- CBD
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by gu
Our growing understanding of the benefits of CBD continues to expand its popularity. As the world becomes more interested in natural health and living, alternative health options will be of growing importance
It’s no surprise that CBD has been getting so much attention, of course, considering the scores of anecdotal evidence flooding the news. But is CBD just a new health fad, or is there legitimacy behind the seemingly promising empirical evidence?
Current Research on the Benefits of CBD
Research on the benefits of CBD is vast covers a wide range of ailments. Below are some of the most promising benefits of CBD, though the list is certainly not exhaustive. As research continues, the list of CBD benefits will likely grow.
CBD Benefits Epilepsy Patients
One study was conducted to see what the benefits of CBD are for patients with epilepsy. Researchers gave eight patients 200mg-300mg of CBD each day over 4 1/2 months. Though one patient found the CBD to be ineffective, the other seven patients experienced improvement. Four of the CBD subjects remained nearly free of convulsive episodes throughout the experiment, and the other three patients showed partial improvement in their clinical condition. This and many other studies on the benefits of CBD for epilepsy show that CBD is potentially a great help to those who suffer from epileptic seizures.
CBD for Pain and Inflammation
One of the most praised benefits of CBD is its pain-relieving abilities due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. This promising cannabinoid interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters to decrease chronic inflammation, reduce the production of pain-causing enzymes, and block the neurological pain paths.
CBD for Long-Term Anxiety Relief
CBD has some natural mood-stabilizing abilities that may decrease anxiety levels. In a sample group of 72 people who suffered from anxiety, one study showed that 57 of them (79.2%) experienced an improvement in their anxiety levels within the first month. Anxiety levels continued to improve for the duration of their CBD use.
CBD is an Anti-Psychotic
There are ample studies regarding the benefits of CBD on a wide array of neuropsychiatric conditions. Many researchers are now testing the benefits of CBD for schizophrenia. One test group compared CBD to the drug Amisulpride, a dopamine receptor antagonist drug that is highly effective in treating schizophrenia. The test results showed that CBD worked just as effectively as Amisulpride in improving psychotic symptoms in schizophrenic patients.
CBD Promotes Better Sleep
Another benefit of CBD is its ability to help with sleeplessness. CBD’s anti-anxiety properties are one of the critical factors leading researchers to believe that CBD can help promote better sleep. CBD may also improve REM sleep through its anxiolytic effect.
Benefits of CBD for Bone Health
According to The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, CBD could also have a positive effect on mending fractured bones. During their research, they found that using a combination of THC and CBD (with the primary credit going to CBD) helped enhance the healing of fractured bones and demonstrated the critical mechanical role of collagen crosslinking enzymes.
CBD has an Interesting Effect on Cancer
While still in its infancy stages, research regarding the potential benefits of CBD on cancer is promising. In one particular study, researchers tested CBD on both human cervical cancer cells and human lung cancer cells and found that invasion of both cancerous cells reversed. These studies showed more of the underlying, anti-invasive workings of CBD and imply that there is potential use as a therapeutic option for the treatment of highly invasive cancers.
Limits to CBD Research
Despite our current research on the benefits of CBD, legal limitations in the past have prevented CBD research from reaching its full potential. But with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD research will grow to a whole new level. Though researchers must still follow proper hemp research procedures, the 2018 Farm Bill improved the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program to allow for a broader purview of research.
Summarizing the Benefits of CBD
Current research has shown some promising benefits of CBD to go along with the anecdotal evidence. From an array of neuropsychiatric conditions to more physical bodily ailments, hemp CBD seems to be providing relief to those who use it.
It is important to note that there is a difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD. Marijuana-derived CBD is still federally illegal, and the composition of it is quite different from hemp-derived CBD. CBD derived from marijuana is going to have much higher levels of THC than hemp CBD does–to be classified as hemp, the plant can’t contain more than 0.3% THC.
It’s also important to research reputable distributors before purchasing hemp CBD products. The FDA is still developing regulations, and many CBD companies are falsely advertising their products. Make sure a company’s products are third-party tested and certified.
Do you have experience using CBD? What benefits of CBD do you find most appealing? We’d love to hear from you.
