7 benefits of CBD oil
CBD (cannabidiol) comes from hemp and in recent years, oil containing it has become a popular alternative treatment for a range of ailments. People report that CBD oil helps them relieve pain, anxiety and sleep disorders.
Due to the previous prohibition of cannabis use in much of the world and the associated limitations on research, we still have only limited results from studies conducted in humans to support claims of the benefits of CBD oils. However, with the progressive legalisation of cannabis use in some countries, research in this area is gaining momentum.
CBD is just one of the many unique compounds that the cannabis plant contains. CBD oil generally contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that produces psychoactive effects. Patients report using CBD oil for a variety of medical conditions without experiencing the intoxicating effects of THC. In general, most people tolerate CBD well and more serious side effects are rather rare.
Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to cannabinoid receptors, which are a crucial part of the endocannabinoid system. This system plays a key role in the control of many important bodily processes in our body, and hence in the central nervous system.
CBD interacts with other receptors such as serotonin and opioid receptors. It can also increase the levels of naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body. This may explain its wide range of uses. Endocannabinoids are signaling molecules that help regulate various processes such as pain, memory, mood, immunity, and stress.
Is CBD legal?
Cannabis CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal in the Czech Republic. From the beginning of 2022, it will be up to 1%. However, this is not the case in all countries. So, especially when travelling, you should check the local legislation. Also bear in mind that over-the-counter CBD products are not subject to control by government authorities, so labelling may not be accurate.
Read below to learn about some of the possible benefits of using CBD oil.
1. Epilepsy
One CBD-based medication that has been approved is Epidiolex. Doctors prescribe Epidiolex to patients who suffer from seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome, which are rare types of epilepsy. Epidiolex went through rigorous human studies before being approved for use in treating these conditions.
According to an article in Molecules, scientists don't know exactly how CBD helps control seizures. However, one theory suggests that CBD acts on a receptor involved in seizure activity (TRPV1). A review of completed and ongoing clinical trials suggests that the use of CBD in addition to commonly used antiepileptic drugs may be appropriate for the treatment of refractory epilepsy in infants, children and adolescents.
2. Pain and inflammation
Scientists have studied the effects of CBD on pain relief. A small, randomized, placebo-controlled study from 2020 examined the use of CBD oil with external administration in people with peripheral neuropathy of the feet. In this small study, participants affected by peripheral non-cancer neuropathic pain were given either 250 milligrams of CBD in about 90 ml of oil or a placebo.
After 4 weeks, the researchers observed a statistically significant reduction in intense pain, sharp pain, cold sensation and itching in those taking CBD oil. Participants reported no side effects. Although the results of this small study are positive, it must be taken into account that only 29 participants took part, so the researchers need to conduct further investigations to confirm the results.
Another review study showed that a 1:1 combination of THC and CBD sprayed into the back of the mouth (a pharmaceutical product called Sativex) could be effective for non-cancer chronic pain. However, the researchers do not know which of the two compounds had the most significant effect. The follow-up time for the effects in this study was 15 weeks.
Further research needs to be done to confirm whether long-term pain control is possible. This spray, which contained both THC and CBD, may also have anti-inflammatory effects. An earlier study on people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis showed that Sativex reduced disease activity scores by 28, indicating a reduction in inflammation. These studies show the potential effect of CBD on pain and inflammation.
3. Depression and anxiety
Many animal studies on the effects of CBD on mood disorders have shown promising results. An earlier article in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology described a human study where researchers showed that CBD can reduce anxiety caused by public speaking. Study participants used CBD before public speaking. They reported experiencing less anxiety and fewer unpleasant feelings. The researchers suggest that CBD may help alleviate anxiety associated with the anticipation of a fear-inducing event.
Participants also had lower negative self-evaluations during public speaking. Thus, the researchers suggest that serotonin receptors may play a role in CBD's effects on anxiety.
There are no human studies on the effects of CBD on depression. Further research is needed before it can be used for this purpose.
4. Coping and treatment of addictions
Some experts suggest that CBD oil may help people fight addiction by reducing activation of the amygdala, an area of the brain involved in addiction. Craving for addictive substances generally arises from the action of a stimulus, a trigger. Reducing the intensity of drug craving during the action of such triggers can therefore help people to abstain from, for example, heroin.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry examined the effect of CBD on craving and anxiety-inducing stimuli in people with heroin addiction. The researchers showed that compared to placebo, those who took CBD experienced milder craving for the drug as well as milder anxiety. These results are promising and deserve further investigation.
5. Inflammatory skin disorders
In some studies, some cannabinoids have shown effects against skin inflammation, itching, skin ageing and tumours. Some experts suggest that these effects occur when the substance interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is also found in our skin.
Some of the skin conditions whose symptoms may improve with CBD treatment include:
- acne
- atopic dermatitis
- psoriasis
- skin cancer
- itchy skin
- pain
Cellular studies have shown that CBD prevents some of the sebaceous gland functions that contribute to acne. However, before doctors can recommend their use, scientists need to confirm these results in studies conducted on humans.
6. Neuroprotection
An article in the journal Molecules reports that animal studies have shown that CBD may have neuroprotective effects in several neurodegenerative diseases, including the following:
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson's disease
- Huntington's disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
Scientists hypothesize that the neuroprotective effects are due to CBD's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In some countries, doctors may prescribe Sativex, a drug that contains THC and CBD, to relieve spasticity in people with MS. However, researchers are still unsure exactly how it works.
7. Relief from the side effects of chemotherapy
An article in the British Journal of Pharmacology reports that the effect of CBD on nausea and vomiting in animals may be related to its interaction with serotonin receptors. However, the article concludes that THC appears to have a greater ability to reduce nausea and vomiting than CBD.
In one human study, patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting experienced relief when taking Sativex. However, it is not clear how much of this was due to CBD itself. Further investigation is needed to understand the role of CBD in alleviating nausea and vomiting.
Other forms of CBD
CBD oil is not the only form of CBD that people use for medicinal purposes. Other forms of CBD include:
- capsules
- creams and ointments
- flower with high CBD content for inhalation
- edibles (e.g. gummy candies)
- drinks
The effect that taking CBD can have on a person can vary depending on whether they inhale it or take it orally. Depending on the form of CBD use, side effects can also vary.
Conclusion
People use CBD oil and other CBD-based products for a variety of reasons, including their effects on pain management, anxiety management, and seizure suppression.
Although studies report few side effects associated with CBD use, its effectiveness for a variety of health conditions requires further research.
Many people use CBD oil for health ailments that scientists have not yet thoroughly investigated. People who use CBD oil should consult a doctor to make sure the medicine is safe and whether CBD may be more effective than other conventional medicines.
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