CBD oil is a hot topic these days. It seems like everybody is wondering about CBD Oil effects and health benefits. Despite 40+ years of research, most of the medical community isn’t able to offer patients answers to their questions regarding CBD oil benefits. Curious to learn more?
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Everybody's got one!
Although you probably haven’t heard of it – researchers have learned that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is active in every person from before birth to death. It is present throughout the body and is responsible for promoting health and balance. Your body is constantly at work producing endocannabinoids, chemical messengers that communicate with cells to initiate a cellular response. The ECS controls immune function, pain regulation, appetite, sleep, inflammatory response and cell metabolism.
Cannabinoids are chemical plant compounds found in plants of the cannabis family. They work in the body in the same ways as endocannabinoids produced by the body. This is good news if your ECS isn’t functioning at optimal levels because this problem can be corrected by supplementing with cannabinoids such as CBD.
Many researchers believe that a deficiency in endocannabinoids may be responsible for health conditions such as migraines, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease.
Supplements that support your ECS
Are you wondering if there are things you can do to support your body’s production of endocannabinoids? You bet there are! Adequate amounts of omega-3s are needed for the body’s ECS system to function properly. This can be done through increased consumption of omega-rich food sources (salmon, sardines) or supplementing with an Omega-3 product.
Is there more you can do? Yes! Supplement with CBD to increase your body’s supply of cannabinoids.
Research Supported CBD Oil Benefits
Cannabis research dates back to the early 60s. Now that more and more states are legalizing the use of CBD oil, years of research are being revealed and people are excited to learn more! You can check out our growing library of resources on CBD oil here.
Each of these seven benefits of CBD oil could be an article on its own, but here are some highlights:
CBD Oil for Pain Relief and Inflammation Relief
One of the more well-known CBD oil benefits is a natural treatment for pain and inflammation. Research has shown that CBD oil is able to suppress inflammation and target neuropathic pain without causing analgesic tolerance. <1>
Mood and Psychiatric Disorders
A study, performed in 2011, states that ECS abnormalities were found in postmortem studies of individuals suffering from depression, schizophrenia, and suicide. Researchers conducting this study conclude that current research is limited and more clinical trials are needed in this area. <2>
Another study found that CBD has antipsychotic effects, and performed effectively in clinical trials in patients with schizophrenia. It was also found to have a “remarkable” safety profile. The study concludes, “These results support the idea that CBD may be a future therapeutic option for psychosis in general, and in schizophrenia in particular. <3>
Reduce Anxiety with CBD Oil
This is an area of significant interest for researchers, with numerous studies supporting CBD oil as a treatment for anxiety. One of the most well-known studies of CBD for anxiety involved participants in a public speaking event. Each individual self-reported anxiety levels before, during, and after speaking. CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety and cognitive impairment while increasing performance was dramatic. This study has been successfully replicated with numerous variations, supporting the initial results. <4>
Immune System Regulation
One of the functions of the ECS system is immune system modulation – regulate the properties, tone, and overall function of the immune system. Deficiencies within the ECS system can be addressed with CBD oil, thereby supporting immune health.
Two areas of the immune system specifically affected by CBD oil are the inflammatory response and modulation of neurogenesis and neurodegeneration. <5> <6>
CBD Oil Prevent Cancer
Early research has found that CBD effectively triggers apoptosis (cell suicide). This is an immune system response when cells recognize viruses and gene mutations and induce death to prevent the damage from spreading. Sometimes the body’s signals go haywire, and the wrong cells live and die. CBD oil triggers this important bodily function to kill cell mutations responsible for cancer. <7>
Treatment of Neurological Disorders (Including Seizures)
Research has shown that cannabis has neuroprotective benefits that support the health of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It may help in preventing and limiting the progression of various neurological disorders. CBD oil has a remarkable ability to control or completely eliminate seizures, one of its most well-known benefits. Both CBD and THC have shown the ability to protect neurons, modulate the inflammatory response, and support neuroregeneration. <8>
A study released by the American Epilepsy Society found that CBD was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in both children and adults. The study concluded that its results support animal studies and that CBD may be a promising and well-tolerated treatment for patients suffering from Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). <9>
Slow Aging and Age-Related Disease
Dr. Robert Melamede, former Biology Department chair and current Professor at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, believes that CBD’s ability to inhibit inflammation also plays a role in the modulation of free radicals. He explains that inflammatory conditions accumulate over the years until “the weakest link” breaks. This results in an age-related illness caused by free radical damage, a by-product of chronic inflammation. <10>
A study released by the American Epilepsy Society found that CBD was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in both children and adults. The study concluded that its results support animal studies and that CBD may be a promising and well-tolerated treatment for patients suffering from Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). <11>
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD the same as THC? No. CBD and THC are different chemical plant compounds found in plants of the cannabis family.
Will CBD make me high? No. CBD contains .3% or less of THC, the intoxicating psychoactive properties found in cannabis. It can not make you high.
Is CBD oil the same thing as Hemp Oil? No. CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, buds, and stems of the hemp plant. It retains a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the plant. Hemp Oil, or Hemp Seed Oil, is produced only from the seeds of the hemp plant, it does not contain the same plant compounds, and is primarily composed of dietary fats.
Can using CBD oil make me fail a drug test? It is possible that CBD products with trace amounts of THC could trigger a false positive on a drug screen or drug test. If this is a concern for you, choose a CBD Isolate or CBD Broad Spectrum product, as these have all THC removed.
Is CBD safe? Yes! This article by The Ministry of Hemp explains, “...we looked at both scientific research and anecdotal reports from CBD users. From our in-depth research, what we found suggests that the side effects of CBD oil are usually minor, and, for most people, the benefits far outweigh the rare reports of discomfort. The vast majority of people can ingest CBD oil with ever feeling any unpleasant side effects at all, the remaining few will most like experience only minor symptoms like upset stomach or dry mouth.”
GIVE IT A TRY
The Healthy Place employees have been learning about the benefits of CBD and are excited to offer this product to customers at all four of our locations. We also have CBD products available on our website.
Do you have questions? Concerns? Excitement?! Stop or call our stores and talk to a Wellness Consultant. They can answer your questions and help you choose a CBD product best suited to your needs.
This is written as an informational guide. The treatments described are not meant to replace professional medical care. Nor are they intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare provider before using these products.