Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of over 80 cannabinoids, which are natural compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is extracted from cannabis plants as either an oil or powder.
CBD oil is one of the most beneficial substances that has helped people across a spectrum of different illnesses. CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the 2 main active compounds found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant.
However, unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive (mind-altering) effects and has shown promising results as a treatment for several ailments. In fact, CBD in doses larger than conventional remedies enhances the effect of THC.
These qualities make CBD an appealing option for those who are seeking relief from symptoms such as pain, or even a swelling where the pharynx is located.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the valuable cannabinoids including CBD in the cannabis plant. In other words, it is an extract that does not undergo the refinement process required to isolate the CBD.
On the other hand, CBD oil is prepared by extracting only CBD from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
CBD oil can be mixed into creams or gels for topical application. It can also be taken orally, either in the form of a liquid or capsules.
In liquid form, it is typically taken under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the veins and capillaries found beneath the surface of the tissues in the mouth.
How CBD should be consumed or absorbed depends largely on what it’s being used to cure. It is advisable to talk to your doctor before using CBD oil.
In the state of Florida, more than 1300 doctors have already become certified and many Tampa marijuana doctors are providing cannabis treatment plans to cure debilitating ailments.
6 Health Benefits of CBD That are Backed by Scientific Evidence
1) Soothes Pain and Inflammation
CBD oil has become the hot new product in relieving chronic pain and inflammation, and is found to be very useful in chronic back pain treatment. In fact, pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties are some of the most popular health benefits of CBD therapy.
Besides CBD oil, CBD wax also provides instant relief from pain. This potent form of CBD is highly concentrated and typically people absorb it via dabbing. Such and other concentrated extracts of CBD are available for sale at almost any marijuana dispensary in Florida.
Furthermore, several human studies have found that Sativex, an oral spray- a combination of THC and CBD, is highly effective in treating pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. Post-treatment with Sativex, the patients experienced a significant improvement in pain, walking, muscle spasms and sleep quality.
After ingestion, CBD inhibits neuronal communication through the pain pathways, thereby alleviating the user’s pain.
The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates several functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response.
CBD attaches itself to CB2 receptors (manage pain and inflammation) of this specialized system or causes the body to create natural cannabinoids that bind to the CB2 receptors.
2) Relieves Anxiety and Depression 
Two of the most common mental health disorders, anxiety and depression can have highly damaging effects on health and well-being.
CBD oil has shown promise as an effective treatment for both these ailments, creating interest among people who live with them.
Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system and has the ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls mood and social behavior.
Studies reveal that CBD is indeed a safe treatment without any side effects for anxiety, chronic stress and depression. CBD edibles such as CBD chocolates also do wonders as antidepressants.
A meditative variety of the cannabis strain, namely, Kush Cannabis or Kush Marijuana has a cerebral effect like introspection or internal reflection.
Hence kush marijuana products are particularly useful in treating stress and anxiety. The name of this cannabis strain comes from the Hindu Kush mountain range and it was taken to the United States in the latter half of the twentieth century. Kush Cannabis continues to be available here till date.
3) Neuroprotective Properties
CBD’s ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signalling systems benefits those with neurological disorders.
CBD oil has the ability to greatly reduce, or even eliminate severe epileptic seizures in small children. Epileptic seizures are caused by irregular electrical discharges among brain cells. Such a misfiring results in convulsions of the body and loss of consciousness.
There have been cases of parents watching their children suffer through hundreds of seizures a day, only to see the number drop to a mere handful after CBD oil therapy.
Scientific trials show that Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy, associated with drug-resistant seizures and a high mortality rate, can be treated effectively with CBD.
Also, several studies prove that treatment with CBD improves quality of life and sleep for people with Parkinson’s disease and helps prevent the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor and muscle rigidity.
It is associated with degeneration of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. When dopamine cells die the endocannabinoid system is negatively affected.
However, the CBD that you consume engages in this system and can better regulate its functions.
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that is associated with neuroinflammation, cognitive decline and oxidative stress. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can suppress the signals that trigger the inflammation in the first place.
Also, as an antioxidant, CBD helps to diminish the problems associated with oxidative stress. Another notable benefit of CBD is its ability to produce new neurons in the hippocampus (a part of the brain that is important for memory) region.
This is a great help for Alzheimer’s patients as their brains have a reduced ability to create new brain cells.
4) Alleviates Cancer-related Symptoms
CBD oil helps reduce symptoms related to cancer and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Nausea is one of the most challenging side effects of chemotherapy.
CBD can actually control nausea (and vomiting), making stomach concerns much easier for cancer patients to manage.
Also, many cancer patients struggle with lack of appetite while undergoing chemotherapy. In this case, CBD activates a group of neurons called Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) to stimulate appetite.
Cancer is a scary experience, and many cancer patients struggle with anxiety and depression as they battle the illness. CBD helps the patients cope with such mental discomfort by reducing anxiety, insomnia and mood disorders in them.
Newer research is showing that besides these properties, CBD also has pro-apoptotic abilities, which can help prevent the migration of cancer throughout the body.
CBD induces cancer cell death by targeting cancer cells. They are known to be highly concentrated in CB2 receptors. The proteins on these receptors bond to CBD in a key-in-the lock pattern that destroys the cancer cells.
Studies show that CBD oil, with the right dosage, is absolutely non-toxic and hence shows promise for prolonged treatment.
5) Treats Acne 
Acne is a common skin disorder and the most common areas for breakouts are the face, chest, shoulders and back.
It is caused by several factors, including genetics, bacteria, underlying swelling and excess oil secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Any teenager will tell you that acne flare-ups ruin self-image. Needless to mention, acne causes depression and anxiety.
Also, these issues carry into adulthood. CBD oil is an effective cure for acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to control oil secretion through the sebaceous glands. It can be bought from both- an offline and online dispensary.
Also, with CBD, there are no side-effects as it only attacks the problem-causing skin cells. For treating acne, the most common way of using CBD oil is in a topical form, such as a lotion or cream.
Alternatively, you can take a daily CBD oil supplement in pill form to help address acne. CBD also contains vitamin E that helps improve and protect the skin. For maximum skin benefits, it is advisable to make CBD oil a part of your daily skincare routine.
6) Reduces Diabetes
Diabetes is a widespread illness affecting millions of people worldwide. Today, about one-third of the American population is living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. One of the leading causes of death in the world, Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which cells cannot use blood sugar (glucose) efficiently for energy.
This happens when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin or the insulin that they make cannot work properly. The cells become insensitive to insulin and the blood sugar gradually overshoots.
A five-year study has revealed that CBD positively impacts glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance levels in adults. CBD also performs several functions in the body that control obesity, which is a well-known risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
Cannabis has a strong correlation with a healthy weight. For instance, using cannabis oil or butter in foods instead of traditional fats is greatly beneficial for weight management.
For people who are already struggling with diabetes, nerve damage and chronic skin sensitivity are common occurrences.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory benefits work well in both these cases. When used in a vaporizer, cannabis oil helps calm restless leg syndrome, a common condition of diabetic patients. CBD also protects the liver from oxidative stress, which is one of the contributing factors in nerve damage.
Final Thoughts
After reading up on these health benefits of CBD, you can see that CBD has certainly made a huge splash in the health world of late!
Among various sources of CBD, generally, CBD oil is the first choice as it has a higher bioavailability (the extent or rate of absorption in the body) than other CBD products like edibles and vapes.
Also, while edibles and vapes could be used for sociable and frivolous reasons, CBD oil is an excellent alternative for children, the aged or patients who prefer the health benefits alone.
