Cannabidiol, often referred to as CBD, is a compound derived from marijuana. It’s also known as “medical cannabis.” CBD was effectively legalized in Canada in 2001 for medical use. It was for two types of patients, those requireing end-of-life care and patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions. Since 2018, under the new Cannabis Act, CBD oil has been completely legal in Canada.
Scientists around the world are still conducting research into the benefits of CBD and how it affects the mind and body, but numerous studies have already reached positive conclusions. For example, a study in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry produced evidence of CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety and depression. The World Health Organization has published a report finding no evidence of health-related problems or dependence potential.
The following are some of the reasons consumers are taking CBD.
1) Health benefits
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties mean it can be used to address a range of illnesses and reduce the symptoms of aging. Research to understand why CBD has a positive impact on general health is ongoing, but it’s believed to be due to its integration with the body’s internal processing system, the endocannabinoid system. Although medical evidence is unclear, millions of people take some form of CBD and believe it improves their quality of life.
2) It can relieve pain
Treating pain is a top priority for healthcare professionals. Researchers are continually looking for effective, non-addictive alternatives to opioids. Evidence that medical cannabis can inhibit the release of neurotransmitters from nerve endings, which can reduce perceived pain levels, is encouraging. Perception of pain varies between individuals due to previous experience, medical conditions, and stress levels, so CBD won’t work for everyone.
3) It can relieve stress
CBD shows promise for reducing stress and anxiety. A 2015 study published by the National Institutes of Health examined how CBD interacts with receptors in the brain that regulate fear and anxiety-related symptoms. Unlike many other drugs used to treat stress-related disorders, medical cannabis is non-addictive. However, there can be side effects, including drowsiness and decreased appetite.
4) It can control nausea
Emerging research has provided positive evidence that taking CBD can provide relief from nausea and vomiting. This can be particularly useful for cancer sufferers receiving chemotherapy. A 2016 study carried out on human subjects by the National Institutes of Health found that medicines containing CBD reduced feelings of nausea. Animal research indicates that CBD’s interaction with the hormone serotonin provides relief.
5) It can ease cancer symptoms
Some cancer sufferers have used cannabis illegaly for decades. Now with the availability of legal products, CBD has become a more mainstream option for those with cancer. There are no conclusive results from clinical trials, but physicians around the world are now recommending it to some patients. Studies on mice have produced encouraging results indicating that CBD can inhibit the production of cancer cells. Currently, CBD should be regarded as a complementary medicine to ease symptoms for cancer patients rather than a potential cure.
The availability of CBD in the form of capsules, chewable gummies, and tinctures means it’s easy to experiment with dosages. It’s recommended that you start with low concentration and slowly increase if you don’t feel any benefits. Seek medical advice first if you have medical conditions or are taking prescribed drugs.
