Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a popular natural medicine used to treat many common conditions and relieve pain. It is one of many types of compounds found in cannabis known as cannabinoids. CBD doesn’t cause a “high.” The high associated with cannabis is caused by tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the primary psychoactive element in cannabis.
CBD oil is made by combing CBD extracted from cannabis plants with carrier oils like hemp seed oil or coconut oil. You can find CBD in many products, such as food, nutritional supplements, and beverages.
But is CBD oil safe?
CBD oil is safe and can help treat minor ailments, and the health and wellness industry continues to embrace it. Some research also indicates that CBD oil helps reduce anxiety and chronic pain.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD products made from cannabis are legal in certain states but illegal at the federal level. Meanwhile, CBD products made from hemp with less than 0.3% THC are permitted at the federal level, with a few states banning them.
Always check and research CBD laws in your state or country. You should also keep in mind that non-prescription CBD products may not be FDA-approved.
CBD and Pain Relief
The cannabis plant has been used for pain relief since 2900 B.C., and scientists have discovered that CBD and other components of cannabis are responsible for pain relief.
The body has neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids that attach to cannabinoid receptors to regulate functions like appetite, sleep, pain, and immune system response. Clinical studies have shown that CBD relieves chronic pain and reduces inflammation by altering endocannabinoid activity and interacting with neurotransmitters. However, no evidence supports CBD oil’s adverse effects on the liver.
Studies have shown that combining CBD and THC makes CBD more effective at reducing chronic pain caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) or arthritis. Medications like Sativex contain a 1:1 CBD/THC ratio and have been approved in many countries to treat MS-related pain. Study participants reported reduced pain and muscle spasms and improvements in walking ability.
A few studies have also shown that CBD might relieve symptoms of rheumatic conditions like fibromyalgia. A survey of 2,701 fibromyalgia patients revealed that CBD effectively relieves pain.
Other than Preclinical data in rats show the effectiveness of CBD oil for relieving arthritic pain. Human studies are still limited. However, many CBD users who use products such as CBD oil for pain relief regularly find positive results regarding pain relief. Whether this is a placebo or something else is not yet known.
Researchers are cautiously optimistic about CBD’s potential for pain relief, especially when combined with THC.
CBD and Reduced Mental Disorder Severity
Anxiety disorders and other mental disorders can negatively impact your overall health and general well-being. Prescription drugs help treat many mental disorders; however, they produce side effects like insomnia, agitation, sexual dysfunction, and drowsiness. Other drugs like benzodiazepines may also lead to dependence or substance abuse disorders.
CBD effectively treats mental disorders like anxiety, making it popular among many patients. A Brazillian study observed the effects of CBD on 57 participants. They gave oral CBD or placebo 90 minutes before taking a virtual public speaking test. Researchers found that 300 mg was the most effective CBD dosage; the placebo had little to no effect.
Studies have also shown that CBD oil effectively treats anxiety and insomnia in children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Other patients attest that CBD also helps with depression symptoms; however, research on CBD’s anti-depressive effects is limited and ongoing.
CBD and Heart Health
High blood pressure increases your risk of developing several health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.
CBD oil has been linked to several health benefits, like lower blood pressure. Studies show that CBD could benefit people with high blood pressure without causing any adverse effects on the kidneys.
In a study that included 26 healthy men, researchers found a significant drop in blood pressure after the participants took 600 mg CBD for seven days compared to a placebo group. The effect vanished after seven days. The CBD group had lower stress levels after repeated administrations than the placebo group.
Researchers also found that repeated CBD doses reduced arterial stiffness and increased blood flow.
Most studies have positive findings, but more research is needed to determine the potential effects of CBD on the kidneys and its heart health benefits.
CBD: Side Effects and Potential Benefits
According to Herbal Fracture, an excellent source of CBD oil in Dillon, CBD oil has been extensively studied for its ability to treat various health problems, from reducing child aggression to pain relief.
While more research is needed, CBD has been shown to have the following health benefits and drawbacks:
- Reduced psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia
- Reduced anxiety and despair in heroin addicts
- Reduced impulsivity, short attention spans, and aggressiveness in children.
- Trigger migraines
- Promote or prevent vomiting
Key Takeaway
CBD has been shown to relieve anxiety and other symptoms of neurological disorders. It also helps reduce pain and improve heart health. Combining CBD and THC can lead to many health benefits, and researchers are investigating CBD’s effects on various diseases and looking into CBD’s potential uses.
