When it comes to health and wellness, CBD (Cannabidiol) is quickly becoming the go-to choice for many individuals. Over recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on this substance’s potential medical applications, suggesting that it may have a wide range of health benefits. So, what exactly are the potential benefits?
In this guide, we explore some of the health conditions that may be alleviated through taking CBD.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD as it is most commonly referred to, is a compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It differs from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in that it has no psychotropic effects and, therefore, has little potential for adverse behavioral side effects. In recent years, CBD has become a sought-after supplement product due to its purported anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective properties.
Many countries have relaxed their views and so whether you’re looking for CBD Canada, the USA, Europe, or beyond, it may be far more accessible than you first thought.
Having an informed understanding of this compound’s pharmacological activity within the body can help inform discussions and decisions around supplementation with this compound.
Potential Health Benefits of CBD
Users of CBD report a number of benefits associated with the following four health issues.
Pain Reduction
With the opioid epidemic claiming hundreds of thousands of lives and much stronger medications like opiates being prescribed for pain relief, many are looking for alternative ways to manage their pain. Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in the cannabis plant, has gained massive attention due to its various health benefits, including the ability to provide relief from chronic pain.
Preliminary research suggests that CBD may be able to effectively reduce inflammation and neuropathic pain. A 2018 review of scientific literature regarding this substance for chronic pain management showed promising results for the molecule as an effective treatment option. The same study also showed CBD to have tolerable side effects when used over extended time periods with no known toxicity or addictive potential.
On the other hand, there is still more research needed to understand the full range of CBD’s effects and safety profile. Some studies suggest that it might not be as beneficial for pain management as previously thought. Estimates for its efficacy in treating chronic pain vary greatly with some studies showing only slight improvements in discomfort levels and others showing more dramatic improvement in symptoms.
The strong anecdotal evidence available from millions of users around the world certainly indicates that CBD provides significant relief from a variety of ailments, including pain management. Going forward, it’s important to ensure more rigorous clinical trials examining CBD’s effectiveness and safety continue to be conducted prior to widespread usage by people trying to self-manage their conditions.
Anxiety Management
In recent years, CBD has shown great promise in helping to manage anxiety. Studies have indicated that the endocannabinoid system is deeply involved in psychological well-being and its manipulation may be useful for treating anxiety and mood disorders. While not all research has been conclusive, numerous studies suggest CBD could be a viable option as an additional treatment for anxiety-related conditions.
One such case study found that daily doses of 25-75mg caused an “overall improvement” in symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD). In addition, 300mg was found to be more effective than a placebo in treating SAD. In other studies, CBD has also been reportedly beneficial in treating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While these findings sound encouraging, it is important to bear in mind that due to the lack of long-term research on the safety and efficacy of CBD alone or as part of a treatment plan, there is still much to learn about how this substance may interact with existing medications or put people at risk for specific health issues over time depending on dosage and frequency. As such, people considering using CBD for anxiety should still do so under their doctor’s supervision and discuss the implications with their healthcare provider.
Still, when used appropriately, CBD could be a helpful tool to manage levels of stress, especially when taken alongside other therapy treatments. For those suffering from acute stress or an overwhelming amount of pressure, incorporating CBD into overall wellness practices could bring about important positive changes.
Mood Regulation
While CBD is most commonly associated with its potential therapeutic effects for managing pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders, there is also evidence to suggest that it may be helpful in enhancing mood.
Here are some ways in which CBD can potentially help with mood enhancement:
Calming effects: CBD has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. This can be helpful for individuals who experience anxiety or stress that can negatively impact their mood.
Improved focus: CBD has been found to potentially improve focus and concentration. This is likely due to its interaction with the dopamine system in the brain, which is responsible for attention and motivation.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the brain and improve mood.
Potential as an antidepressant: There is growing evidence to suggest that CBD may be an effective treatment for depression. A 2018 study found that CBD had a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect in animal models. While more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans, it is an exciting area of research.
Potential as an anxiolytic: CBD has been found to have potential anxiolytic properties, which means it may help reduce anxiety levels. By reducing anxiety, CBD may help promote a more positive mood and a greater sense of well-being.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can have significant negative effects on overall health and quality of life. CBD has been found to potentially improve symptoms of insomnia through a number of mechanisms. One way in which CBD may help insomnia is by reducing anxiety, which is a common cause of sleep difficulties. CBD has been shown to have potential anxiolytic properties, which means it may help reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation. Additionally, CBD has been found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce feelings of stress and promote better sleep.
CBD may also help regulate sleep-wake cycles by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep. CBD has also been found to have potential pain-relieving effects, which can be helpful for individuals who experience pain that interferes with their sleep. While more research is needed to fully understand how CBD can help insomnia, these findings suggest that CBD may be a promising natural treatment option for individuals who struggle with sleep difficulties.
Our Conclusion
While research on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for health conditions is still in its early stages, there is promising evidence to suggest that it may have potential therapeutic benefits for a variety of health conditions. CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties, which may make it helpful for managing pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It may also have the potential as an antidepressant and for regulating mood.
However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of CBD for different health conditions. Additionally, CBD should not be used as a replacement for professional medical treatment, and individuals should speak with a healthcare professional before using it to manage any health condition, especially if they are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.