Cannabidiol is one of over a hundred unique compounds (known as cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant. Because THC (tetrahydrocannabinol: another cannabinoid) gives MMJ patients the euphoric “high” associated with cannabis, CBD and it’s usefulness to the human body has been largely overlooked for many years. Recently, studies are being conducted into the effects of CBD, and much has been made of its potential medical applications.
Keep in mind; research into the CBD molecule is still in its infancy, and there have been few undisputable conclusions made. Some claims are based on widespread anecdotal evidence rather than empirical. With that caveat, there have been some very promising possibilities for CBD to be useful for the human body and mind.
Physical Health Benefits of CBD
There are quite a few testimonials about the pain relieving and muscle relaxing properties of CBD. Though THC seems to be more effective as an analgesic, CBD alone has been found to dull some minor aches and pains when ingested, and CBD oil is an effective additive in topical products. Topicals using CBD can relax muscles, ease low-level pain and help in the treatment of psoriasis (Wilkinson and Williamson.)
Lesser known are CBD’s effects on people suffering from nausea. Many studies (Raphael Mechoulam et al., Sharkey et al., etc.) have shown that CBD directly inhibits nausea and vomiting. This makes cannabis a staple of patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. Speaking of which, CBD is also being studied as a means of slowing or even reversing the growth of cancerous tumors. Surprisingly, research has been conducted as far back as 1974 (Munson et al.) concluding that at the very least there seems to be a correlation between CBD and negative tumor growth.
CBD has been shown to reduce symptoms of epilepsy. In 2014, Sanjay Gupta M.D. famously reversed his position on the efficacy of medical marijuana in a documentary on CNN. One of the subjects of the documentary was a 5-year-old girl with epilepsy named Charlotte. Charlotte was suffering from massive, grand mal seizures occurring as often as 300 times in a single week. Immediately after Charlotte’s first treatment with CBD oil, the girl’s seizures simply stopped. Today, Charlotte experiences 2-3 seizures a month, mostly occurring in her sleep. Thousands of epilepsy patients have since turned to CBD for relief and seen amazing results. More study is necessary, as doctors do not yet understand how it works.
Emotional and Mental Health
CBD seems to boost signaling through serotonin receptors and may affect serotonin faster than SSRIs (Linge et al.) which could make it an effective addition to traditional treatment for depression and anxiety conditions. CBD has also had potential (Cao et al., Cheng et al., etc.) Neuroprotective properties, reducing damage to the brain, encouraging the growth and development of new neurons and protecting brain cells against future damage. This is very promising for patients suffering from ALS, epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s disease traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord diseases or strokes.
Some may consider tiredness an unpleasant side effect, but those suffering from Insomnia enjoy the drowsiness sometimes caused by CBD. It causes pleasant relaxation, sleepiness and reduced anxiety without any of the side effects of pharmaceutical sleep aids.
The Entourage Effect
Studies are being conducted (Lautenberg Center et al.) that seek to prove there is an “entourage effect” that makes the sum of cannabis’ parts more effective than each compound. These studies highlight the power of CBD to regulate/moderate the effects of THC, reducing the “paranoia” and panic experienced by some MMJ patients when they consume too much THC. Varying levels of CBD have been shown to modify the psychoactive effects of THC, allowing patients to control how much euphoria they wish to experience without losing any of the medical applications of THC.
Patients don’t need to get “high” to enjoy the medical effects of CBD. If you’re interested in learning more about CBD oil benefits or how to find the best CBD products near me, contact AllGreens today.
