CBD is a compound that is extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it doesn’t give you that high but still offers many benefits. In fact, the benefits are plentiful that the CBD market is exploding at the moment. CBD is being introduced to just about anything from drinks and food to medication.
So, what are the benefits of CBD that are backed by studies?
Helps With Anxiety
CBD is known for its calming effect, and it’s perhaps one of the significant reasons for its growing popularity. Last 2017, the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry performed a test involving 57 men testing anxiety which was stimulated by public speaking.
Some test subjects received 600mg, 300mg, and 150mg of 10% CBD oil. Some were given a placebo for the control.
The test subjects given 300mg reported less anxiety than the placebo group. Interestingly, participants given 600mg and 150mg experienced more anxiety compared to the group given 300mg.
Another study involving mice revealed that CBD has a similar effect to imipramine, a known antidepressant. Having said that, human trials are still needed as a confirmation.
Treats Some Symptoms of Epilepsy
There are certain instances in which CBD may be used to treat seizures brought on by epilepsy.
Last 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD product, as a treatment for seizures resulting from Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome for patients at least two years old. The said syndromes are forms of epilepsy.
The FDA approval came about due to three separate well-vetted studies. In one of the studies, 516 Patients suffering from Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome were given a placebo or Epidiolex.
The test result shows that Epidiolex, when given with other medication, decreased the frequency of seizures compared to the placebo group.
Reduce Symptoms Of PTSD
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine did a study involving CBD around PTSD back in 2018. During the course of the test, 11 patients with PTSD received psychiatric care and CBD for eight weeks in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. The study reported that 10 out of the 11 patients experienced a decrease in PTSD symptoms.
However, keep in mind that CBD alone is not meant to treat PTSD. CBD may help reduce anxiety-related symptoms, but that’s not all there is to it with PTSD. To holistically treat PTSD, a tandem of CBD and therapy is a significantly better option.
Four trials that ranged from 2012 to 2016 suggested that CBD, in conjunction with THC, can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD. THC is the component in cannabis that causes the “high” associated with marijuana use. When CBD and THC are combined, it will typically result in something like an “entourage effect.” The two compounds complement each other’s benefits and may even increase the overall potency.
As an example, when both are taken at the same dose, you get the same benefits of the two, but the CBD tempers down the THC “high.” Also, taking a bit of THC in conjunction with a more significant dose of CBD enhances the effects of CBD.
Helps With Opioid Addiction
There are studies, both human and pre-clinical animal trials, that suggest that CBD may help people quit opioid addiction.
In one study, researchers tested CBD to help people with a heroine-use disorder. In one week, CBD significantly helped reduce salivary cortisol levels, resting heart rate, withdrawal anxiety, and cue-induced cravings. Furthermore, there were no significant adverse effects uncovered.
Alleviate Symptoms Of ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease that causes the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain to deteriorate slowly. This leads to the loss of muscle control that slowly and continuously gets worst over time. It’s not yet known the exact cause of ALS, and most would suspect that it’s hereditary. At the moment, there are only two FDA-approved medications designed to help treat ALS.
In 2019, a study tested CBD and THC together in varying dosage combinations to help treat ALS symptoms. Patients with severe, moderate, or mild spasticity reported having high levels of satisfaction with the treatment. Furthermore, patients with moderate and severe spasticity reported even higher treatment satisfaction than mild spasticity.
Wrapping It All Up
The CBD market is growing for good reasons. It’s one of those “gifts from nature” that we just recently uncovered. While the CBD benefits mentioned above may seem substantial, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg.
As more researchers dive into the CBD subject, it’s only a matter of time before science can fully unlock the benefit it offers.