Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is an active ingredient in cannabis, but it’s not psychoactive. This property makes CBD an appealing choice for those who need pain relief without experiencing pharmaceutical drug side effects or the mind-altering sensation traditionally associated with cannabis. As such, CBD continues to gain momentum in the wellness world, with some scientific studies backing claims to treat anxiety and chronic pain, among other health conditions.
1. Chronic Pain
When CBD reaches the brain’s vanilloid receptors, it results in reduced pain perception and inflammation. A study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD also helps arthritis patients manage their pain. This study analyzed the effect of CBD gel applied to the skin, and researchers concluded there was indeed relief of pain without side effects.
2. High Blood Pressure
An English study consisting of a group of nonsmoking men aged 19 to 30 who had never tried cannabis analyzed the effects of a single dose of CBD, finding the dosage could reduce blood pressure by 6mmHg. This optimistic result indicates that CBD could help reduce the risk of stroke. The study, published by JCI Insight, concludes that CBD was likely the cause of the pain- and anxiety-relieving effects experienced by the men.
3. Acne
Most people deal with acne at least occasionally, and some struggle with it daily. The skin produces sebum to protect itself, but when it mixes with dead skin cells, it clogs the pores and creates acne. The severity of the symptoms depends on several factors, such as stress and diet, but some studies indicate CBD oil could help manage acne. Aside from reducing inflammation, CBD oil‘s antibacterial properties could potentially prevent sebum overproduction.
4. Epilepsy
When most people think about medicinal cannabis, they think about managing epileptic seizures. Epilepsy and similar conditions can be treatment resistant; traditional courses are ineffective for about 30% of patients. Unfortunately, research has been slow due to strict regulations, but some studies have made positive conclusions. For example, the New England Journal of Medicine showed CBD’s effectiveness in reducing seizures in Lennox-Gastaut patients. Additionally, the FDA approved an oral CBD in 2018 for Dravet syndrome patients.
5. Diabetes
Studies investigating cannabis for diabetes prevention are not yet conclusive, but one study indicates that CBD could help relieve symptoms of the disease. However, researchers say these findings are preliminary. The study, published in the Journal of Pain, concluded that cannabis could reduce pain from diabetic neuropathy. The body’s receptors appear to react in multiple ways, relieving pain, reducing pain signals, and inhibiting discomfort. Though the randomized, controlled, and double-blinded study was conducted in humans, the sample size was tiny, involving only 16 people.
If you struggle with any of the above health conditions and are curious about CBD, give it a try. However, it helps to be mindful of the potential side effects of consuming cannabis: dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal issues, and fatigue. It is important to reach out to your healthcare provider or physician to ensure that using CBD products is safe and the most effective way to manage your health condition.