Cannabidiol (CBD) CBD is a chemical that is found in hemp and cannabis plants that has seen a recent surge in its popularity. The companies market it as a treatment of all sorts, from acne treatment to high blood pressure.
Cannabis and CBD products are both made out of cannabis. The distinction is that weed is derived from plants that have greater quantities of the psychoactive chemical known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
While the industrial hemp plants used to breed CBD products are legally required to comply with US law to not contain less than 0.3 percent THC. Also, “CBD does not get you high,” says Houman Danesh, MD, the director of Integrative Pain Management at Mount Sinai.
Although there are preliminary studies about the way CBD impacts the body More research is needed to fully understand its diverse health advantages. Here are five health benefits from CBD that scientists have discovered to date.
1. Relieves pain
A number of studies on pain relief have examined the ways CBD works with THC to relieve pain, but not CBD by itself.
Studies have shown that a CBD-THC combination can greatly reduce the pain experienced by cancer patients as well as people suffering from MS.
2. Helps reduce anxiety
CBD has been found to decrease activity in brain regions that trigger anxiety and worry. This could explain the reason why some preliminary studies suggest that CBD helps in reducing insomnia and anxiety.
A small 2019 study of 57 males discovered that 300 mg of CBD made participants less stressed when they took an exam for public speaking. Strangely, neither the higher or lower doses had the same effect.
3. Aids with cravings for addiction
Recent research suggests that CBD can help people suffering from addiction by reducing their craving to use the substance that is addictive. A study conducted in 2013 revealed that people who smoked CBD were less likely to smoke cigarettes throughout the study.
Researchers are hopeful that CBD could help to prevent opioid addicts from returning to. A study from 2015 found that those addicted to opioids felt less enticed after viewing images or videos of heroin for as long as one week after taking CBD.
4. Aids in reducing certain Schizophrenia symptoms
The early study suggests CBD could help in treating effects of schizophrenia such as dreams and hallucinations. This could be a crucial result because conventional medications used to treat schizophrenia usually have significant adverse effects, such as uncontrolled movements and weight gain.
While scientists don’t yet know the mechanism by which CBD helps combat schizophrenia, a 2012 study revealed that between 600-800 mg of CBD was as effective as standard antipsychotic therapy, but with less adverse consequences. But some studies have shown CBD not to be as efficient.
5. Reduces epileptic seizures
The sole CBD treatment recognized by FDA is for the most rare forms of epilepsy. It is a life-threatening condition that can trigger seizures.
While scientists aren’t quite sure how CBD can reduce seizures among epilepsy sufferers CBD could help improve the supply of a brain chemical known as Adenosine that can assist to manage seizures.
We know that CBD can trigger side effects such as sleepiness or nausea but we’re not yet aware about the more serious risks that could arise in the long-term.
“The dangers of CBD in and of itself haven’t been investigated,” says J.H. Atkinson, MD, co-director of the California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research.
One potential risk that we’re cognizant of is CBD may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, which can increase the amount of CBD remains in your bloodstream Atkinson states.
The primary risk with CBD products is that they’re not subject to the supervision of the FDA. So, the moment you buy bottles filled with CBD capsules, it could have more or less CBD than what the label claims. “These changes could be as much as 50-100% more or less than what is stated,” Danesh says.
Which kind of CBD is the best one for you?
CBD can be found in many varieties, including gums, edible chewables oils, tinctures, and even skin cream. If you opt to test CBD however, you should use methods that do not require smoking or vaping because these can cause lung problems. The most secure method to consume CBD is through the mouth Danesh says.
However, even when you take CBD via mouth, there are problems, Atkinson says. If you are digesting CBD in the mouth, it may take longer to see the effects begin than smoking or vaping, therefore there’s a chance that people could consume too much and think that CBD isn’t working.
There aren’t any studies currently available that have shown any significant dangers to health in the use of CBD however for certain individuals, high doses could cause adverse symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. It is also recommended to take your time cautiously as further research is required to determine the effectiveness of CBD in treating certain ailments.
Nature Pharm
https://www.nature-pharm.com/
