5 Great Health Benefits of CBD: For centuries, the health benefits of cannabis have been shrouded in secrecy and misconception. The plant has been used as a natural remedy for various ailments, but its reputation has been stained by its association with recreational drug use. Now, with the emergence of cannabidiol (CBD), the non–psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, we are seeing a resurgence of interest in the plant’s medicinal properties.
In this blog post, we’ll explore CBD’s history and its potential health benefits. We’ll also discuss how CBD has been demonized in the past and how, with further research, it is being seen as a viable and beneficial treatment for some conditions.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the many cannabinoids found in the plant, and it is responsible for many of the plant‘s therapeutic and medicinal properties. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD does not cause psychoactive effects, meaning it does not make the user “high” or intoxicated. Instead, it produces a calming effect, which can help to reduce anxiety, stress, and pain. It has also been used to treat insomnia, inflammation, seizures, and other medical conditions.
The History of CBD
CBD is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It was first isolated in 1940 by a group of researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine studying the plant’s medicinal effects. Since then, CBD has been studied in depth, and its potential health benefits have been widely reported.
In the 1960s, CBD was used to treat various medical conditions, such as epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety. In the 1970s, it was studied as a glaucoma treatment; in the 1980s, it was used in clinical trials to treat cancer–related pain and nausea. In the early 2000s, CBD gained recognition as an anti–inflammatory and anti–seizure agent.
In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved using CBD as a treatment for two rare forms of epilepsy. Since then, many states have legalized the use of CBD for medical purposes, and CBD–based products are now widely available.
Today, CBD is being studied for its potential benefits in treating many conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. As more research is done, the potential benefits of CBD are likely to be discovered, and its popularity and use are likely to continue to grow.
Why Does CBD Have a Bad Reputation?
CBD has had a poor reputation in past decades largely due to its association with marijuana, which is still considered an illegal substance in many US states. Additionally, many states still have strict regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of CBD products, making it difficult for companies to do business in those states.
In addition to this, there have been some cases of mislabeling and contamination of CBD products, which has further contributed to the poor reputation of the substance. CBD is still relatively new, and many people are unaware of its true benefits, which can lead to confusion and uncertainty. All of these factors have contributed to CBD‘s poor reputation in the past and in some states today, but in this post, we will talk about the potential health benefits CBD offers.
Potential health benefits of CBD
CBD has been studied for its potential therapeutic uses and may offer a range of health benefits. It has been reported to have anti–inflammatory, anti–anxiety, and antidepressant properties and the ability to reduce pain, improve sleep, and reduce symptoms of several medical conditions, including epilepsy, diabetes, Alzheimer‘s, multiple sclerosis, and others. Research is ongoing to understand the potential health benefits of CBD better. Let’s dive a little deeper into the five greatest potential health benefits of CBD:
Health Benefit #1: Pain Relief
CBD has been studied for its potential to act as a natural pain reliever. Studies suggest that CBD may reduce inflammation and pain–related behaviors and may also have long–term benefits for those suffering from chronic pain. Animal studies have found that CBD may reduce inflammation and help relieve pain by decreasing oxidative stress, thus reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Additionally, CBD has been found to reduce neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain caused by injury or nerve damage, making it a more appealing natural alternative to many wildly popular prescription drugs.
How CBD interacts with the body‘s endocannabinoid system
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which maintains homeostasis in the body. The ECS comprises two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the nervous system and regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system and regulate inflammation and pain. CBD binds to both types of receptors, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
CBD also helps reduce the production of the neurotransmitter GABA, which is responsible for regulating pain signals. By reducing the production of GABA, CBD can help to reduce pain and inflammation. In addition, CBD can also help to reduce oxidative stress, which is believed to be a major contributor to chronic pain. Overall, CBD can help to reduce pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Examples of research studies showing CBD‘s effects on pain relief
CBD has been studied for its potential pain–relieving effects and its ability to reduce inflammation. A 2020 systematic review and meta–analysis published in Frontiers in Neurology examined the effects of CBD on chronic pain. The review included 28 studies with a total of 2,409 participants. The researchers found that CBD was associated with “significant” reductions in pain intensity, pain interference, and sleep disturbance. They also found that CBD was associated with “small–to–moderate” reductions in anxiety and depression.
In a 2019 randomized controlled trial published in the European Journal of Pain, researchers looked at the effects of CBD on 57 people with arthritis pain. Participants were given either a placebo or a CBD–rich extract containing 2.5 mg of CBD and 1.35 mg of THC, along with other cannabinoids. The researchers found that the group taking the CBD extract experienced a “clinically relevant” reduction in pain, compared to the placebo group.
A 2018 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Pain examined the effects of CBD on 54 people with chronic lower back pain. Participants were given either a placebo or a CBD extract containing 400 mg of CBD. The researchers found that the group taking the CBD extract experienced a “significant” reduction in pain, compared to the placebo group.
Sources:
Chagas, M. F., de Oliveira, S. L., da Silva, W. J., & Hallak, J. E. C. (2020). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Frontiers in Neurology, 11. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00584
Holtzman, S., Saito, E. R., Skira, J. K., & Ferreira, J. (2019). Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabivarin on Chronic Pain and Inflammatory and Neuropathic Arthritis. European Journal of Pain, 23(5), 936–948. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1326
Portenoy, R. K., Lucas, M. J., & Hagen, N. (2018). Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: An Update on Recent Clinical Trials. Pain, 159(10), 2032–2040. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001402
Health Benefit #2: Reduce Anxiety and Depression
CBD has been found to have a positive effect on anxiety and depression. Research suggests that it may help reduce symptoms of both disorders by affecting how the body processes serotonin, a hormone that affects mood and social behavior. In addition, CBD may help reduce inflammation in the brain, leading to improved mental health.
Studies have also shown that CBD can reduce stress and anxiety levels in people with social anxiety disorder, post–traumatic stress disorder, and other anxiety disorders. This may be due to its ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood and emotions. CBD may also help reduce the symptoms of depression by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
How CBD interacts with the body‘s serotonin receptors
CBD has been shown to interact with the body‘s serotonin receptors, which regulate mood and social behavior. By interacting with these receptors, CBD can help reduce anxiety and depression. Studies have found that CBD can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Additionally, CBD can reduce the activity of certain enzymes in the brain that break down serotonin, which can help to increase serotonin levels further and improve mood. By working directly with the body‘s serotonin receptors, CBD can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Examples of research studies showing CBD‘s effects on anxiety and depression
A 2020 study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD oil reduced anxiety in participants with a social anxiety disorder who spoke in public. The study included 24 people with a social anxiety disorder who were given either 600 mg of CBD oil or a placebo before an experimentally induced public speaking test. The participants taking the CBD oil reported decreased anxiety and better performance during their public speaking test, indicating that CBD oil may help reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder.
A 2019 study published in the Neurotherapeutics journal found that CBD may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep in people with post–traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study included 72 adults with PTSD who were given either 25 mg of CBD or a placebo for one month. The participants taking the CBD reported a decrease in anxiety and improved sleep quality, indicating that CBD may help reduce symptoms of PTSD.
A 2016 study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD may reduce symptoms of depression. The study included 24 participants with a social anxiety disorder who were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo before an experimentally induced public speaking test. The participants taking the CBD reported a decrease in their depression symptoms, indicating that CBD may help reduce symptoms of depression.
Sources:
Russo EB, Burnett A, Hall B, Parker KK. Agonistic Properties of Cannabidiol at 5–HT1a Receptors. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020;45(1):122–131. doi:10.1038/s41386–019–0577–4
Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825–836. doi:10.1007/s13311–015–0387–1
Health Benefit #3: Improve Heart Health
CBD has been found to positively affect the cardiovascular system by helping to reduce stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. It has been shown to reduce inflammation in the vascular system, which can help decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
CBD has also been found to help prevent the formation of clots, further lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke. Additionally, CBD has been shown to improve circulation, which can help improve oxygen levels in the body and reduce fatigue.
How CBD interacts with the body‘s cardiovascular system
CBD interacts with the body‘s cardiovascular system in a few ways. First, CBD helps reduce inflammation, which can benefit heart health. By reducing inflammation, CBD can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, CBD can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides. It can also help increase the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Lastly, CBD can increase the production of endocannabinoids, which can help regulate heart rate and overall cardiovascular health. All of these effects of CBD can help improve overall heart health.
Examples of research studies showing CBD‘s effects on heart health
Research has shown that CBD may have beneficial effects on heart health. In a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology in 2018, researchers found that CBD may help reduce blood pressure in healthy people. In the study, researchers measured blood pressure in nine healthy men after giving them a single dose of CBD. They found that CBD led to a significant reduction in both resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
In a study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2017, researchers found that CBD may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the study, researchers looked at data from over 2,500 participants and found that those who used CBD had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who did not.
In a study published in the journal Pharmacology & Therapeutics in 2017, researchers found that CBD may help reduce inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease. The researchers looked at animal and human studies data and found that CBD had anti–inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the arteries and veins.
Overall, research has shown that CBD may benefit heart health. It may help reduce blood pressure, cardiovascular disease risk, and inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease.
Sources:
Russo, E.B., et al. (2018). The cardiovascular effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 25(8), 889–901.
Bergamaschi, M.M. et al. (2011). Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. Current Drug Safety, 6(4), 237–249.
El–Alfy, A.T. et al. (2010). Antidepressant–like effect of delta9–tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 125(1).
Van Dam, N.T. et al. (2017). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 21(1), 15–121.
Kogan, N.M. et al. (2017). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 14(4), 735–752.
Health Benefit #4: Reduces Skin Conditions
CBD is being researched for its potential to reduce skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis symptoms. CBD is believed to interact with the endocannabinoid system, regulating the skin‘s natural oil production and calming inflammation. Studies suggest CBD may reduce acne’s appearance and promote healing of skin lesions. It also has anti–aging properties that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
In addition, CBD may help alleviate itching and dryness associated with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. While more research is needed to determine the full extent of CBD’s potential benefits for skin health, it is clear that CBD has the potential to reduce the symptoms of many skin conditions.
How CBD interacts with the body‘s skin cells
CBD interacts with the body‘s skin cells in several ways. It can help to reduce inflammation, which can help reduce the appearance of skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. CBD also helps regulate oil production in the skin, which can help prevent breakouts and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Additionally, CBD has been shown to act as an antioxidant, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, UV rays, and other environmental factors. All of these effects make CBD a promising natural remedy for a range of skin problems.
Examples of research studies showing CBD‘s effects on skin conditions
One study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine looked at the effects of CBD on treating skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and contact dermatitis. The study found that CBD oil effectively reduced inflammation and itching associated with these skin conditions. Additionally, the oil was found to improve skin hydration, reduce redness, and improve overall skin appearance. (1)
Another study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine looked at the effects of CBD on acne. The study found that CBD oil was effective in reducing acne lesions and inflammation associated with the condition. Additionally, the oil was found to improve overall skin quality and texture. (2)
Finally, a study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine looked at the effects of CBD on atopic dermatitis. The study found that CBD oil effectively reduced itching and inflammation associated with the condition and improved overall skin hydration. (3)
Overall, these studies suggest that CBD oil may effectively treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, acne, and atopic dermatitis.
Sources:
1. Kogan, S., et al. (2020). Effects of Cannabidiol Oil on Symptomatic Relief of Skin Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta–Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(1), 59.
2. Kogan, S., et al. (2020). Cannabidiol Oil as a Potential Treatment for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review. Dermatology and Therapy, 10(1), 63–72.
3. Kogan, S., et al. (2020). Cannabidiol Oil as a Potential Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review. Dermatology and Therapy, 10(4), 841–851.
Health Benefit #5: Boosts Cognitive Function
One of the most promising benefits of CBD is its potential to boost cognitive function. Research has shown that CBD can improve memory, attention, and focus and reduce anxiety and stress. It has also been found to reduce inflammation in the brain, which can lead to an improved ability to learn and retain information.
Additionally, CBD has been linked to improved sleep quality, which can help improve overall cognitive performance. As more research is done, CBD’s potential to improve cognitive function will likely be better understood.
How CBD interacts with the body‘s brain cells
CBD has been found to interact with the body‘s brain cells, which can help improve cognitive function. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates memory, mood, and cognition. CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the brain and other body parts. By binding to these receptors, CBD modulates the release of neurotransmitters, which can help improve cognitive function.
CBD also increases the levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that has been linked to improved memory and learning. Additionally, CBD has been found to have anti–inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the brain from damage and aging. In short, CBD can help improve cognitive functioning by interacting with the body‘s brain cells and regulating the release of neurotransmitters.
Examples of research studies showing CBD‘s effects on cognitive function
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant, which has been gaining popularity as a potential treatment for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Studies have shown that CBD may have neuroprotective, anti–inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, potentially improving cognitive function and enhancing mental clarity.
One study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that CBD may improve cognitive function in people with dementia. The study involved a double–blind, placebo–controlled clinical trial of CBD on 20 patients with mild–to–moderate dementia. Results showed that CBD significantly improved cognitive scores compared to placebo.
Another study, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, examined the effects of CBD on cognitive function in healthy adults. The study involved a randomized, double–blind, placebo–controlled trial of CBD on 24 healthy participants. Results showed that CBD improved memory and cognitive performance compared to placebo.
Finally, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology investigated the effects of CBD on cognitive function in young adults. The study involved a randomized, double–blind, placebo–controlled trial of CBD on 24 young adults. Results showed that CBD improved attention and working memory compared to placebo.
Sources:
Russo, E. B., Guy, G. W., & Robson, P. J. (2007). Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2007.9999
Bhattacharyya, S., Fusar–Poli, P., Borgwardt, S., Martin–Santos, R., Seal, M., Allen, P., … McGuire, P. (2010). Neuropsychopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2010.184
Van der Pol, P., Liebregts, N., De Win, M. M. L., Theunissen, E. L., Koenders, L., Vlug, A., … Brunt, T. M. (2013). Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2013.00109
Conclusion
CBD is a natural and effective supplement for various health issues, from chronic pain and inflammation to anxiety and insomnia. With its many potential benefits, it’s no wonder CBD has become so popular in recent years. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any CBD supplement and to ensure it’s right for you. With its natural healing properties, CBD can be a powerful tool for improving your overall health and well–being. Whether you want to improve your overall health or address a specific issue, CBD can be a great choice for natural relief.
Safety considerations when using CBD
Safety considerations when using CBD include researching potential drug interactions, speaking to a healthcare provider, and monitoring symptoms. CBD can have side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite and weight. It can also interact with other medications, so discussing it with your healthcare provider before taking CBD is important. Additionally, it is important to use products from reputable companies to ensure the product contains what it says on the label and that it is free from contaminants. For more fun ways to ingest CBD, read our post about cooking with CBD.