
Benefits of CBD
When we use the term “cannabis,” this is the umbrella term for both marijuana and hemp. In short, marijuana contains a lot of THC, which is the chemical that produces a “high.” Hemp contains minuscule amounts of it, less than 0.3% actually. The majority of the hemp plant contains CBD, the compound used in natural health and wellness products. Additionally, CBD will not get you “high.” Both cannabinoids support relaxation, pain relief, healthy sleep, and stress reduction, but very differently. Read more about that here.
So what exactly would you use CBD for? As we mentioned earlier, it assists in treating providing a variety of medical benefits for users. We’ve compiled the top five conditions people use CBD for.
Treats Seizures
One of the most well-known medical benefits of CBD is its ability to treat seizures. It’s believed the first recorded use of CBD to treat seizures dates all the way back to Sumerians living in 2900 BC. A journal article states, “In the mid-1800s, the British surgeon William O’Shaughnessy reported cannabis therapy for the treatment of epilepsy.” It goes on to state he recounted, “an alleviation of pain in most, a remarkable increase of appetite in all…and great mental cheerfulness.” In 2018, the FDA approved the use of Epidiolex, an oral CBD solution used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy. CBD treatment for epilepsy also provides pain relief from symptoms.
Used in Substance Abuse Treatment
CBD can assist in quitting addictive behaviors. Scientists have shown that CBD can reduce the activity of neurotransmitters, allowing the substance to regulate addictive behaviors. A study from 2015 recorded, “CBD was found to have an impact on the intoxication and relapse phase of opioid addiction.” More studies are needed to prove CBD’s consistency in treating addiction, but research so far looks promising.
Anti-Inflammatory
Another benefit of CBD is its role in anti-inflammation. Finding a lasting effective treatment for inflammation has eluded scientists for years. Sure, you can take Aspirin, but it’s not as long-lasting and can’t be taken repeatedly. Studies on CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties lead to new discussions on remedies for inflammation. For one thing, CBD’s effects are longer-lasting. According to a 2008 journal article, cannabis has “twenty times the anti-inflammatory potency of aspirin and twice that of hydrocortisone.” Research is still in the early phases, but it’s shown to play a critical role in treatment.
Treats Migraines
Studies so far have shown that CBD has proven to be beneficial. A 2018 study reports, “cannabinoids – due to their anticonvulsive, analgesic, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory effects – present a promising class of compounds for both acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine pain.” Another 2017 study at the 3rdCongress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) is showing wide-ranging possibilities. Scientists involved in the study, “were able to demonstrate that cannabinoids are an alternative to established treatments in migraine prevention.”
Treats Depression
An interesting find is CBD’s effects on depression. Depression affects individuals by reducing the level of two specific neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. Fortunately, “CBD has the unique ability to directly interact with other cell receptors, including serotonin and dopamine receptors.” Numerous scientific journal articles have declared CBD as the best possible medical treatment for depression.
With the growing awareness of the distinction between marijuana and hemp, CBD is seeing a surge in popularity. It’s great seeing the benefits of hemp being recognized by so many. New CBD benefits are experienced all the time. People are turning towards natural means of healing more and more. The industry is continuing to grow, so don’t miss out on these amazing benefits of CBD.