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The Health Benefits of CBD

Find out more about this incredible plant.

By Casey ChesterfieldPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids found within cannabis sativa, better known as marijuana. Because CBD comes from the marijuana plant, most people immediately think they will become “high” or “stoned” if they use CBD. That isn’t true at all, though. The psychoactive effects of marijuana are caused by another cannabinoid known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive and will not induce any type of “high.”

Up until just a few years ago, THC was the most widely known and studied chemical compound related to marijuana, but CBD has quickly gained attention. It seems that the more this cannabinoid is studied, the more potential health benefits are discovered.

Marijuana in general is already becoming increasingly popular in medical circles because of its numerous benefits in the treatment of various diseases, and CBD represents a unique opportunity for those who are looking for the medicinal benefits of marijuana without experiencing the “high.” So, what can CBD potentially do for you? Let’s take a look at a few of the health benefits that recent research suggests CBD can offer.

Anxiety relief

According to numerous scientific studies involving humans and animals, CBD has been shown to consistently reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This is especially notable because THC has been found to either reduce or amplify anxious feelings, depending on the individual. CBD, on the other hand, appears to almost always help. While a lot more human research is still needed, the authors of a 2015 scientific report on CBD found evidence that it can potentially help treat a broad range of anxiety related conditions such as post traumatic stress, social anxiety, and OCD.

Reducing pain and inflammation

If you’ve been treating pain with over-the-counter prescriptions and you’re looking for a more natural approach to pain relief, CBD may be a viable option for you. A 2012 experimental medicine study concluded that CBD significantly reduced pain and inflammation among tested mice and rats. Subsequent studies involving humans have concluded that CBD can be especially helpful in the treatment of chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis. If you are considering using CBD, you’ll find a number of online stores, such as The CBD Distributors, that can help you find what you are looking for.

Epilepsy treatment

CBD has been proven to help reduce seizures among both children and adults. In fact, in 2018, the FDA approved CBD to be used as a treatment for two conditions that cause epileptic seizures. Treating those two conditions, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, are especially noteworthy because they have been difficult to adequately treat and control using traditional epilepsy medicine.

Reducing cancer symptoms

CBD has been shown to help alleviate cancer-related pain more effectively than THC, and helps certain patients deal with chemotherapy-related side effects such as dizziness and nausea. CBD can potentially be especially helpful for cancer patients if more traditional pain or nausea treatments aren’t working for a particular patient. Some studies have even found reason to believe that CBD has anti-cancer properties. While more research on CBD’s effects on cancer is still needed, one study found that CBD inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells.

Addiction treatment

People suffering from addiction may also find CBD to be helpful. CBD can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, and studies have also found that CBD can help stop relapses. CBD has been shown to help the human brain recover from addiction faster and reduce drug dependence. Interestingly, CBD is even thought to combat THC’s effects on the human mind, making it a suitable treatment for marijuana withdrawal.

It is essential to note that just like with any other medication or drug, you should always consult with your doctor or a trained medical professional before using CBD. This is especially true if you are pregnant or taking prescription medication.

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