Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical that is naturally derived from cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t cause the euphoria or “high” feeling that’s associated with cannabis. CBD has gained popularity in recent years as a promising natural remedy for many health issues.
The research that has been done on the connection between CBD products and pain management has shown to be promising. From pain management to anxiety, CBD products can safely and effectively relieve and manage discomfort. Another great thing about CBD is that it has minimal side effects and a low-risk, zero-addiction profile.
How does CBD help pain?
CBD has been shown to help reduce pain by acting on a variety of biological processes in the body. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties, and may also help reduce the anxiety that is often associated with chronic pain. The cannabis plant has about 500 substances, and 113 of those substances are cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical substances that are able to activate receptors that we have in our bodies.
Dr. Andrea Furlan MD Ph.D. explains that the human body has 2 types of receipts for cannabinoids. They’re known as cb1 (found in the brain and central nervous system) and cb2 (found in the immune system and guts). What many people don’t know is that the body actually produces its own cannabinoids that activate those receptors. There are also synthetic cannabinoids available. CBD or cannabidiol is a great option for treating neuropathic pain, reducing opioids, and is much safer than THC–another cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant.
CBD may be a viable alternative for patients who suffer from chronic pain and other mental health issues and are opposed to relying on drugs like opioids, which can be addictive and have several adverse effects. While more research is still needed to confirm CBD’s effectiveness, it is a great option for those seeking a natural alternative.
What conditions can CBD be used for?
Source:Â DoctorOz
Dr. Oz and Mara Schiavocampo walk us through the science behind CBD and if it can really do all the things it’s rumored to do. There are endless forms (oral and topical) of CBD, ranging from tea, to candy, to pills, chocolate, topical creams, lotions, balms, and drops. There’s also a wide variety of doses. It ranges from as low as 5mg to as high as 30mg. They caution their audience that there’s a big gray area when it comes to knowing how much to take, which is why it’s recommended that you meet with your doctor before prescribing it for yourself.
Unlike THC, research has shown that CBD has many beneficial effects for conditions such as seizures, anxiety, and more. Here are the various medical issues in which CBD can potentially be used to treat:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Epilepsy
- Addiction
- Insomnia
- Symptoms related to cancer treatment
SCAM or SCIENCE? The Truth About CBD Products
Source:Â Brian Sutterer MD/Youtube
Brian Sutterer is a Resident Physician and explains how there are countless miracle claims that are being made about CBD products but there hasn’t been enough time for adequate studies to be developed. In his words, “the market has outpaced the science”.
The other issue is that a lot of the studies research cannabinoids in general, as opposed to specifically CBD. According to one big review article, “there’s only moderate quality evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids” for things like chronic pain.
For problems like sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression, the evidence is much lower quality. The takeaway message is that scientists know that CBD does have an effect on the body and there is good evidence behind treating inflammatory and nerve pain, but we just don’t have enough evidence at this point in time.
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