CBD is continuously gaining popularity as people are gradually becoming more open to the idea of cannabis and its various compounds. The reason is CBD’s tremendous healing powers that help people feel better mentally and physically. Want to learn about its benefits and how you can enjoy them?
Let’s get to the details, history, and science behind the healing powers of CBD!
What is CBD, and how does it work?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. It is one of many cannabinoids, the chemicals responsible for the plant’s medicinal properties. Since it’s derived from hemp, many people ask, “Does CBD get you high?” Remember, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, another active ingredient of cannabis.
Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System to impart many therapeutic benefits. (More on this later; let’s learn some history first!)
The history of CBD and its legalization.
CBD has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It was first isolated in the 1940s, but its therapeutic properties were not discovered until the 1960s. Since then, it has been used to treat various conditions, including pain, anxiety, and inflammation. But it wasn’t always like this.
Scientists had limited knowledge of cannabinoid structure and only partial understanding of the biological components present in the plant during the early phases of cannabis research. Because of this, early researchers could not figure out which cannabinoid chemical was responsible for which effect.
Researchers then discovered the stereochemistry of THC, which revealed the cannabinoids’ direct link to marijuana’s euphoric effects and debunked the myth that CBD causes “high.”
As studies advanced, researchers got to know CBD’s healing benefits. To the extent that New Mexico lawmakers passed the 1978 Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act, acknowledging cannabis as a therapeutic medicine.
This positive research momentum continued, and California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996.
In 2000 cannabis became legally accessible in 7 more states, including:
- Oregon, Alaska, Washington (1998)
- Maine (1999)
- Hawaii, Nevada, Colorado (2000)
Researchers then conducted further studies to discover more medical applications of cannabis-derived compounds.
The science behind CBD and its therapeutic properties.
To clearly understand the therapeutic properties of CBD, we have to first understand how it interacts and behaves with the human body. For that, let’s get familiar with the human Endocannabinoid System. What is an Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a system of receptors and chemicals found throughout the human body, including the brain. This system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body.
The ECS does this by regulating various functions, such as:
- Appetite
- Mood
- Pain
- Memory
- Inflammation
- Sleep
For the ECS to function properly, it needs two things:
- Endocannabinoids: These are cannabinoids that are produced by the body itself.
- Receptors: These are proteins that receive chemical signals and are found on cells throughout the body.
The two main types of receptors are:
CB1 receptors: These are found mostly in the central nervous system. They are responsible for mood, memory, pain, and appetite.
CB2 receptors: These are found mostly in the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and peripheral nervous systems. They are responsible for inflammation and pain.
How does CBD work with the ECS?
CBD interacts with the ECS by binding to receptors. This helps regulate various body functions, such as mood, appetite, pain, and inflammation. CBD also helps to increase the levels of endocannabinoids in the body, which helps regulate the ECS even further.
What does this all mean?
Simply put, CBD works with the body’s natural systems to help maintain balance and homeostasis. Doing so helps diminish pain, inflammation, anxiety, and other harmful conditions. Now that we understand how CBD works let’s look at some of the conditions it can help treat.
The therapeutic benefits of CBD.
CBD has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including:
Treating Epilepsy Syndromes
CBD has proved effective in treating various types of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In fact, CBD was approved as Epidiolex by the FDA in 2018 to treat these conditions.
Alleviating PTSD Symptoms
CBD also effectively treats PTSD symptoms, such as insomnia, loss of focus, change in behavior, and anxiety. This was proved in 2018 when 11 people with PTSD symptoms were prescribed CBD in parallel with standard psychiatric care for eight weeks. 10 of these people reported feeling healthy and slightly relieved of the PTSD symptoms.
Reducing ALS Symptoms
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to muscle weakness, spasms, and eventually paralysis. CBD effectively reduces ALS symptoms, such as muscle spasms, pain, and inflammation.
Relieving Chronic Pain
Pain relief is one of the most widely acknowledged therapeutic benefits of CBD.
CBD creams are especially effective in managing different sorts of pain:
- Arthritis pain
- Muscle pain
- Spinal cord injury pain
- Multiple sclerosis pain
Relieving Diabetic Problems
Research has proved that CBD has huge potential to benefit patients with diabetes and plaque buildup in artery walls. How? Researchers studied CBD’s effect on human cells. They found it helpful to bring down high glucose’s impact on other body cells, suppressing the development of diabetic complications.
So, these are some of the few science-backed healing benefits of CBD. Next, let’s examine a few ways to enjoy these benefits.
The different ways CBD can be used for healing.
CBD can be used in various ways, depending on your preference and the condition being treated. You’ll find the following CBD products in the market:
Oils: These can be taken orally or used topically, and they help with inflammation, maintaining focus, and sleeping peacefully. It is easily available in different flavors, so taking it orally isn’t an issue.
Creams and lotions: These can be applied topically to relieve pain and inflammation or treat skin conditions like acne.
Capsules and pills: These are taken orally to treat various conditions, such as joint or muscle pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Edibles: These include gummies, sweets, fruits, brownies, and honey sticks that are taken orally to treat various conditions. Being the most popular, gummies are offered in fruity flavors and gluten-free versions.
Smokes & Vapes: CBD can be inhaled using smokes or vapes to treat anxiety and pain. And, no, they don’t get you high unless you use a marijuana-derived compound (THC).
Each CBD form has different effects on the body, so choosing the right one is important. If you are interested in trying CBD for yourself, keep a few things in mind.
Tips For Safe Use Of CBD.
First, make sure to buy CBD from a reputable source. There are many companies that sell CBD, but not all of them are created equal. Do your research and only buy CBD from a company that you trust. Read their reviews, see if the website is professionally designed, and do they have a license to sell CBD or not.
Second, once you have selected your preferred CBD product, start with a low dose and increase gradually. CBD is non-toxic and does not produce any negative side effects. Still, starting slowly and increasing the dosage gradually as needed is always best.
Finally, make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking medication. CBD can interact with some medicines, so it is always best to be safe and talk to your doctor first.
The bottom line – is CBD effective for healing?
CBD has long been used for healing purposes and is still used today for its tremendous impact on reducing inflammation, anxiety, and pain. Much has been discovered about its structure and medicinal use, but there is still a lot to be learned about its correct use.
That said, CBD is a safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. If you are looking for an alternative treatment option, CBD may be right for you. However, it is always best to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking medication.