Cannabidiol (CBD) has become nothing short of a phenomenon over the past couple of years. With many claiming that CBD is the cure for ailments, that individuals had previously struggled to manage.
In this blog post, we will be going over the supposed benefits CBD can have on the human body. Exploring whether or not this miracle drug is indeed all it’s cracked up to be.
What is CBD
Before we dive in, it would be best to outline some facts about cannabidiol.
Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis. It is a safe and non-addictive substance found in the plant which has been used in medicine for thousands of years.
The first recorded use of cannabis dates back to ancient China and has been used throughout history ever since. CBD, however, was first discovered by Robert S. Cahn. A British chemist who studied the structure of cannabis or cannabinol in 1940. It was then Roger Adams who isolated the first CBD two years later. Roger Adam’s also located other cannabinoids.
Closely related to CBD is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) this is the compound that creates that feeling of being ‘high’ that cannabis is famed for. Both compounds have been known to have therapeutic effects on the body. However, CBD doesn’t make people feel intoxicated like THC. Both have different effects on the receptors in the brain, therefore creating different reactions.
Taken together CBD will have neutralising effects on THC, creating a balance of feeling high but with the added supposed health benefits. Hence why the demand for CBD is growing. People want to feel these benefits without having to feel high (or less high). All of which comes with smoking cannabis.
Health Benefits?
Research is being carried out on CBD to find out the true health benefits the compound can have on the human body. Some have said that CBD can treat or lessen the symptoms of the following diseases and conditions:
- Neurological conditions – These could be dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other brain injuries and conditions.
- Neuropsychiatric illnesses – These include autism, ADHD, alcoholism and PTSD
- Metabolic conditions – These include obesity and diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases – These include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammation.
- Skin diseases – These include psoriasis, dermatitis and acne
- Heart problems – These include arrhythmia and high blood pressure
- Mental health illnesses – These include depression and anxiety
CBD is said to help with overall pain relief for several other ailments such as physical injuries and chronic muscle pains. Research is also being carried out to find out the benefits CBD can have on relieving some of the symptoms brought on by cancer and whether or not it has anti-cancer properties.
How can CBD be consumed?
CBD can be consumed in a variety of ways. The most popular being CBD oil. This can be taken orally or can be put into vaping products. Making consumption easy and there is less of a stigma attached to the use.
Originally associated with ‘joints’ many choose not to take CBD because they believed this was the only way to consume it.
However now CBD can be added to most things. Cream, edibles (sweets and drinks), capsules and bath bombs are all available to purchase which cuts out the need to vape or smoke it.
Research
Current research being carried out on the benefits of CBD is to confirm how CBD can help the human body and to rule out any possible side effects of the compound. CBD is legal to purchase, THC, however, is not. With the two being closely linked, there have been no scientific papers been filed to confirm the health benefits of CBD.
However, there are stories all over the internet, telling real-life experiences using the product. With some claiming it is a miracle cure. Although anything that is dubbed a ‘miracle’ would need to be researched extensively before it can be distributed as a medical product.
CBD is currently being advertised as a supplement that is Homeopathic, this is when the body heals itself with the help of natural products like plants and herbs.
Some studies have been carried out already, however, there is more evidence needed before CBD will be classed as a medical treatment rather than a supplement.
Final Thoughts
CBD has managed to get the world talking and especially rethinking how to self medicate. With so many man-made treatments being used to tackle illnesses. It is argued why more hasn’t been done to find out the health benefits of this natural supplement.
CBD will no doubt become a booming business. With more products being produced to suit the high demand. It is estimated to become a 1 billion pound industry within the next 5 or so years.
