CBD, otherwise referred to as Cannabidiol, is among the most common types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both CBD and marijuana are extracted from cannabis or hemp, but CBD doesn’t cause any psychoactive effect due to low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels – the compound responsible for the “high” feeling.
While CBD is a small component of marijuana (one in hundreds), it doesn’t cause a ‘high’ by itself. This quality makes it a popular option for those seeking relief from pain and other symptoms without experiencing the mind-altering effects of marijuana and related pharmaceutical drugs.
Over the last five years, CBD products have been gaining considerable momentum in the health and wellness world since scientific evidence confirms the biological processes behind its healing power.
Here are 5 CBD benefits that are backed by scientific studies:
1. Helps Fight Cancer
Scientific evidence now supports the fact that CBD can reduce the growth of tumors in animal models of cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are believed to also prevent cancer from spreading if it already exists in the body.
Using CBD-based products consistently could help protect you from developing a cancerous tumor in the lung, brain, colon, prostate, or breast. Currently, researchers are working on a CBD dose that can effectively be used in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
If you’re looking to use CBD for cancer prevention and treatment, be sure to keep abreast of the latest developments on its further research; you can get the best info here Cheef Botanicals as well as other reputable sources.
2. Reduces Pain
Marijuana has been used for treating painful conditions for thousands of years. Today, many people are still using cannabis for pain relief, a trend that seems to be gaining much momentum. But how does it relieve pain?
Just recently, studies have revealed marijuana’s chemical components, such as CBD, that are responsible for their pain relief effects. CBD reacts with receptors found in the immune system and the brain. Consequently, it reduces chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid receptor activity, interacting with neurotransmitters, and reducing inflammation. With this, CBD can alleviate anything from neuropathic pain to physical pain.
3. Helps in Managing Anxiety
The oral use of cannabis for anxiety is arguably one of the most common uses of the plant across different cultures. CBD’s ever-growing popularity as an anxiety-reducing chemical is backed with plenty of convincing research.
In 2012, for instance, a research review on international studies concluded that CBD present in the cannabis plant could indeed reduce anxiety. The stress-relieving effects of CBD are thought to be related to the activities on the limbic and paralimbic parts of the brain.
Evidence already point to CBD’s usefulness in reducing:
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder
4. Lowers The Risk Of Obesity And Diabetes
Obesity is among the biggest risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Today, around a third of overweight people in the world have diabetes, and almost 85% of all people with diabetes are obese.
According to studies, regular cannabis users exhibit a low body-mass index, smaller waist size, and reduced risk of obesity and diabetes. Although it’s still an ongoing area of research, CBD has demonstrated the potential for stabilizing blood sugar levels, which substantially reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
But, how does CBD help in preventing obesity? To begin with, we have to understand where obesity comes from. Obesity primarily results from overeating, which causes an oversupply of nutrients in the endoplasmic reticulum—this forces insulin receptors to shut down, creating a situation known as insulin resistance.
Research has shown that CBD reduces the circulation of resistin concentrations that are associated with insulin resistance and causing obesity.
A report published by the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2011 revealed that the rates of obesity among marijuana users is 33% lower compared to non-users. It has also been observed that marijuana users have increased insulin sensitivity, which enables the body to effectively use insulin.
5. Treats Acne
Acne is a prevalent condition that affects about 10% of the world population. Several factors are thought to cause acne, including genetics, underlying inflammation, bacteria, and overproduction of sebum.
According to recent scientific studies, CBD-based topical products, owing to its anti-inflammatory attributes and the ability to reduce the production of sebum, help in treating acne.
Final Thoughts
Before taking any CBD-based product, it’s essential to talk to your medical provider, particularly if you’re currently taking other medications.
Also, due to the lack of regulation on cannabis products, anything sold online can easily be compromised. Therefore, it is crucial to do your due diligence to verify that what you’re buying is safe.