CBD Oil: a look at this controversial wonder-drug

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound taken from the cannabis plant which has been grown for centuries for its medicinal properties. The CBD extract has been found to contain amazing healing properties for us humans and could fast become a vital remedy for an abundance of ailments some of which were previously untreatable or difficult to treat.

Unfortunately for CBD it comes from the same plant as THC which, also a compound found in the cannabis plant, is a psychoactive producing mind-altering effects and is used to get ‘high’, therefore legality (and stigma) has been an issue.

CBD is NOT psychoactive and does not have any of the mind altering effects that THC delivers, in fact it counteracts the effects of THC making it a safe and effective option for patients who may be concerned about the effects of other cannabinoids such as THC.

CBD oil has been shown to offer a range of health benefits that could potentially improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. Researchers believe that in view of the anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties it holds, its low toxicity and the generally benign side effects of CBD, the need for clinical trials is essential. It has the potential to be a medicine for the treatment of neurological diseases, epilepsy, oxidative injury, vomiting and nausea, anxiety, depression, psychosis and schizophrenia, cancer, diabetes, insomnia, and skin conditions, not to mention for chronic pain relief.

To give a personal example, my mother-in-law had brain surgery a few years ago. Ever since then she had suffered with a burning pain in her leg. Thorough examination proved that the pain was neurological – her brain told her that her leg was burning even though it wasn’t – something was wrong neurologically, rather than physically. There was no pain relief! She literally tried every medical and holistic avenue to try to relieve the crippling pain, spending tons of money, and weeks unable to move from a horizontal position. She came across CBD oil and has been taking it ever since as it is the only thing, so far, that has managed to relieve her symptoms. There are stories like hers all over the world.

Studies into the benefits of CBD oil

PAIN & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

CBD is widely used for its analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. It is claimed to interact with receptors in the brain and the immune system, inhibiting neuronal transmission in pain pathways to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain without incurring side effects or analgesic tolerance. Research suggests that this is a new class of drug for treating chronic pain.

The treatment of pain associated with multiple sclerosis, cancer, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and post-operative pains has shown promising results using CBD. Not only does it offer relief from the pain but can prevent damage to the nervous system.

Chronic inflammation is the cause of many serious conditions such as auto-immune disease, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more. Our diets and lifestyles have their parts to play in the onset of such diseases, but alongside a healthy life (nutrient-dense diet, exercise, regular sleep patterns), an addition of CBD oil can help to reduce this inflammation and therefore assist in prevention.

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Anti-Seizure/Epilepsy

A seizure is generally caused by dramatic fluctuations of electrical brain activity.

Over the years, a number of high profile cases have raised awareness of CBD’s anti-seizure properties, but it’s only recently that science has been able to confirm this link.

In a research survey by Stanford University in 2014, parents using CBD to treat their child’s epileptic seizures showed 84% of the subjects experiencing a significantly high reduction in seizures while taking CBD. 11% experiencing complete freedom from seizures altogether.

Later the same year a study was made on children with treatment-resistant epilepsy strains. An extract of 98% CBD oil named Epidiolex was used in doses up to 25 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. 39% of patients experienced a 50% reduction in seizures after three months of treatment with no side effects.

In April 2018 the FDA approved a seizure controlling cannabis-derived drug.

ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

Generally CBD is used for physiological problems however research also shows that mental health issues such as depression or anxiety can also be aided by this plant extract.

CBD has also been shown to reduce anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder and therefore it may also be effective for panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

A 2011 study looked at a public speaking test on healthy control patients and patients with (previously untreated) social anxiety disorder. Researchers found that pretreatment with CBD significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in speech performance, and significantly decreased alertness in anticipation of their speech. The placebo group presented higher anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort.

CBD has also been shown to reduce depression by enhancing both seratone and glutamate cortical signalling, both of which are lacking in sufferers.

Studies found that the antidepressant effects of CBD were fast, continuous over time, and comparable to a common pharmaceutical treatments, with less side effects.

FIGHTING CANCER

Research indicates that CBD may be valuable in the treatment of cancer in a number of different ways. CBD, as well as some of the other compounds found in cannabis, have an anti-tumor effect and can induce the destruction of tumour cells in both colon cancer and Leukaemia and limiting the spread of cervical cancer cells. CBD oil has been shown to slow the growth and spread of some kinds of cancer as it fights oxidative stress and inflammation.

These are such promising findings, but they are not yet supported by clinical trials and therefore not conclusive.

DIABETES

Data from countless studies on animals strengthens assumptions that CBD can possibly be used as a therapeutic agent for treatment of type 1 diabetes at an early stage of the disease.

SLEEP PROBLEMS

Research suggests that taking CBD prior to bedtime can assist with the treatment of sleep issues such as insomnia. Utilising its relaxing, anti-stress properties CBD can relax the mind and body and induce more regular sleep patterns.

HEART HEALTH

High glucose, inflammation or type 2 diabetes can cause vascular damage. Studies show that CBD can protect against such damage and reduce vascular hyper-permeability. It also reduces artery blockage (by actually dilating the arteries), protects blood vessels, reduces stress induced cardiovascular response and can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. It also helps to prevent oxidative stress and inflammation which are both precursors to heart disease. CBD also influences white blood cell production and platelet aggregation in animals, further studies are required to determine if the same would occur in humans.

SKIN CONDITIONS

CBD can be used as a topical skin treatment for a whole range of skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis by encouraging the death of abnormal cells, having an anti-inflammatory effect on glands, regulating the skin’s oil production and providing necessary nutrients.

ADDICTION

Studies suggest that CBD could be an excellent therapy for those struggling with substance abuse and rehabilitation. It reduces the rewarding effects of morphine and drug-seeking in animal studies.

FIGHT BACTERIA

Researchers believe that by inhibiting T-Cell proliferation (rather than actually having anti-bacterial
properties) CBD can destroy harmful bacteria – especially those which tend to be drug resistant.
More research is needed to find out how and why it works. Whatever the reason though, it could be a huge breakthrough in resolving the issue of the antibiotic resistant superbugs which are a plight on our world today.

DIET

CBD can help to regulate and maintain a healthy blood sugar level by stimulating genes and proteins which break down fat. It can also increase the production of mitochondria which helps us to burn off calories. CBD can also stimulate the conversion of white fat to brown fat; brown fat being smaller fat deposits which encourage our ability to burn fat off, also helping to regulate our blood sugar.

Also, if you struggle with food sensitivities, as so many people do these days, experimenting with CBD oil is recommended.

Choosing the right CBD

If you do decide to look further into the benefits of CBD and give it a try you must NOT opt for a cheap and mass produced version of the oil. You really have to be selective and, like anything you ingest, know its origin, how it was grown, and how it was produced. It is important to find a high quality manufacturer with verified levels. With CBD the strain of plant is also important, you want to ensure that the treatment will work properly and it is acquired legally.

Always consult your doctor before trying any new drug, take the correct dosage and seek medical advice on any of the aforementioned ailments or diseases prior to embarking on self-diagnosis or medication. The above is simply information that is available on this drug, not a guideline on using it.

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