CBD has risen in popularity since more research into the health benefits of the chemical has been studied.
Although there is a lot still to learn about CBD, it has recently been approved by the FDA for medicinal use in treating rare forms of epilepsy, but a lot of people use it day-to-day as a supplement to enhance their lives in various ways as well. Here’s everything you need to know about CBD and how it might benefit you physically and mentally.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical derived from the marijuana plant (or hemp plant, they’re the same but with different levels of THC) which has many proven to benefit your health in a variety of ways. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a chemical that provides the high feeling you get when you ingest marijuana. These chemicals can be extracted and used in different consumable products, such as edible gummies. CBD gummies differ from Delta 8 THC gummies because they give you the health benefits of the marijuana plant without the high feeling you get from the psychoactive component of the THC chemical. There are many different versions of gummies like these, including being vegan-friendly and having different flavours, so there’s something for everyone meaning the benefits of CBD can be enjoyed by all.
CBD Derivates
CBD can be extracted in different ways which could change the effects it has on the body. There are three types:
- Full-spectrum – all parts of the marijuana plant are included and contain less than 0.3% THC (which is the legal limit)
- Broad-spectrum – most parts of the plant are included but even less THC (only trace amounts)
- Isolates – there is no trace of THC or other chemicals, only CBD
Research shows that isolates may not be as effective because CBD needs other chemicals to interact with in order to provide health benefits. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD may provide more benefits but its effects can vary due to the different levels of chemicals.
CBD Products
CBD can come in many different forms which can be ingested in various ways for you to experience the health benefits. Choosing how to take CBD is down to personal preference, and includes the following:
- Oil (to add to food or drink, or taken directly by holding under your tongue for a minute before swallowing)
- Lotions (to absorb through the skin)
- Edibles (to chew and swallow)
- Pills/Capsules (to swallow whole)
CBD Health Benefits
Although there is a lot more to learn about the effects of the chemical, studies on CBD have reported a range of impacts and changes in people. If people ingest CBD products they may experience the following health benefits.
Pain Relief
Marijuana has been used throughout history to treat pain. Now we have the ability to extract CBD, which is one of the chemicals responsible for the pain-relieving effects, so people don’t have to experience the high effect that the full marijuana plant gives (from THC). Studies have shown that CBD can bind and interact with neurotransmitters in the body which play a part in signalling pain. Results showed that people that experienced chronic pain (such as those with multiple sclerosis) had reduced muscle spasms, less pain and improved ability in movements.
Reducing Anxiety Symptoms
A common daily use of CBD is to offset symptoms of anxiety. A study in which people took CBD showed reduced signs of nervousness when they were doing public speaking; half the group took a placebo and showed little change in behavioural and physical signs of anxiety.
Improving Sleep
The only FDA-approved drug containing CBD (Epidiolex) treats rare forms of epilepsy and can reduce seizures. One of the side effects of this drug on patients is drowsiness, which can be an indicator that CBD can help with sleeping disorders. More research has been carried out on this effect on people who experienced insomnia and nightmares in PTSD sufferers, and CBD appeared to help the patients.
Reduce Cravings
CBD has also been shown to help those with marijuana use disorders, as it helped reduce symptoms of depression. Another study looked at heroin addicts and using CBD reduced cue-induced cravings, which could help addicts maintain sobriety.
There is a lot more to learn about CBD, but studies have shown it can positively impact sleep, reduce anxiety and relieve pain. Although scientists are unsure of how much this is CBD or its interaction with other chemicals, or possibly just the placebo effect, there is no denying that CBD has had many medicinal uses too in reducing cravings in recovering addicts and reducing epileptic seizures.