Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the main compounds present in the marijuana plant, cannabis sativa.
The main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is what generates the feeling of being “high” from marijuana.
Unlike TCH, CBD is not psychoactive.
Thus, it is a great option to treat different diseases without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or other pharmaceutical drugs.
Oil is made from CBD that is used to improve health.
In this article, you will find seven benefits of CBD oil backed by science.
1. Can Relieve Pain
Marijuana is known to have been used to treat pain since 2900 BC.
Recently, researchers discovered that the human body contains a particular system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), responsible for regulating different functions such as sleep, appetite, or pain.
Thus, according to studies, CBD impacts the endocannabinoid system and can help reduce chronic pain by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
In addition, a study conducted on rodents found that CBD helps reduce pain caused by surgical procedures. Another study in rats found that oral CBD helps minimize sciatic nerve pain and inflammation.
On the other hand, a study conducted on people with multiple sclerosis found that the consumption of Sativex (a combination of THC and CBD) helps to improve pain and muscle spasms.
Finally, another study on Sativex found that it helps reduce pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Could Reduce Anxiety and Depression
According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety are problems that affect a large part of the population.
In general, these disorders are treated with pharmacological drugs, which can cause headaches, sexual dysfunctions, insomnia, among others. Also, many substances can be addictive.
According to a study, 300 mg doses of CBD help reduce anxiety.
On the other hand, CBD oil has been tested positive for treating insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress.
Furthermore, researchers found that CBD also acts as an antidepressant in studies on animals.
3. Can Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms
A study looking at the effects of CBD and TCH on cancer pain patients found that people treated with both compounds had a significant reduction in pain.
Additionally, CBD can help reduce chemotherapy-related symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
On the other hand, studies in test tubes found that CBD also has anti-cancer properties, mainly in breast cancer.
Another study conducted in rodents found that CBD inhibits the spread of breast cancer cells.
4. May Reduce Acne
Acne affects 9% of the population. According to a study conducted in test tubes, CBD oil prevents the sebaceous glands from producing too much sebum, preventing the activation of acne.
Another study found that CBD helps fight acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Might Have Neuroprotective Properties
Many studies have been conducted to understand the relationship between CBD and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
According to a study, Sativex helps reduce spasms in people with multiple sclerosis who suffer from muscle spasticity.
In addition, one study found that an epilepsy treatment with 0.9-2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound of body weight helps reduce seizures by 36.5%.
Another study found that CBD oil helps reduce seizure activity in children with a type of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome.
The use of CBD in other neurological disorders has also been analyzed. For example, studies found that CBD improves sleep quality in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Other studies carried out in animals found that CBD prevents the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Not only that, but a study conducted on mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease found that CBD helps prevent cognitive decline.
6. Could Benefit Heart Health
Hypertension is associated with the risk of other diseases such as heart attacks, metabolic syndrome, or stroke.
According to a study, a 600 mg CBD oil dose helps reduce blood pressure.
Additionally, another study on diabetic mice found that CBD treatment helps reduce oxidative stress and prevent heart damage.
7. Several Other Potential Benefits
In addition to the above, CBD has the following benefits:
- Substance abuse treatments: CBD modifies the brain circuits associated with drug addiction, reducing its dependence.
- Antipsychotic effects: CBD helps people with schizophrenia to reduce their psychotic symptoms.
- Prevention of diabetes: CBD treatment reduces the incidence of diabetes and fights inflammation.
- Anti-tumor effects: CBD has been shown in animals to prevent cancer cells from spreading.
Are There Any Side Effects?
While CBD is usually tolerated, it can cause the following side effects:
- Fatigue.
- Changes in appetite and weight.
- Diarrhea.
Also, since CBD can interact with certain medications, you must consult your doctor to avoid harmful interactions.
Especially if you take drugs that come with a “grapefruit warning,” grapefruit and CBD interfere with a group of enzymes essential for metabolizing drugs.
Finally, a study conducted on rodents found that excessive consumption of CBD can cause liver toxicity.
