10 Benefits and Uses of CBD
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Let’s talk about one of the most popular natural remedies making headlines for its ability to treat a multitude of ailments with no trips to the pharmacy: CBD oil. From reducing anxiety, relieving pain and inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and even alleviating cancer symptoms, CBD has exploded in popularity in recent years for its therapeutic benefits to the mind and body. Read on to discover 10 key health benefits of CBD oil, and learn how this product can improve the quality of your life.
What is CBD and how does it work?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis flowers (hemp and marijuana), second in abundance to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which reacts with our body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). According to Project CBD, created by scientific journalists Martin A. Lee and Fred Gardner, CBD changes the way the ECS reacts with cannabinoids to regulate physiological systems in the brain and body, achieving equilibrium and balance.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
Although medical marijuana has been used to treat ailments like anxiety, nausea, and pain for a number of years, it may not be a viable option for those who are looking to avoid the intoxicating effects that are inevitable with smoking or consuming marijuana. That’s because the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana is THC, the compound responsible for getting users high.
Enter CBD.
When extracted from hemp plants, CBD does not contain enough THC to experience its intoxicating effects, this is because hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC. While CBD can also be extracted from marijuana plants, the product often contains higher amounts of THC and users may therefore experience intoxicating effects.
Below are 10 health benefits of CBD, with clinical studies in Canada currently underway.
1. CBD for pain relief
Because CBD reacts with receptors in the brain and immune system, it works to reduce pain and inflammation. According to an investigation published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, CBD significantly reduced inflammation in rodents, with these benefits transferring to humans. Additionally, a study in the European Journal of Pain showed that applying CBD oil directly onto the skin could help arthritis induced pain and inflammation on rodents. This means that not only is CBD great for relieving muscle soreness after a heavy workout so you can go back to the gym in less time, it also works for chronic pain, from seniors to cancer patients.
2. CBD for epilepsy and seizures
Strong scientific evidence currently backs CBD as a viable treatment for childhood epilepsy, specifically, Dravet Syndrome, in which fever-induced seizures occur. In fact, the New England Journal of Medicine studied CBD as a treatment for Dravet Syndrome in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Over a 14 week period, patients who received CBD saw seizures reduced by a median of 38.9%.
3. CBD for anxiety
The Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada says at least 25% of Canadians will have at least 1 anxiety disorder in their lifetime. In fact, over 53% of Canadians consider anxiety and depression to be ‘epidemic’ in Canada. While antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication does exist, some preliminary studies on mice show that CBD may have anti-anxiety properties, making it an effective anti-anxiety and anti-depression treatment. Learn more about CBD for anxiety here.
4. CBD for sleep
In our fast paced world, it’s no secret that insomnia and low quality sleep are rampant among adults. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, 43% of men and 55% of women between 18-64 years reported having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep “sometimes, most of the time, or all the time.” This means nearly half of the population experiences low quality sleep, which has directly been linked to a range of health issues including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Although CBD oil itself does not make you tired, its anti-anxiety properties help relax the mind and body, which in turn help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. In contrast, CBD in small doses can also be the perfect addition to your morning coffee for increased mental alertness. Learn more about why CBD and coffee are the perfect pairing.
5. CBD for cancer
Let’s make one thing clear: we’re not stating that CBD oil can help cure cancer, however a 2016 review found that CBD, and other cannabinoids found in cannabis have an anti-tumor effect, which may prevent cancer cells from metastasizing. CBD can also be used to treat cancer symptoms and alleviate side effects of chemotherapy, such as pain, nausea, and lack of appetite.
6. CBD for diabetes
According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and strokes. While the disease is incurable, it can be treated and managed with the correct medication, diet, and exercise. In 2017, roughly 7.3% of Canadians over the age of 12 reported suffering from diabetes.Although the root causes of diabetes are still not fully known, both diabetes 1 and 2 stems from the body’s inability to process sugar for energy. Therefore, it is critical for those with diabetes to manage their blood glucose levels.
According to cannabisMD.com, for those with type 2 diabetes, CBD’s anti-inflammatory capabilities may be the ticket to stabilizing blood sugar, preventing nerve inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood circulation. For those with type 1 diabetes, CBD has the potential to delay the onset of the disease due to its anti-autoimmune capabilities, which can protect insulin-forming cells from damage.
7. CBD for Acne
In Canada, acne affects 20% of the population. While mainly an issue occurring in teenagers, adult acne is a serious issue, with 20% of adult women suffering from adult acne. Acne occurs due to various factors, including overproduction of sebum (the oils in our skin), genetics, and bacteria. While many desperate teenagers and adults turn to harsh medications like Accutane or even laser therapy, there may be a more natural, less invasive fix to this embarrassing, life-changing problem: CBD. One study found that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties prevented the over-production of acne-causing sebum, leading to the reduction in acne over time, making this a promising and cost-effective treatment. If you are going to use CBD for acne, be sure that there are no additional flavourings that may react with your skin, and that the carrier oil used is non-comedogenic.
8. CBD for Alzheimer’s Disease
Perhaps one of the most harrowing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease is your loved one’s inability to recognize your face anymore. Preliminary research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has found that CBD was able to help those with early onset Alzheimer’s retain their ability to recognize faces, which means that CBD may also help with delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease itself.
9. CBD for weight loss
CBD interacts with the ECS by helping it maintain a healthy blood sugar level, as well as stimulating genes and proteins that break down fat, which is also why CBD is used to help treat obesity for those with type 2 diabetes. It can also helps the body convert white fat (bad fat) to brown fat (good fat), which can improve the body’s ability to burn fat and regulate body heat.
10. CBD for oxidative stress
Due to the toxic environment in which many live nowadays, oxidative stress is much more prevalent, especially for those who live in large cities. CBD is well known for having antioxidant capabilities, which can help neutralize those free radicals, thereby reducing neurological damage. Oxidative stress after exercise is also the culprit for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. This is why CBD may be the secret to relieving muscle soreness faster.
Want to learn more about how CBD can enhance your well being? 17 experts weigh in here on the reported benefits of CBD.
How to take CBD
So, are you ready to give CBD a go? Here’s how to do it.
The most common CBD formulation is in oil form, however, CBD can also be found in gummies, capsules, and other extracts. When shopping for CBD oil, be sure to purchase hemp-derived CBD oil, not the marijuana-derived variety. Otherwise, you may find yourself down and out for the night due to intoxication from typically higher levels of THC in marijuana-derived CBD.
As well, look for labelling that states the CBD oil is full-spectrum, which contains a medley of cannabinoids found in cannabis, that work together to amplify the effects of THC (known at the entourage effect). Finally, start off with a low dose (about ½ ml to 1 mL once a day) and see how you feel, before increasing the frequency you consume the oil.
Take our quiz here for a personalized dosage recommendation or view the dosing chart below for a guideline.
Lastly, it is important to note that research for the health benefits of CBD listed above are still underway in Canada and the United States, although preliminary trials look positive. Always consult with your doctor before trying a new remedy for mental and physical ailments. Keep an open mind; CBD can be a truly life enhancing product, if consumed correctly.
DISCLAIMER: Information and products presented by resolveCBD are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment, nor is it intended to be a substitute or alternative for professional medical advice. Always consult with a licensed professional regarding medical treatment or possible interactions with prescribed drugs. Products are intended to be used as directed, by individuals who are 19 years of age or older.