CBD BENEFITS (without the THC)
- josephplatt1979
- Jan 10, 2022
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 7, 2022
WHERE DOES CBD COME FROM
CBD, the short name for cannabidiol, is just one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. But it’s THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), not CBD, that’s the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives you a euphoric high. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties and will not give you a “high”. There is no evidence it has any abuse or dependence potential and to date, there is no evidence that it is associated with any serious side effects, according to the World Health Organization. CBD is that it is primarily marketed and sold as a supplement and not a medication.
There are many CBD benefits for our health and are just as good if not better than any medication for certain things.
IS CBD LEGAL
We know now that the THC part of cannabis is euphoric and relatively addictive, making it a prohibited drug. But the part which is called CBD is legal, a non-euphoric, stress-free, addiction-free substance. CBD has been known to have therapeutic and soothing effects and virtues in caring for certain chronic diseases. If you're thinking about trying CBD products, you may want to make sure they are legal and safe to use in the country you are buying it as CBD oils reside in a legal grey area in some countries. CBD products must meet certain standards in order to be legally bought and sold in most countries. Many countries have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction.
IS CBD SAFE
CBD itself is generally safe and well tolerated, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of CBD. One of the CBD benefits is that it does not contain the THC part of the cannabis plant which creates a mind-altering “high” when a person smokes it or uses it in food. The THC breaks down when a person applies heat and introduces it into the body. CBD, in contrast, is not psychoactive and it does not change a person’s state of mind when used. CBD will not induce a high and it may produce significant changes in the body, and it is showing some significant medical benefits. If you're considering using CBD oil, you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to do so.
HOW CBD WORKS
The endocannabinoid system also known as ECS is a complex network of cell receptors and neurotransmitters that are responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. There are two types of receptors which are CB1 and CB2
CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, particularly in the brain. They will help co-ordinate movement, pain, emotion, mood, thinking, appetite, memories, and other functions.
CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system and they affect inflammation and pain.
When CBD enters the body, CB1 and CB2 receptors trigger a response from the Endocannabinoid System. While the nervous system plays host to most CB1 receptors, the majority of CB2 receptors find their home in the immune system. Researchers believe that CBD does not directly attach itself to the receptor but influences it in some way. Activating these receptors is what allows for many of the health benefits that people associate with the compound.
CBD BENEFITS
CBD doesn't have a strong connection with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Instead, CBD benefits other receptors, like the opioid receptors that control pain. It also affects glycine receptors. These control serotonin, a brain chemical known as the feel-good hormone. We know when applied topically or consumed through inhalation or eaten, CBD interacts with neuroreceptors in your endocannabinoid system. This has been shown to help with many numerous medical conditions and studies prove the benefits of CBD having a wide-ranging positive effect. Here are some medical conditions where CBD benefits have already proven:
Epilepsy
Evidence from laboratory studies and small clinical studies over a number of years suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) could potentially help control seizures. In recent years, a number of studies have shown the benefit of specific plant-based CBD products in treating specific groups of people with epilepsy who have not responded to traditional therapies. Studies used a control group with some people taking a placebo while others were given CBD at different doses. Researchers did not know who was getting the placebo and who was getting CBD. This study showed that the addition of CBD to a traditional seizure medication decreased the frequency of drop seizures significantly in children and adults
Anxiety
Using CBD has been shown to boost your body's natural serotonin levels and seems to mimic many of the effects of antidepressants, though without the same harmful side effects. Treatments involving CBD have also been looked into for specific anxiety disorders such as social anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Researchers in New Zealand evaluated CBD’s effects in 397 adults and the study participants received medical CBD prescriptions for a variety of ailments, including non-cancer pain, cancer-related symptoms, neurological symptoms, and mental health. All groups reported improvements in their overall quality of life after 3 weeks of CBD treatment. The individuals who received CBD treatment for anxiety or depression reportedly experienced improvements in their ability to perform daily functions and reduce pain and anxiety or depression symptoms.
Pain
CBD is emerging as a promising pharmaceutical agent to treat pain and inflammation. Evidence from studies has shown that CBD exerts its pain-relieving effects through its various interactions and modulation of the endocannabinoid, inflammatory, and nociceptive (pain sensing) systems. Studies on CBD show interference with [the brain chemical] serotonin and some influence on glycine receptors, which may be involved with pain.
Arthritis
Medications are effective, safety from long-term use is often questioned. Repeated use of these drugs has been shown to damage the arthritis patient’s heart, liver, stomach and kidneys. When doses are too high or taken for a prolonged period, this can also cause liver damage in some instances. More people are becoming aware of alternative treatment methods like CBD which have risen in popularity as an option with fewer side effects. The ability for CBD to calm that response is one reason the compound might be a viable pain remedy for people with arthritis. Another is CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation occurs when your body is fighting a perceived infection. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system is attacking healthy parts of your body like your joints.
Sleep
Studies show that dosages of CBD help sleep and the study found that, compared with a placebo, a CBD dosage increased sleep duration. Levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, typically peak in the morning, but people with insomnia may have high cortisol levels at night. In one study on the effects of CBD, researchers found that cortisol levels decreased more significantly when participants took CBD oil. These results suggest that CBD affects the release of cortisol, possibly acting as a sedative.
Cancer
There is no evidence that CBD can cure cancer but if anything, CBD can alleviate the symptoms of cancer or the side effects of cancer treatment. A number of small studies of smoked marijuana found that it can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy. Studies have found that inhaled (smoked or vaporized) CBD can be helpful treatment of neuropathic pain caused by damaged nerves. scientists reported cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in lab dishes. Some animal studies also suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms of cancer. While the studies so far have shown that cannabinoids can be safe in treating cancer, they do not show that they help control or cure the disease.
Parkinson’s Disease
People with Parkinson’s are already using CBD in various forms for all sorts of symptoms of Parkinson’s including insomnia, anxiety, tremor, dystonia and pain. Current treatments for Parkinson’s work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which can make other symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as a tremor, worse. What's exciting about CBD is that it seems to act in a different way without causing any other side effects. It's not a cure but there are signs that CBD could help a lot of people with the effects of Parkinson's symptoms and the side effects of the drugs they are prescribed.
Depression
Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions that can have lasting effects on a person’s health, social life, ability to work, and overall well-being. A doctor may prescribe drugs to help a person treat depression. Many of these drugs have difficult side effects, such as mood swings, sleeplessness, and sexual dysfunction. Because of the side effects people have chosen CBD for treatment for both depression and anxiety, and it may cause fewer side effects in some people. CBD has a positive effect on serotonin levels in the brain, and serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are thought to play a key role in mood as well as pain.
Acne
lab studies found that CBD prevented human sebocytes from creating too much sebum in addition to having an anti-inflammatory effect, preventing inflammatory cytokines from activating. Because excessive sebum and inflammation are characteristic of acne, topical CBD could be an effective treatment for acne and may prevent or reduce future breakouts and prevent inflammatory cytokines from activating. Cytokines may trigger acne, so reducing them may help prevent further breakouts.
PTSD
Researchers have discovered many promising benefits of CBD to alleviate the symptoms associated with the disorder especially in people that haven’t responded well to conventional therapies. Clinical Trials have shown that CBD significantly reduced flashbacks, nightmares, and persistent memories in patients with PTSD. CBD disrupts the feelings of long-term fear memory processing, consequently reducing stress and anxiety. CBD has a range of calming effects that reduce anxiety, panic attacks, compulsiveness, and the long-term effects of stress.
HOW CAN CBD BE TAKEN
Another way CBD benefits is that it comes in many forms, including oils, extracts, capsules, patches, vapes, and topical preparations for use on skin. If you’re hoping to reduce inflammation and relieve muscle and joint pain, a topical CBD-infused oil, lotion or cream – or even a bath bomb -- may be the best option. Alternatively, a CBC patch or a tincture or spray designed to be placed under the tongue allows CBD to directly enter the bloodstream.
In a tincture – A tincture is a concoction you take by dropper or spray straight into your mouth. You can take CBD oil by putting it directly under your tongue. This part of the mouth is a capillary-rich area and so the CBD will reach your bloodstream quicker.
Edibles – These are a great and discreet way to try CBD. You can find a variety of CBD edibles including gummies, truffles, or even chocolate. The benefits of CBD gummies is that they do a great job of masking any taste.
Vaping and Smoking - You can smoke high-CBD cannabis flower in a joint, use a vaporizer with a cartridge that contains CBD oil, or even inhale CBD concentrates such as sugar waxes with any vape pen that has a chamber for concentrates. Vaping and smoking allow the CBD to go directly into your bloodstream.
In a rub or balm - CBD is often blended with fragrant oil or beeswax, which makes it easy to spread on the skin. When used topically, CBD can reach local targets, like sore muscles or joints.
CBD Drinks - You can enjoy your daily dose of CBD in a tasty drink if you wish. Enjoying it in a drink can make it less of a chore and more of an excuse to pause and enjoy a delicious drink that also happens to enrich your body with CBD. Coffee seems to be people’s favourite way of getting CBD in a drink.
CBD Tablets and capsules- Just want to take your CBD quickly, easily and just forget about it? Good old capsules could be for you. If you don’t mind swallowing them, then CBD capsules are a convenient and often cost-effective way to get your daily CBD. Some companies are now adding in extra vitamins and minerals for even more natural benefits.
CBD Spray - CBD sprays have immediate benefits when compared to CBD you have to digest, as it enters your bloodstream via the mouth, skipping that pesky stomach acid completely. you can get flavoured ones to freshen your breath at the same time.
Patches - CBD patches are about as effective as CBD that’s taken orally. When applied to your skin, a patch allows the CBD to be absorbed in a targeted area. Also patches are convenient and discreet.
Bath bomb - CBD bath bombs aren’t that different from the standard home spa option. They are designed to dissolve upon contact with hot water to fill your tub with a blend of soothing salts, scents, and natural oils that promote relaxation while nourishing your skin, similar to CBD skin care products.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Before you start your CBD adventure and apart from CBD benefits, it is crucial you become familiar with all of the potential side effects if you get any. While some of them might not bother you at all, there is always a chance you belong to a small group of users who have to be extra careful with CBD.
These groups will include people on certain medications, with specific illnesses, or who have certain health conditions. CBD side effects can appear when CBD interacts with other medications or when CBD is inappropriately applied. Even though CBD is not a narcotic and is well-tolerated by most users, it is vital to be aware that some effects. research has shown that CBD oil can trigger side effects.
The severity and type can vary from one person to the next and these can include:
Changes in appetite
Changes in mood
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Nausea
Vomiting
Interaction with medication
CBD oil may also increase liver enzymes so people with liver disease should consult their healthcare provider before taking CBD oil and use it with caution. Regular blood liver enzyme level checks are recommended.
The good news is that the most common CBD side effects will go away as soon as CBD leaves the body. So, if you believe you might be experiencing some mild side effects, just take a break and do not apply any CBD products until the side effects are gone. And then, try again with a lower daily amount.
Don't take CBD oil if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, pregnant women want to avoid CBD because of the potential risks to a baby's development. Although the effects of CBD itself are good to a person CBD does pass through the placenta and the brain continues to mature into young adulthood and could therefore be more vulnerable. This is why CBD should be avoided while pregnant.
WHERE TO BUY CBD
When it comes to buying CBD oil, there’s no one-size-fits-all legislation in place. This is because not every country in the world has regulated the sale of CBD on its territory. There are far too many countries that strictly forbid CBD regardless of its numerous benefits. You would have to check the guidelines of CBD in the county you want to purchase CBD. When you do buy ensure it has the best quality extracts and a reliable laboratory testing. Many online retailers will provide third-party lab results and COAs to their customers. Avoid products from manufacturers who are not willing to provide the information or use vague labelling on their packaging.
BOTTOM LINE ON CBD
CBD benefits your health, body and mind, also non-toxic option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. CBD can be taken in many ways and can easily be bought from most countries. If you decide to try CBD, make sure you are getting it from a reputable source and talk with your doctor to make sure that it won’t affect any other medicines you take.
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