CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in relieving the symptoms of many common health conditions, such as anxiety and neurological disorders. In addition, it can benefit heart health and help alleviate certain types of pain. CBD may help with nausea, vomiting, and weight loss caused by chemotherapy treatments. The FDA has approved three cannabis-related products to help alleviate these symptoms, as well as to help increase the appetite of people with AIDS.All of these medications contain some level of THC or synthetic THC and are not exclusively CBD.
CBD is advertised to alleviate anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is also marketed to promote sleep. Part of CBD's popularity is due to the fact that it purports to be “non-psychoactive” and that consumers can get health benefits from the plant without the high (or the cravings for midnight pizza).People use CBD oil and other CBD-based products for a variety of reasons, such as reducing pain, managing anxiety, and controlling seizures. Still, experts warn, much remains to be studied, including whether CBD has significant long-term adverse effects when used to relieve pain.
However, more studies are needed, as many suggest that not just CBD, but a combination of CBD and other cannabinoids, may help reduce many of these symptoms. It's too early to understand the full range of effects that CBD can have on anxiety and mood disorders, but individual studies seem to suggest varying positive results.On the one hand, patients treated with CBD did not experience much change in pain compared to patients treated with placebo. When THC and CBD work together, they create what is called an “entourage effect”, which complements each other with their benefits and potency. Other studies suggest that CBD may also be useful for controlling symptoms of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, since it has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.Smita Das, chair of the cannabis working group of the Addiction Psychiatric Council of the American Psychiatric Association, does not recommend CBD for anxiety, PTSD, sleep, or depression.
Meanwhile, at least one study in mice revealed that CBD had similar effects to those of the antidepressant imipramine. Several preclinical studies suggest that CBD may produce beneficial effects against Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.When introduced topically, CBD oil does not affect the systemic problem as it would if it were introduced directly into the bloodstream. An article published in the British Journal of Pharmacology indicates that the effect of CBD on nausea and vomiting in animals may be related to its interaction with serotonin receptors.In a four-week trial, people who suffered nerve damage in the lower half of the body reported a significant reduction in severe and acute pain after using a topical CBD oil. After 4 weeks, researchers observed a statistically significant reduction in severe pain, acute pain, cold, and itchy sensations in those who used CBD oil.
Research suggests that people with ALS may benefit from the entourage effect created by the combination of THC and CBD, similar to that of people with PTSD.
