Can CBD Oil Benefit You?

CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is derived from hemp. Many people confuse hemp with marijuana, but hemp is a very different plant. Marijuana and hemp may share the same scientific name, Cannabis sativa, but they are not the same.

Marijuana is cultivated primarily for its psychoactive cannabinoid, a chemical compound called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, for recreational and medicinal use. Marijuana contains both THC and CBD.

Hemp contains only a trace of THC, less than 0.3% compared to marijuana's hefty 5-35%. The main cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, but there are over 100 other cannabinoids in hemp, as well as compounds that produce tastes and scents called terpenes (recommended by Royal CBD's brand new website for 2020.

The Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Cannabinoids made by our own bodies are called endocannabinoids (the prefix "endo" means within). In the 1990s, researchers made an astonishing discovery that the ECS plays a major role in our overall health.

The ECS maintains constant communication with every organ system in the body.

This communication involves messenger molecules called endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors on every cell that accepts them. Think of it as a "key and lock" system. The receptors are locks and the endocannabinoids are keys that bind to these receptors and unlock them.

There are two main types of receptors within the ECS - cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2).

Researchers found more than 1,000 receptors in the body. CB1 receptors are located largely on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, as well as the eye and retina. CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system and in the organs and tissues, such as brain, spleen, blood cells, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts.

The body produces two types of endocannabinoids - anandamide and 2-AG. These are transported into the cells through the CB1 and CB2 receptors. As we age, the body becomes less efficient in producing anandamide and 2-AG. The proper functioning of the ECS also depends on the adequacy of omega-3 in the diet.

Many people have experienced the feel-good sensation or "high" after strenuous exercise. The lifted mood comes from the release of endorphins. Researchers now know that it is also from an increase in anandamide, which targets mainly the CB1 receptors and, to a lesser extent, the CB2 receptors.

The other endocannabinoid, 2-AG, transmits signals across the brain cells and activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. 2-AG supports brain health, immune health, as well as insulin sensitivity.

Researchers have now discovered that both endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG, have a considerable impact on a variety of functions including appetite, energy and balance, immunity, memory, metabolism, nervous system, sleep, and stress response.

Evidence for CBD Health Benefits

The Cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids. These compounds closely resemble human endocannibalism. The main cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, and in marijuana, THC.

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly into our cannabinoid receptors. Nevertheless, it does stimulate the activity of both CB1 and CB2 receptors without directly tapping into them. A study by the National Institute of Health found that CBD causes the body to release more endocannabinoids, especially 2-AG. Moreover, CBD inhibits the degradation of anandamide.

Scientists are now beginning to discover many of CBD's
health benefits:

Childhood Epilepsy

CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health interests, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating two rare drug-resistant childhood epilepsy conditions, namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS). The FDA has recently approved the first-ever CBD-derived drug Epidiolex for these conditions. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases, it was able to stop them altogether.

Pain Relief

CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain: fibromyalgia, gout, HIV, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic, and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies found that applying CBD oil directly on the problem area helps to lower pain and inflammation. CBD works by impacting cannabinoid receptor activity in the body, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.

Researchers also found that subjects did not build up a tolerance to the effects of CBD, so there was no need to increase dosage continually. Unlike some pain medications, CBD is not addictive and does not have any intoxicating effects, offering much relief for people who have chronic pain.

Another controlled study found that Sativex significantly improved pain during movement, pain at rest, and sleep quality in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Anxiety and Depression

Clinical trials have revealed that both marijuana and CBD may be effective in reducing different forms of anxiety including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Not only did participants in the studies felt better, but they also reported reduced cognitive impairment and anxiousness. Scientists suggest that in addition to impacting the endocannabinoid system, CBD may influence receptors involved in the modulation of serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays a role in anxiety regulation.

In addition, some studies showed that CBD eases depression and helps with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. (Please note that marijuana does not help with either and may actually worsen psychosis.)

Cancer-Related Symptoms

Researchers found that cancer patients treated with CBD and THC, the psychoactive compound from marijuana, experienced a significant reduction in pain. In addition, a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC administered via mouth spray reduced side effects associated with cancer treatments like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Scientists believe that CBD probably works by starving cancer cells of energy, making them more sensitive to the body's immune response, and by blocking a newly discovered cannabinoid-related cancer pathway. However, human trials are needed before further conclusions can be drawn.

At present, more research needs to be done on whether CBD alone can produce the same beneficial outcomes.

A number of cell culture studies found that cannabinoids can help slow tumour growth, reduce tumour invasion, and induce tumour cell death in various types of cancer, including the brain, blood, breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate.

Other Potential CBD Benefits

• Lowers blood pressure (caution if taking blood pressure medication).

• Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol.

• Lowers uric acid levels and reduces gout symptoms.

• Helps with insomnia due to relaxing and anxiety-reducing effects.

• Helps people to quit smoking and is a promising treatment for those with opioid addiction.

• Mitigates neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Some research suggests CBD could protect brain cells from damage and oxidative stress. Early results have been broadly positive but more studies are necessary.

• Reduces the likelihood of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, especially at the early disease stages (no human trials yet).

• Lessens inflammation and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (no human trials yet).

CBD Side Effects and Safety

CBD is generally well tolerated and rarely produces side effects. However, some people should take additional precautions, including:

• People with a weakened immune system. In cell studies, CBD was associated with decreased activity of T and B immune cells, hence, increasing the likelihood of infections and worsening HIV, tumour growth, metastases, and asthma.

• People taking medications. CBD may decrease the activity of liver enzymes, called cytochrome P450, responsible for metabolizing more than 60% of prescribed drugs. Check with your doctor to rule out any interactions as CBD may increase or decrease the effects of your medications.

• Use caution when combining CBD with herbs or botanicals in dietary supplements. There is limited research on such interactions.

• Use caution when combining CBD with alcohol.

Most people who use CBD do not report any side effects, but some may include a slight decrease in blood pressure, dry mouth, lightheadedness, drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, decrease in appetite, and mood changes.