Cannabidiol is a derivative of the
psychoactive drug, marijuana. Obtained from Cannabis sativa, this drug is known
for its recreational uses. However, very few people are aware that some components
of marijuana are medicinal in nature.
The psychoactive drug consists of
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Where TH is the psychoactive component
found in cannabis, CBD is the medicinal component.
Discovery of this medicinal component has
led to it becoming a great alternative for pain relive and other such symptoms.
Exclusion of THC removes the effects that cause the “High” from the drug.
CBD oil is made by infusing CBD with
coconut or hemp oil.
Here, we have curated a list of potential health benefits of CBD
1. PAIN RELIEF
Way before the addictive
effects of marijuana were known, it was used as a pain relief agent. This
medicinal property can be traced as far back as 2900 BC.
This pain-relieving property
in marijuana comes from CBD. Thus, CBD for men and women in the middle or above ages is extremely helpful.
Endocannabinoid system
(ECS) in the human body is responsible for regulating functions like sleep,
appetite, pain and immune responses. This system produces neurotransmitters
which bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
The activity of these
neurotransmitters (Endocannabinoids) influences chronic pain by reducing inflammation.
According to research
studies, CBD
injections reduced pain during surgery in rats. In another study, oral CBD
showed significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain in rats.
Human studies have
discovered that THC and top quality CBD in
general treat pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis. One such drug
is Sativex. This drug showed significant effects in improving pain, spasms and
sleep quality. However, the inconclusive nature of the control group and
placebo effects cannot be ruled out.
2. REDUCING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Anxiety and depression and
other anxity
disorders are a major concern among people. Where many medications have
side effects like fatigue, irritation and insomnia, others can be addictive and
cause substance abuse.
According to a Brazilian
study, 57 men received oral or placebo CBD 90 minutes before a public speaking
test. It was seen that those given the actual drug, showed significant
reduction in anxiety during the test dose of 300 mg of CBD for men was most
effective.
Other medicinal effects
were reduction of anxiety and stress in children from using CBD in general. It
acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin, also known as the happy hormone, which
is responsible for mood and social behaviour.
3. CANCER ALLEVIATION
CBD for men and women
suffering from cancer has shown promising effects. It helps in the reduction of
pain, relieves chemo-induced nausea and other chemotherapy related side
effects.
With respect to some test-tube studies, CBD was also found to have certain anti-cancer effects. It showed
cell death in human cancerous breast cells. However, the limitation to
test-tube studies creates a question on its reliability.
4. ACNE REDUCTION
Acne is a pretty common
issue among the general population. It can occur due to genetic issues,
bacterial effects, inflammation and overproduction of sebum from glands.
As we have already read, CBD in general has anti-inflammatory
properties. This helps in the reduction of acne. Test-tube studies proved
functions of CBD like removal of excessive sebum, inflammatory agents like
cytokines, etc.
5. POSSIBILITIES OF NEUROPROTECTIVE PROPERTIES
We’ve established that CBD
has endocannabinoids that improve mental health and some neurological
disorders.
One of the most researched
topics in Cannabidiol effects is that on multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
Sativex, the medicine made
from THC and CBD for men and women, shows results in reducing muscle spasms and
inflammation.
One study found that
Sativex reduced spasms in 75% of 276 people with multiple sclerosis.
Another study gave 214
people with severe epilepsy 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound resulting
in reduced seizures.
One more study found
that CBD oil significantly reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet
syndrome, a complex childhood epilepsy disorder, compared to the placebo
medicine.
It should be noted that
CBD in general also has had side effects, like convulsions, fatigue and fever,
in some people.
Other neurological
disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s have also been studied upon
to find out effects of CBD on these.
6. BENEFICIAL FOR HEART ISSUES
A recent study showed
that a dose of 600 mg of CBD in men, results in lowering of high blood pressure
as compared to the placebo.
Since, stress and
anxiety are also causative agents of high blood pressure, CBD has been
effective in reducing the same.
Other properties found
from studies show reduced cell death and inflammation in heart diseases. This
happens as a result of CBD’s anti-oxidising and stress relieving nature.
A study conducted on
diabetic mice concluded that CBD reduced oxidative stress and helped in
avoiding heart damage in mice.
7. MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS
Studies concluded that CBD
in general, helps in the treatment of disorders like Schizophrenia.
Due to the removal of THC,
CBD has no addictive properties. In addition to that, it also helps in weaning
off from substance abuse on pain-relieving medicine, heroin and even morphine.
Studies on tumorous growth
in lungs, breasts, brains and colons of animal’s shows that CBD helps in
preventing tumour growth.
Diabetic mice have also
been treated with CBD and showed reduced blood pressure.
After having studied these
effects of CBD, a question might arise in people.
POSSIBILITY OF SIDE EFFECTS
It can also cause adverse
effects with certain medications. Do check with your doctor before CBD is
prescribed to you.
Is CBD Legal?
On the federal level, hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal.
However, they are still illegal under some state laws.
Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal
under some state laws. To find out, check your state laws or laws from anywhere
you travel to understand the legality of CBD use. Keep in mind that non-prescription
CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labelled.
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