Education
ABOUT CBD
Cannabidiol or CBD, is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments.
Better known as CBD, it is one of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high that’s often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
This quality makes CBD an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of cannabis or other side effects related to some pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis (hemp) plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. CBD can be found in a variety of products online and in stores, including dietary supplements, bath soaks, drinks, and food.
It continues to gain momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies finding that it may ease symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety. But is it the right choice for you?
May Relieve Pain
Cannabis has been used to treat pain since as far back as 2900 B.C.
More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a variety of functions, including sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and immune system response.
The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.
Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.
Some research suggests that CBD may be effective for certain types of pain, including nerve pain and back pain, when used on its own. However, it seems to be most effective when combined with THC.
And according to preclinical evidence from rodent studies, CBD may have beneficial effects on pain and inflammation related to arthritis, but human studies are lacking (10trusted source).
Although researchers are cautiously optimistic that CBD may be helpful in the treatment of some types of pain, especially when combined with THC, more high quality studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in pain management.
could reduce symptoms related to some mental health disorders
Anxiety disorders and other mental health disorders can have devastating impacts on overall health and well-being.
Mental health disorders are often treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause a number of side effects, including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headaches (11trusted source).
What’s more, medications like benzodiazepines have the potential for dependence and may lead to substance use disorder.
CBD oil has shown promise such as anxiety disorders, leading many people who live with these conditions to become interested in this natural approach.
Several other studies have found that CBD may be effective for those with social anxiety and other anxiety-related disorders.
Even though some people find that CBD improves symptoms related to depression, human evidence of CBD’s potential antidepressant abilities is currently limited.
However, results from several studies suggest that it may help reduce depressive symptoms in those with cannabis use disorders.
Research investigating the effects of CBD on symptoms of anxiety and depression is ongoing.
Better known as CBD, it is one of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high that’s often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
This quality makes CBD an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of cannabis or other side effects related to some pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis (hemp) plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. CBD can be found in a variety of products online and in stores, including dietary supplements, bath soaks, drinks, and food.
It continues to gain momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies finding that it may ease symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety. But is it the right choice for you?
May Relieve Pain
Cannabis has been used to treat pain since as far back as 2900 B.C.
More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a variety of functions, including sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and immune system response.
The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.
Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.
Some research suggests that CBD may be effective for certain types of pain, including nerve pain and back pain, when used on its own. However, it seems to be most effective when combined with THC.
And according to preclinical evidence from rodent studies, CBD may have beneficial effects on pain and inflammation related to arthritis, but human studies are lacking (10trusted source).
Although researchers are cautiously optimistic that CBD may be helpful in the treatment of some types of pain, especially when combined with THC, more high quality studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in pain management.
could reduce symptoms related to some mental health disorders
Anxiety disorders and other mental health disorders can have devastating impacts on overall health and well-being.
Mental health disorders are often treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause a number of side effects, including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headaches (11trusted source).
What’s more, medications like benzodiazepines have the potential for dependence and may lead to substance use disorder.
CBD oil has shown promise such as anxiety disorders, leading many people who live with these conditions to become interested in this natural approach.
Several other studies have found that CBD may be effective for those with social anxiety and other anxiety-related disorders.
Even though some people find that CBD improves symptoms related to depression, human evidence of CBD’s potential antidepressant abilities is currently limited.
However, results from several studies suggest that it may help reduce depressive symptoms in those with cannabis use disorders.
Research investigating the effects of CBD on symptoms of anxiety and depression is ongoing.