6 Benefits of CBD Oil Until recently, the most well-known compound in cannabis was delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the most active ingredient in marijuana. Marijuana contains both THC and CBD, but the compounds have different effects. THC is well-known for the mind-altering "high" it produces when broken down by heat and introduced to the body, such as when smoking the plant or cooking it into foods. CBD is not psychoactive. This means that it does not change the state of mind of the person who uses it. However, it does appear to produce significant changes in the body, and it may have medical benefits. Most of the CBD used medicinally is found in the least processed form of the cannabis plant, known as hemp. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a product that’s derived from cannabis. It’s a type of cannabinoid, which are the chemicals naturally found in marijuana plants. Even though it comes from marijuana plants, CBD doesn’t create a “high” effect or any form of intoxication. There’s some controversy around cannabis products like CBD oil because of recreational marijuana use. But there’s growing awareness about the health benefits of CBD oil. Here’s what you need to know about six potential medical uses of CBD and where the research stands: Benefits 1. Anxiety relief CBD may be able to help you manage anxiety. Researchers think it may change the way your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical messages and help your cells respond to different stimuli. One study found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a speech. Other studies have shown that CBD helps relieve anxiety by: reducing stress decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, such as an increased heart rate improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) inducing sleep in cases of insomnia 2. Anti-seizure CBD has been in the news before, as a possible treatment for epilepsy. Research is ongoing.. Researchers are testing how much CBD is able to reduce the number of seizures in people with epilepsy, as well as how safe it is. The American Epilepsy Society states that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use. A study from 2016 worked with 214 people with epilepsy. The study participants added oral doses of 2 to 5mg of CBD per day to their existing anti-epilepsy medications. The study’s researchers monitored the participants for 12 weeks, recording any negative side effects and checking on the frequency of their seizures. Overall, participants had 36.5 percent fewer seizures per month. However, some minor side effects were recorded in 12 percent of the participants These were mostly allergic reactions to CBD.. 3. Neuroprotective Researchers are looking at a receptor located in the brain to learn about the ways that CBD could help people with neurodegenerative disorders, which are diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. This receptor is known as CB1. Researchers are studying the use of CBD oil for treating: Alzheimer’s disease multiple sclerosis (MS) Parkinson’s disease stroke CBD oil may also reduce the inflammation that can make neurodegenerative symptoms worse. More research is being conducted to fully understand the effects of CBD oil for neurodegenerative diseases. 4. Pain relief The effects of CBD oil on your brain’s receptors may also help you manage pain. Studies have shown that cannabis can offer benefits when taken after chemotherapy treatments. Other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health are also looking at the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by: arthritis chronic pain MS pain muscle pain spinal cord injuries Nabiximols (Sativex), a multiple sclerosis drug made from a combination of THC and CBD, is approved in the United Kingdom and Canada to treat MS pain. However, researchers think the CBD in the drug may be contributing more with its anti-inflammatory properties than by acting against the pain. Clinical trials of CBD are being conducted to determine its use for pain management. 5. Anti-acne The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil may offer benefits for acne management. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the oil prevented activity in sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. Too much sebum, however, can lead to acne. Before you consider CBD oil for acne treatment, it’s worth discussing with your dermatologist. More human studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of CBD for acne. 6. Cancer treatment Some studies have investigated the role of CBD in preventing cancer cell growth, but research is still in its early stages. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says that CBD may help alleviate cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. However, the NCI doesn’t fully endorse any form of cannabis as a cancer treatment. The action of CBD that’s promising for cancer treatment is its ability to moderate inflammation and change how cells reproduce. CBD has the effect of reducing the ability of some types of tumor cells to reproduce and causes apoptosis or cancer cell death. How to use, side effects, Is it legal? CBD is extracted from marijuana plants as either an oil or powder. These can be mixed into creams or gels and used topically. They can be put into capsules or used in tincture form and taken orally, or rubbed on your skin. How CBD is used depends largely on what it’s being used for. You may want to talk to your doctor before using CBD oil. CBD oil has been shown to be well tolerated by most of the population. As with any substance, allergic reactions are possible. Although mild, if you are experiencing any allergic reaction, stop CBD use. The allergic symptoms will usually go away within 24 hours. CBD oil is now legal everywhere In the United States, It’s also important to know that the FDA hasn’t approved CBD for any medical conditions. ADDENDUM Alzheimer's disease Initial research published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that CBD was able to prevent the development of social recognition deficit in subjects. This means that CBD could potentially prevent people in the early stages of Alzheimer's from losing their ability to recognize the faces of people that they know. This is the first evidence that CBD has potential to prevent Alzheimer's disease symptoms. Potential side effects and health risks Many small-scale studies have looked into the safety of CBD in adults and found that it is well tolerated across a wide dose range. There have been no significant central nervous system side effects, or effects on vital signs or mood among people who use it either slightly or heavily. The most common side effect noted is tiredness. Some people have noticed diarrhea and changes in appetite or weight. There are still very little long-term safety data, and tests have not been carried out on children as of yet. As with any new or alternative treatment option, a patient should discuss CBD with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using it Written by Kristeen Cherney Medically Reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD MSN RN IBCLC AHN-BC CHT on April 10, 2017 Copyright 2019, Complementary & Alternative Medicine of Williamsburg All rights reserved |
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