CBD – The Ultimate Guide To CBD

What is CBD?

CBD is one of more than a hundred phytocannabinoids and found in the resinous flower of the cannabis plant. It is a naturally occurring compound that has gained prominence in the last few years as its therapeutic properties become more and more recognized by Scientists and Doctors around the world.

CBD is a safe and non addictive substance with medicinal potential for many different ailments. It is closely related to THC; another phytocannabinoid.

However whereas THC is known to cause the high that cannabis is known for, CBD does not do this. It does not make you feel intoxicated or stoned. Instead CBD can actually lesson or completely negate the effects of THC depending on how much of each is taken.

CBD’s therapeutic properties without the high or intoxicating effects associated with cannabis, makes it an appealing option for those who want to benefit from cannabis without feeling high. It is also very easy to take as an oil too.

Multipurpose

Many people seek alternatives to pharmaceuticals because of the harsh side effects they experience from them. CBD offers an alternative.

It can provide relief from chronic pain, depression, anxiety and a whole host of other conditions. CBD has proven to have neuroprotective properties and anti cancer properties. It has also been shown to stimulate the growth of new brain cells [1].

Extensive research plus anecdotal accounts from patients are emphasizing CBD’s therapeutic potential for neurological conditions (such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s), skin conditions, gut disorders, autoimmune diseases and even many more.

Pharmaceutical CBD

In 2018, the FDA approved a medicine called Epidiolex for the treatment of 2 severe pediatric seizure disorders. Epidiolex is am almost pure CBD formula, and by approving the medicine, the FDA was showing that they recognized it as a medicine and therapeutic resource.

CBD Health Benefits

CBD is advertised as providing relief from depression, anxiety and pain to name a few. It is also said to help promote better sleep.

Anxiety and Depression Relief

Depression and anxiety are increasingly more prominent in society. They are usually treated with psychological interventions such as CBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy) or pharmaceutical drugs. These types of drugs have a number of side effects and there is also the possibility of worsening symptoms as a result of the drug.

CBD oil has been shown to be helpful in both the treatment of anxiety and depression. The great thing about CBD is that it does not carry the intense side effects that pharmaceutical drugs can.

CBD has also been shown to have antidepressant like effects in animal studies [2].

In one study, 57 men were given oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before they were to speak publicly. The study showed that a 300mg dose of CBD was very effective at reducing anxiety during the public speaking [3].

CBD oil has also been shown useful for treating children with post-traumatic stress disorder. It helped ease insomnia and anxiety [4].

Pain Relief

Cannabis has been used for a very long time for its ability to help pain. It is only within recent years that scientists have discovered that certain components including CBD are responsible for the pain relieving effects.

The human body produces endocannabinoids which are neurotransmitters that bing to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. These help regulate appetite, pain, sleep and the immune system response.

Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce chronic pain by reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters [5].

Many studies have shown that CBD and THC are effective in treating pain particularly in relation to multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Sativex is an oral pray that contain a combination of CBD and THC. Its is approved in several countries for the treatment of pain in multiple sclerosis.

One study found that Sativex significantly improved pain at rest, during movement and improved quality of sleep in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis [6].

Some studies have also shown that CBD may help people with schizophrenia [7] and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms.

Neuroprotective Properties

Due to CBD’s ability to act on the endocannabinoid system, many researchers believe that it proves beneficial to those with neurological disorders.

Neurological disorders and the benefits CBD can provide, is one of the most studied areas for CBD use. Many studies focus on the use of the drug Sativex which is an oral spray consisting of CBD and THC. It has been shown to reduce muscle spasms [8] in people with multiple sclerosis whose muscle spasticity was resistant to medications.

Another study looking at CBD oil and its effects on severe epilepsy [9] found that it reduced seizures by 36.5%.

CBD oil is also effective and safe to use in children. Another study found that seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome [10] were significantly reduced compared to a placebo.

Several studies have also shown that CBD improved the quality of life and sleep in people with Parkinson’s disease [11].

Alleviate Symptoms Related To Cancer

CBD has been shown to be helpful in treating the symptoms of cancer and treatment relating to cancer. It has been shown to reduce symptoms [12] such as pain as well as chemo-therapy [13] induced nausea and vomiting.

One animal studies have also shown that CBD may have anti-cancer properties [14] and one study even showed that CBD inhibited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells [15].

Heart Health

CBD has been shown to potentially have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

Studies with CBD oil have shown that men undergoing a stress test, has a significantly smaller increase in blood pressure than they normally would without the dose of CBD [16]. It is CBD’s stress-reducing properties that are responsible for this lowering in blood pressure.

CBD has also been shown to reduce inflammation associated with heart disease.

Other Benefits

CBD has a whole host of other benefits including:

Reducing acne: CBD oil has been shown to prevent sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum and prevented pro acne agents [17].
Preventing diabetes: CBD has been shown to reduce the incidence of diabetes by 56% in mice [18].
Benefiting substance abuse patients: CBD has been shown to reduce morphine dependence [19].
Preventing the spread of cancerous tumours: CBD has been shown to prevent the breast of various cancers [20].

CBD Side Effects

CBD is generally safe and very well tolerated but some people may have side effects.

Side effects include:

Fatigue
Diarrhea
Changes in weight/appetite

It is also worth noting that CBD can interact with certain medications so its important to to talk to your Doctor before using it.

CBD Products

There are an array of CBD products on the market to choose from. Due to the surge in consumer demand, there is a large unregulated market in CBD oil products. This can lead to dodgy products, so doing your research is crucial.

You can also get CBD in many different forms from isolates all the way to bud and crystals.

Oil

CBD Oil is the most popular and easiest way to take CBD therapeutically. There are an array of products on the market in states where the herb is legal for therapeutic use. CBD oil is CBD plus a carrier oil with a dropper. You can place the liquid under your tongue using the dropper. They are a great choice for those who struggle with taking pills. Using oil under the tongue is an effective way to get it into your bloodstream to feel its effects quickly.

Capsules & Pills

CBD capsules or pills are exactly what they sound like. In this form they are swallowed. The downside to this is that time from ingestion to the onset of its effects can take a while.

Vaping

Vaping is hated fastest way to feel the effects of CBD. Vaporized CBD oil is like e-cigs for CBD. Currently there is little to no information about whether inhaling can damage the lungs. You can buy CBD vaporizer juice in many different flavors and strengths to suit your needs.

Edibles/Gummies

Edibles are a popular way of taking CBD and gummies are the most popular option. They are tasty, portable and affordable. They are also discrete as they just look like sweets. There is also no guesswork involved when it comes to dosage. A delicious way to get your CBD.