CBD has been used as a treatment for various conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and much more. It can also be used to treat side effects from chemotherapy or other medical treatments.
The benefits of CBD have led it to become widely popular across North America.
“An estimated 64 million American have tried CBD in the last 24 months “– Consumer Reports, 2019
Today, CBD is being studied more extensively for its potential benefits in the treatment of various health conditions.
“Of those who use CBD, 22% said it helped them supplement or replace prescription or over-the-counter drugs.” – Consumer Reports, 2019
With so many people using CBD daily, there are bound to be some questions about what exactly it does!
What is CBD and how does it work?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is derived from the hemp plant which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana, by itself it does not cause a high because it does not activate the same regions in the brain as THC.
CBD works by interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system which is a regulatory system made up of naturally occurring cannabis-like molecules. These endocannabinoids work like neurotransmitters, sending messages through the body to help maintain homeostasis. CBD interacts with these receptors, triggering positive effects.
CBD can come in the following forms:
- Oils
- Capsules
- Topical Sprays
- Vaping products
- CBD infused food
- CBD infused products like lotions and soap.
- CBD infused drinks
- Patches
Different ways CBD can improve your health
Relieves Stress
Studies are showing that CBD helps the brain release serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate a person’s mood which in turn can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Studies have shown CBD has a positive effect on cardiovascular health by stabilizing blood pressure. Research suggests that the same things that make CBD beneficial in treating stress and anxiety are also responsible for lowering the body’s blood pressure.
Help with Insomnia
Cortisol is a stress hormone that usually peaks in the morning but for people who are suffering from insomnia, their levels may be more elevated at night. A study found that CBD could lower cortisol levels which suggest it could function as a sedative and help people suffering from insomnia.
Increased Appetite
Studies following cancer patients going through chemotherapy have shown that the addition of CBD and THC in their treatment suppresses the nauseating effects of chemo and enables the patient to feel less nauseous and have more of an appetite to eat.
Pain Reliever
Studies show that CBD helps with pain by impacting the endocannabinoid receptor activity which in turn helps reduce sciatic nerve pain and inflammation.
Better Skin
A study has shown that cannabinoids help in producing lipids that can help lower the chances of dry skin, seborrhea, and acne among other things which in turn will help the user to have better skin.
“Of the Americans who use CBD, the most common uses are for pain relief (64%), anxiety (49%), and insomnia (42%).”- SingleCare, 2020
Side effects
Though usually well-tolerated, CBD can cause the following side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness/fatigue
CBD can also interact with other medications you might be taking like:
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Heart rhythm medication like amiodarone
- Thyroid medication like levothyroxine
- Seizure medication like clobazam, lamotrigine and valproate.
CBD exhibits no effects of abuse or dependence according to a WHO report.
Is CBD Legal?
Since CBD is hemp-derived with little to no THC (less than 0.3 percent) it meets federal regulations and is legal on federal and most state levels. There are a few states that still list it as an illegal substance and those states are:
- Idaho
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
Lack of Regulation
Even though CBD is legal in most states it is not regulated in a reliable way through the government.
70% of CBD products sold online are mislabeled.
CBD purity and quality control are a real concern for consumers today.
A study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than one-quarter of the products contained less CBD than labeled and 18 of the products contained THC without stating it.
The potential of CBD to improve health and wellness is only just beginning. More research needs to be done, but it’s clear that this is a promising avenue for improving both the quality and length of life in people with chronic illnesses or conditions.
“Research on the benefits and action of CBD in topical formulations as well as ingestible forms is ongoing. That experimentation is in its preliminary stages and there is a long way to go. The medical potential for CBD and other cannabinoids is undeniable, but medical research takes time and careful analysis.” – Manisha Singal, MD, Founder of Aethera Beauty.
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