Cannabidiol is a product derived from the cannabis plant. It is a type of cannabinoid which refers to chemicals found in the marijuana plant. Despite coming from marijuana, CBD does not have the highness effect or the intoxication caused by other cannabinoids like THC.
There is some controversy around some cannabis products like CBD oil because of the recreational use of marijuana. However, there is a growing awareness about the possible health benefits of CBD oil. Until recently, THC was the best-known compound in the cannabis plant. It has a psychological effect and creates a mind-altering highness once a person smokes or uses it in food. The article discusses some of the CBD oil benefits, how to use CBD oil, the side effects of CBD oil, and its legality of CBD oil. Below is a list of six potential medical uses of CBD.
Anxiety Relief
CBD can help to manage anxiety. Researchers think it can change how the brain receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical that is linked to mental health. Receptors refer to tiny proteins connected to the cells that receive chemical messages and help the cell respond to different stimuli.
According to Skelley et al. (2020), a 600 mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a speech. Some other studies done with animals have shown that CBD can help reduce anxiety by decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, like an increased heart rate, reducing stress, improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and inducing sleep in cases of insomnia.
Anti-seizure
Arzimanoglou et al. (2020) advertised it as a possible treatment for epilepsy. Though the research is still young, researchers are investigating the amount of CBD that can reduce the number of seizures in people with epilepsy and how safe it is.
Neuroprotective Agent
Researchers are looking at a receptor found in the brain to learn how CBD can help people with neurodegenerative disorders. These are diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. The receptor a known as CB1. Researchers are studying CBD oil for treating: Multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
Pain Relief
The effects of CBD oil on the brain receptors can also help manage pain. Studies have shown that it can provide some benefits once taken after chemotherapy treatments. Some other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National institutions of health are also investigating the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by arthritis, MS pain, chronic pain, muscle pain, and spinal cord injuries.
Sativex, a multiple sclerosis drug made from CBD and TCH, is approved in the United Kingdom and Canada to treat MS pain. But researchers think CBD in the drug can contribute more with its anti-inflammatory properties than by acting against pain. Clinical trials of CBD are important to determine whether it is used to manage pain.
Anti-acne
The effects of CBD on the immune system can help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD can provide benefits for acne management. A human study discovered that the oil prevented activity in the sebaceous glands. The glands are responsible for sebum production, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. However, too much sebum can lead to acne. Before considering CBD oil for acne treatment, it is worth discussing with a dermatologist. More human studies are required to evaluate the potential benefits of CBD for acne.
Cancer Treatment
A few studies have investigated the role of CBD in preventing the growth of cancer, but the research is still young. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says that CBD can help alleviate cancer symptoms and treat side effects. But the NCI doesn’t fully endorse any form of cannabis for cancer treatment. The action of CBD that is promising for cancer treatment is its ability to moderate inflammation and change how the cell reproduces. CBD has to lower some types of tumor cells to reproduce.
How to Use CBD Oil
CBD is obtained from the cannabis plant as an oil or powder mixed into creams or gels. They can be put in the capsules and used orally or rubbed on the skin. How to use CBD depends on what it’s used for. Consult your doctor before using CBD oil. But the Food and Drug Administration in the United States has not approved CBD oil for medical use.
The Side Effects of CDB Oil
CBD oil does not have a major effect or risk for its users. But side effects are possible. They include Dizziness, depression, hallucinations, low blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms like irritability and insomnia.
Some more human studies are required to understand the risks fully and the side effects CBD oil can cause. The studies of CBD oil are not common. Since schedule 1 substances like cannabis are highly controlled, these cause some obstacles for researchers. The research on marijuana products will be ongoing and more answers will come.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
CBD oil products are not illegal everywhere. In the United States, CBD oil is legal in some states, but not all. Some certain states that have legalized CBD oil for medical use can require users to apply for special licensing. It is important to know that the FDA has not approved any medical conditions.
Hemp products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal at the federal level. But they are still illegal in some other states. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal at the federal level. Check your state legislation and those of the state you are traveling to.
Benefits of Using CBD Oil
Offset Anxiety and Depression
The ability of CBD to calm is perhaps its most popular effect and the reason its use is so widespread. Jadoon et al. (2017) tested the anxiety level of 57 men in a simulated public speaking test. Some received a placebo, while others received 150 milligrams. 300 mg, 0r 600 mg of CBD before their speeches. The ones who received 300 mg of CBD experienced significantly reduced anxiety during the test compared to those who received the placebo. More interestingly, the participants who received either 150 or 600 mg of CBD experienced more anxiety during the test than the 300 milligrams team.
Treat Epilepsy Syndrome
In some instances, CBD may be used to treat epileptic seizures. According to Kachru et al. (2021), the Food and Drug Administration approved CBD under the brand name Epidiolex in treating seizures that result from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. These are two rare forms of epilepsy that occur in children for at least two-year-old patients.
Benefit Heart Health
The research above has linked CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure is usually linked to several health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. Studies have indicated that CBD can benefit people living with high blood pressure.
Conclusion
There is a growing belief in CBD as a therapy for various conditions, but there is only one product that the FDA has approved. Some of the unapproved products are legal in some other states. As the regulation increases in the United States, more dosages and prescriptions will emerge. Users should consult healthcare professionals for advice about the right products and how much to take.
Reference
Arzimanoglou, A., Brandl, U., Cross, J. H., Gil‐Nagel, A., Lagae, L., Landmark, C. J., … & Other Members Of The Cannabinoids International Experts Panel. (2020). Epilepsy And Cannabidiol: A Guide To Treatment. Epileptic Disorders, 22(1), 1-14.
Jadoon, K. A., Tan, G. D., & O’Sullivan, S. E. (2017). A Single Dose Of Cannabidiol Reduces Blood Pressure In Healthy Volunteers In A Randomized Crossover Study. JCI Insight, 2(12).
Kachru, R., Perry-Lunardo, C., & Thompson, L. A. (2021). CBD Use In Children—Miracle, Myth, Or Mystery? JAMA Pediatrics, 175(6), 652-652.
Skelley, J. W., Deas, C. M., Curren, Z., & Ennis, J. (2020). Use Of Cannabidiol In Anxiety And Anxiety-Related Disorders. Journal Of The American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261.
Monika Wassermann is a doctor and a freelance writer based in the UK who lives with her cat Buddy. She writes across several verticals, including life, health, sex and love, relationships and fitness. Her three great loves are Victorian novels, Lebanese cuisine, and vintage markets. When she’s not writing, you can find her trying to meditate more, weightlifting, or wandering around in town.
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