In this article, we cover all the basics of Hemp or CBD oil –

Table of contents:

Introduction

What is CBD? The fundamentals you need to know

Research – CBD Oil Benefits Reduced Inflammation & Pain Relief Fights Cancer & Anti-Tumor Effects Improved Quality & Duration of Sleep Anti-Psychotic Effects Prevents Seizures in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy Reduces Anxiety Anti-depressant Effects Protection Against Neurodegenerative Diseases Increased Appetite Nausea Relief Lowers Likelihood of Diabetes



In the 1930’s cannabis was deemed illegal and a public hazard due to the THC compound and its psychoactive effects. Since then the anecdotal medical benefits of the plant continue to prove true as more and more research comes to the surface. The plant is known to contain over 400 compounds which work together to provide a wide range of benefits to the user. Today, the focus is shifting from the high-producing effects of THC to the non-psychoactive effects of Cannabidiol (CBD). This prominent compound has been shown to treat a wide range of conditions and diseases thanks to a multitude of medicinal benefits. In this article, we dive into the various benefits of CBD. Note that while CBD alone is the focus of this article, it has been proven that using ‘whole-plant’ CBD medicines has been proven most effective. This is known as the entourage effect. In short, the synergies between the compounds in the cannabis plant have proven more effective than any single molecule within the plant.

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of 66 identified compounds in cannabis known individually as cannabinoids. Along with THC, CBD is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in the plant. You may know THC for its effects of producing a high. This cannabinoid alone is responsible for the effects that are psychoactive with marijuana use. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. And CBD has actually been proven to negate the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD is found in the cannabis plant, including marijuana and hemp. The compound is first extracted from cannabis into an oil form in order to create a usable CBD product. Assuming the manufacturer utilizes a high-quality extraction method, the resulting oil contains a full-spectrum cannabinoid and terpene profile. These oils may then ingested by the user in a variety of methods including by mouth, topical application, or an inhaled vapor.

In 2013, a story that is new by CNN highlighted CBD’s effectiveness in treating serious epileptic diseases with no other pharmaceutical treatments. Since then, CBD has exploded into mainstream consciousness and has found acceptance across nearly all continuing states in the USA.

Research Shows Potential CBD Benefits –

The number of studies done on CBD continues to grow substantially as its popularity grows. Today there is a wealth of test information available pointing to a variety of potential benefits associated with CBD use. Through all these tests there is one constant, the lack of any major negative side effect.

Below we outline the researched benefits of CBD citing reports:

Reduced Inflammation & Pain Relief

Reducing inflammation is one of the most commonly talked about the potential benefits of cannabidiol. A 2012 study concluded that CBD may “significantly suppress inflammation that causes chronic neuropathic pain” in animals. Additionally, a 2007 study found that a CBD/THC spray was potentially effective in treating pain that is neuropathic sufferers of multiple sclerosis. (source)

It is essential to note that this pain relief is cited as coming without dependence or a tolerance buildup. This is important because of the dangers associated with tolerance issues commonly associated with opioid use. With the dangers of opioid use, CBD could be an effective alternative that is safe and could save lives. Studies suggest that cannabinoids show potential as a new class of chronic pain treatment. (source)

Cancer Fighting & Anti-Tumor Effects

CBD shows promise as a compound that is both cancer-fighting and tumor-fighting. The cannabinoid has been studied as a medicine which could potentially treat a wide variety of cancers including breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, colon cancer, and more. A 2006 study found that CBD inhibits cancer cell migration, adhesion, and invasion. (source) A 2016 study concluded that CBD successfully inhibited cervical cancer cell growth. (source) CBD has also demonstrated direct anti-tumor effects, another promising use for the compound. Research is still being performed to discover additional cancer-fighting applications for CBD.

Improved Quality & Duration of Sleep

Multiple studies have concluded that CBD may help users fall asleep in addition to sleeping more soundly once asleep. A 2016 insomnia study showed that CBD gradually helped improve sleep quality, duration, and reduced anxiety. (source) Better sleep can be associated with CBD’s influence on pain and inflammation. A 2013 study on CBD and epilepsy noted that the added benefits of the cannabinoid included ‘better mood and improved sleep”. (source)

Anti-Psychotic Effects

Tests on both animals and humans suffering from schizophrenia showed that CBD users demonstrated lower levels of positive psychotic symptoms. This may point to CBD as a class of treatment for the disorder. (source) These are promising findings since schizophrenia is a disease that is typically managed with pharmaceutical drugs with serious negative side effects. One of CBD’s most well-known interactions is with the cannabinoid THC. Despite the association with cannabis, CBD has actually been observed to reduce the mind-altering ‘high’ effects associated with THC. (source)

Seizure Prevention in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy

Quite possibly one of the most well-known benefits of CBD is its role in preventing seizures for those who suffer from epilepsy. A wide range of anecdotal evidence supports CBD’s effectiveness in helping with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (source) In addition, the test subjects were observed to have better moods, improved sleep, and increased alertness.

Because of a CNN spotlight, a well-known example of CBD’s effectiveness is the case of Charlotte Figi’s epilepsy. At just 3 months old, Charlotte was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome a rare form of epilepsy. The 2013 article outlines how CBD oil was used to reduce 5-year-old Charlotte’s seizure rate from over 300 loss of consciousness seizures a week to only 2-3 per month. (source)

Cannabidiols’s effectiveness has been the force that is driving much of the state-level legalization specific to CBD. Nearly all states that do not currently have legalized medical marijuana have legalized CBD use for specific applications.

Reduced Anxiety

The impact and potential impact outline CBD’s effectiveness on reducing anxiety. Specific research shows indicated that CBD reduced anxiety in the situations that are following:

• Reduced anxiety for individuals with social anxiety disorder. (source)

• Reduced anxiety associated with public speaking. (source)

• Reduced anxiety associated with the psychoactive properties of THC use. (source)

CBD shows promise across many anxiety related disorders including disorder that is obsessive-compulsive social anxiety, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (source)

Anti-depressant effects



CBD shows promise as an anti-depressant in tests performed on mice recently. Results from tests showed that CBD induced antidepressant-like effects similar to the drug that is pharmaceutical (imipramine). These effects point to an activation of 5-HT1A receptors. (source)

Even more motivating, it was observed that CBD provided ‘fast and maintained antidepressant-like effects’. (source) This is extremely promising when compared to slow acting pharmaceutical options that carry a range that is wide of side-effects.



Protects Against Neurodegenerative Diseases



Along with THC, CBD was found to have effects that are neuroprotective a study of glaucoma. (source) This prevents brain cell death by preventing the toxic effects of neurotransmitter glutamate and oxygen that is radical (ROS) in the brain. (source) these effects that are antioxidant observed as being greater than Vitamin C & E.

Sufferers of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease might find relief with CBD use. Studies show mixed results in patients with Parkinson’s. (source) Animal studies have shown that CBD reversed the cognitive effects of Alzheimer’s disease in mice. (source)

Increased Appetite and Nausea Relief

One study showed relief in vomiting and nausea in animals. (R) Another study showed doses that are low nausea and vomiting triggered by toxic drug use. The study that is the same that at higher doses CBD was shown to increase nausea or have no effect overall. (source)

Lowers Likelihood of Diabetes



In another study that was animal-based mice performed in 2006 showed that CBD lowered the incidence of diabetes. The treatment resulted in a reduction that is significant of levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The result being that CBD can inhibit and delay the insulitis that is destructive inflammatory cytokine production. (source)

A 2013 study further provided hope for sufferers of diabetes. By surveying current and marijuana that is past, lower levels of fasting insulin were observed. Additionally, users resulted in a smaller waist circumference – one of many factors connected with the onset of diabetes. (source)