CBD products are readily available in most places these days, but there is still a bit of stigma surrounding CBD due to its association with marijuana. However, CBD has a ton of health benefits, which has caused the surge in CBD products around the globe. In fact, there are now several medical uses of CBD which we will explore in this article.
What is CBD?
First, we thought it would be a good idea to explain what exactly CBD is. We want to put the minds at rest of those who think taking CBD is the same as smoking marijuana.
CBD stands for cannabidiol and it is the second most prevalent ingredient found in marijuana plants. However, the most distinct fact is that CBD doesn’t create the “high” effect or any other form of intoxication. This is caused by another cannabinoid called THC.
To understand the differences between THC and CBD further, check out our article on this.
Medical Uses and Health Benefits of CBD
The CBD industry is predicted to become a $16 billion industry by 2025! With more and more research being done, showcasing the health benefits of CBD, it’s no wonder that there are more medical uses of CBD coming out.
We explore 5 of the biggest medical uses of CBD at the moment
1. CBD for Anxiety
More than 60% of those taking CBD products are doing so to help anxiety. It has helped that CBD received some celebrity backing in this area with Kim Kardashian famously taking CBD when she was anxious about the birth of her fourth child.
Researchers believe that CBD changes the way our brain responds to serotonin – “the happy hormone”. It also reduces the physiological effects of anxiety, such as sweating or an increased heart rate.
It’s also been show to help improve symptoms of PTSD and help with insomnia.
2. CBD for Pain Relief
Again, working on your brain receptors, CBD can change the way we perceive pain, thereby managing the symptoms much better.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse has been conducting trials which takes a look at CBD and its role in relieving pain in particular conditions, including:
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Muscle pain
3. CBD for Acne
Skincare is all the rage at the moment and people are taking care of their skin now more than ever. CBD is gradually creeping into skincare products all over the place due to the positive effect CBD has on receptors in the immune system.
CBD is now being looked at to treat more severe acne, but it is definitely a good idea to consult your dermatologist before putting CBD oil products on your face!
4. CBD for Neurodegenerative disorders
We’ve already discovered that CBD can work on our brain receptors to help manage pain or anxiety, so it should be no surprise that it has neuroprotective qualities.
One particular receptor, CB1, has a major role in several neurodegenerative disorders and CBD could help that. These diseases include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
CBD can also help reduce the inflammation that make the symptoms in these disorders worse.
5. CBD for Cancer Treatment
Saving the most drastic to last, but CBD is now being used in cancer research to investigate the role that CBD has in preventing cancer cell growth.
The National Cancer Institute has even announced that CBD may alleviate cancer symptoms and the side effects of cancer treatment. However, the NCI do not officially endorse CBD as a cancer treatment.
CBD has been found to have a whole host of health benefits and this can be seen by the increased medical uses of CBD. With continuous research being done, we’re sure to see a lot more going forward.
