Will CBD Be The Next Wonder Drug?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive chemical compound found in marijuana; meaning, that it does not get you high. As more research is being done on the chemical compounds found in marijuana, CBD is gaining a lot of attention from the medical community for its potential to treat many conditions.
- It can help reduce pain (The human body contains an endocannabinoid system which regulates pain, appetite, sleep and the immune system. Neurotransmitters bind to endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. It has been shown in research studies that CBD can reduce sciatic nerve pain and inflammation, pain secondary to multiple sclerosis as well as arthritic pain)
- It can help reduce anxiety and depression (In one study involving patients with social anxiety disorder, CBD was shown to provide a reduction in anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in speech as compared to placebo. It has also been shown that CBD can treat insomnia and anxiety in children with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And as for depression, it is believed that CBD acts on the receptors that bind serotonin – the neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation)
- It can alleviate cancer symptoms (CBD helps reduce nausea, vomiting and pain. In one study involving cancer patients with pain not relieved by conventional pain medications, CBD and THC given together demonstrated a significant reduction in pain. Another study involving cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, CBD and THC given together demonstrated a reduction in nausea and vomiting better than standard treatment)
- It can help reduce acne (CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and an ability to control the overproduction of sebum from sebaceous glands. But humans studies will need to confirm this)
- It may have neuroprotective effects (Sativex, an oral spray containing CBD and THC has been shown to reduce muscle spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. One study demonstrated a reduction in seizures in patients with epilepsy after they were given CBD oil. Another study demonstrated that CBD reduced childhood seizures in Dravet syndrome – an epilepsy disorder in children. And other studies have demonstrated improved quality of sleep in patients with Parkinson’s disease)
- It may benefit the heart (One study demonstrated a reduction in high blood pressure in men given CBD. It is also thought that CBD helps prevent heart damage through its antioxidant properties and stress-reducing properties)
- It may help reduce psychosis (CBD may help counteract psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment associated with cannabis use and may help reduce the risk for developing psychosis related to cannabis use, mediated by the opposite effects of CBD and THC on brain regions such as the striatum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex)
- It may help treat substance abuse (In rat studies, CBD has been shown to reduce morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior)
- It may help fight cancer (In animal studies, CBD has been shown to prevent the spread of breast, colon, lung, prostate and brain cancer cells)
- It may help reduce diabetes (In mice studies, CBD has demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of diabetes by over 50% as well as reduced inflammation)
Even though there are many promising effects from CBD, it is important to keep in mind that every treatment comes with side effects. In the case of CBD, some people may experience diarrhea, fatigue and changes in appetite. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new treatment.
In addition, because the research studies are very young, we must give time for more clinical trials to be completed before we can conclude with certainty the health benefits discussed above.
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