Thanks to an explosion of research into the entire cannabinoid profile, the benefits of CBD are coming to light.
You may still be a little lost in regards to what CBD is and how it can benefit you. Have no worries, as we will be covering all of the benefits of CBD and how it will change your life.
As you’ll soon see, there’s almost no limit to the wonder compounds healing powers. But first, a quick introduction into the world of cannabidiol.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant cannabinoid present in marijuana. CBD absorbs into your body when you consume cannabis, along with it’s more recognized partner THC.
The difference between the two is that while THC will get you the famous “high,” with red eyes and the munchies, CBD is entirely non-psychoactive. No dose will get you “high,” although you may feel a general sense of relaxation and ease.
The use of CBD in the form of tinctures, salves and selectively breeding high CBD strains are growing by the day. Each offers a unique platform and a specific purpose.
But, these platforms mean nothing if you don’t understand the different benefits of CBD. Whether you know it or not yet, consuming CBD will improve your life.
The Benefits of CBD? CBD Relieves Anxiety
Anxiety has become one of the most prevalent conditions facing the population today. High-stress jobs, student loans, financial struggling. These have all led to an increase in the reported levels of stress and anxiety in North America.
Pharmaceutical companies have attempted to meet the demand with tranquilizer drugs. The likes of Xanax and Valium, but for many people, these drugs cause as many problems as they solve. Such as the psychoactive effects, addiction and drowsiness.
CBD for anxiety is a game-changer. Proven results for everything from post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder to social phobia. But how does it work?
5-HT1A is a type of serotonin receptor. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in the brain that makes us feel happy or at ease.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozak help the brain regulate the frequency in which serotonin is ‘harvested’ by the brain.
This regulation can increase the pool of serotonin in the synaptic space — allowing for a healthier mindset and mental well being.
CBD works along the same lines as SSRIs, helping patients suffering from a multitude of mentioned conditions.
Reduced Risk of Obesity and Diabetes
Cannabis users are often tied to an image of eating junk food. They imagine an unhealthy stoner sitting on the couch, gaining weight.
Research has shown the contrary. Those that consume cannabis regularly have a lower body mass index and a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes.
A 2016 study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2016 shed some light on the issue. CBD benefits weight loss by aiding the body to convert fat into brown fat. Brown fat promotes weight loss and sugar metabolism.
Having an excess of insulin assists in the conversion of sugars to stored fats. The result is a gain of weight and eventually obesity. Thanks to cannabinoids, significant breakthroughs in the prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes is just around the corner.
CBD as a Pain Medication
CBD for pain works similarly, by affecting the series of transmitters inside your body. CBD helps the flow of something called anandamide throughout the bloodstream.
Anandamide regulates pain, and increased levels in the blood will reduce the amount of pain someone feels. In addition to this, cannabidiol (CBD) can help reduce inflammation in the brain and body. Reduced inflammation will lead to more natural sleeping patterns and again, a reduction in pain.
CBD for Skincare
As you may know, the skin is the largest organ in the body. It’s also host to the largest concentration of CB2 receptors. CBD is an antioxidant that repairs our damage from UV rays and free radicals.
Research has shown that it has a more significant effect on skin repair than Vitamin E and C.
Not only does CBD guard our skin against deadly UV rays, but it also helps reduce acne.
Acne is a result of bacteria, inflammation and an overproduction of sebum. Cannabidiol reduces inflammation and reduces the production of sebum in the skin.
Applying a CBD infused lotion, salve or cream is the best way to take advantage of its antioxidant effects.
Apply generously and reap the benefits of fresher and healthier-looking skin.
CBD Helps Prevent Certain Types of Cancer
There is no strong evidence for cannabis preventing cancer as of yet. The study on this issue is still in its infancy, but the evidence is growing.
Research conducted in 2012 at the University of Naples was one of the first to study CBD for fighting cancer. Animals treated with cannabidiol were far less likely to develop colon cancer.
Clinical trials on humans are still in its infancy, but the benefits of reducing the symptoms of cancer are growing. What CBD does do is help treat the side effects of cancer and chemotherapy. CBD helps promote a healthy appetite, it relieves nausea and reduces pain.
CBD Reduces Seizures and Has Neuroprotective Properties
Seizure causing ailments is a debilitating reality for many people. Epilepsy and Dravets Syndrome, among others, can create from 100-200 seizures daily! A single seizure can have serious adverse effects.
Seizures are the result of unusual electrical activity in the brain causing uncontrollable physical movements. It also affects consciousness.
A recent study gave 214 patients 0.9-2.3 grams of CBD oil per 2.5kg of body weight. The results showed an impressive reduction of seizures by 36.5 percent.
CBD, in conjunction with THC, still yields the best results in combating epilepsy, but the use of CBD alone is promising.
CBD is Anti-Inflammatory
By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD reduces inflammation in the body. CBD binds to either CB1 or CB2 receptors. Each has their individual sets of functions and regulations.
By activating the CB2 receptors, CBD initiates the body into reducing inflammation. This effect is more pronounced in THC, but not everyone can use THC.
Especially in the case of athletes. With the severe stress and punishment an athlete’s body endures, they often turn to some form of pain and inflammation-reducing drugs. As seen in North American professional sports, the use of opioids is rampant.
This number is sure to drop, as more and more athletes are turning to cannabis to take the stress of their bodies.
CBD Improves Sleep and Insomnia
The use of marijuana to aid sleep is nothing new. A potential explanation for the improvement in sleep may be due to the reuptake of adenosine.
As your body converts carbohydrates for energy, Adenosine triphosphate breaks down and stores in the brain. CBD assists in binding more adenosine to our neurons, which slows down brain activity and calms the system.
Not only does it create a more restful sleep, but by the added reuptake of adenosine, our bodies fall asleep faster. Aiding those that deal with insomnia falls into slumber without going mad.
CBD May Help Improve Heart Function
A healthy, functioning cardiovascular system is crucial to a healthy life. High blood pressure currently affects 1 in 3 adults in the United States. High blood pressure leads to an increase of risk for having a stroke, heart attack or kidney disease.
Reducing high blood pressure is a necessary step for those that see their charts creeping up. Fortunately for them, CBD might be the answer they’re looking for.
A 2017 study found a link between cannabidiol and reducing blood pressure. Against a placebo, patients that received CBD saw a drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
CBD Helps Fight Depression
Finally, CBD for depression is as a very effective treatment. CBD interacts with the body’s natural serotonin receptors. It influences brain activity and the release of serotonin and dopamine inside the body.
By helping to regulate these natural body functions, CBD is a practical course of treatment in depression.
A Wealth of Health, All in a Single Compound
Not often does individual compound produce so many benefits in such a wide range of categories.
It has medicinal, preventative and cognitive uses. CBD isn’t only beneficial for those that are sick; it is a tool in maintaining health and warding off disease. Like vitamins, proteins and amino acids, Cannabidiol functions as more of a daily supplement to most.
If you haven’t hopped on the CBD train yet, what are you waiting for? Check out the store for a full range of CBD products.
