC in it, which is the primary mind-altering element in cannabis. When CBD and THC work together, they create an entourage effect. They complement each other’s potential and benefits.
Opioid Addiction Treatment
Several preclinical animal and human clinical trials were conduct to study the effect of CBD. These studies suggest that CBD is helpful to treat people who are dependent on opioids.
In one such study, some researchers administered CBD to people with heroin use disorder. Almost after a week of CBD consumption, cannabidiol reduced cue-induced cravings, withdrawal anxiety, resting pulse rate, and salivary cortisol levels in heroin users. At the same time, no adverse effects were seen.
Several other trials took place to study the opioid addiction. These studies reveal that cannabis helps reduce various psychiatric and medical symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, pain, etc. It positively impacts the patients suffering from substance use disorders. It indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) is an effective treatment for opioid addiction.
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Diminish ALS Symptoms
Do you know about ALS? Let us tell you about that first. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease that induces nerve cells in the patient’s brain and spinal cord to deteriorate. It causes the loss of muscle control that worsens with time.
The exact reason for ALS occurrence is still not known, but this disease occurs genetically in some cases. It’s cure is not known yet. To date, only two FDA-approved medications are available that help to treat ALS symptoms.
Research suggests that ALS patients can use a combination of THC and CBD to relieve ALS symptoms, just like people with PTSD. In 2019, a trial was conduct where several patients receive a blend of THC & CBD. Their dose varies depending on the needs and preferences of patients. The patients having mild, moderate, or severe spasticity (muscle tightness and stiffness) due to ALS are highly satisfied with the use of CBD along with the treatment.
Relieve from Unmanageable Pain
A few years back, Canada permitted the use of Sativex, an oromucosal (absorbed in the lining of the mouth) spray containing an equal ratio of THC & CBD. In 2005, it was used to treat several sclerosis-related central neuropathic pain. After two years, Canada approved the use of this medicine again to treat cancer pain, which proved unresponsive to other medications.
Meanwhile, several studies were going on in the U.S. that illustrate CBD as an effective drug to treat chronic, non-cancer pain. In a survey in 2020, researchers gave cannabidiol topically to some patients suffering from symptomatic peripheral neuropathy. This situation results from brain nerve and spinal cord nerve damage. Some other people suffering from the same condition received a dose of a placebo.
The results showed a significant decrease in intense, sharp pains and cold, itchy sensations in topical cannabis consumers compared to placebo users. The topical use of CBD oil doesn’t affect the systemic issue, but it can occur if introduced directly into your bloodstream. CBD cream is more localized and helpful to treat pain in a particular area.
Protection Against Neurological Disease
Many preclinical and clinical trials studied CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties along with treating other diseases. Researchers conclude that these characteristics provide significant neuroprotection and give protection against several pathological disorders.
Many other studies suggest that CBD can provide beneficial effects against numerous diseases. It includes Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. However, CBD doesn’t give a positive result while treating Huntington’s disease and cerebral ischemia.
