Many people are seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals with harsh side effects – medicine more in synch with natural processes. By tapping into how we function biologically on a deep level, CBD can provide relief for chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression and many other conditions.

Extensive scientific research – much of it sponsored by the U.S. government – and mounting anecdotal accounts from patients and physicians highlight CBD’s potential as a treatment for a wide range of maladies, including (but not limited to):

• Autoimmune diseases (inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Huntington’s chorea, stroke, traumatic brain injury)
• Metabolic syndrome (diabetes, obesity)
• Neuropsychiatric illness (autism, ADHD, PTSD, alcoholism)
• Gut disorders (colitis, Crohn’s)
• Cardiovascular dysfunction (atherosclerosis, arrhythmia)
• Skin disease (acne, dermatitis, psoriasis)

CBD has proven neuroprotective effects and its anti-cancer properties are being investigated at several academic research centers in the United States and elsewhere. A 2010 brain cancer study by California scientists found that CBD “enhances the inhibitory effects of THC on human glioblastoma cell proliferation and survival.” This means that CBD makes THC even more potent as an anticancer substance. Also in 2010, German researchers reported that CBD stimulates neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, in adult mammals.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD is one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant, and it is distinct from the compound that causes the “high” associated with marijuana use – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD has been found to have a wide range of potential benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, reducing pain and inflammation, and even fighting cancer. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the ways that CBD may be able to benefit our health and well-being.

Anxiety and Depression: One of the most well-known potential benefits of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety and depression. A number of studies have found that CBD can have an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effect, and it may also be able to help with depression. For example, one study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that CBD was able to reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder in people who were giving a public speaking test. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that CBD was able to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Pain and Inflammation: Another potential benefit of CBD is its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. CBD has been found to have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful for a wide range of conditions. For example, one study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD was able to reduce chronic pain in people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that CBD was able to reduce inflammation and pain in rats with osteoarthritis.

Cancer: CBD has also been found to have anti-tumor properties, which means that it may be able to help fight cancer. For example, one study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD was able to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells in mice. Another study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that CBD was able to reduce the spread of lung cancer cells in mice.

Other potential benefits of CBD include:

• Improving heart health
• Reducing symptoms of acne
• Improving symptoms of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
• Helping with addiction and substance abuse

It’s important to note that while CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects such as drowsiness and upset stomach. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new supplement, including CBD, to discuss any potential risks or interactions with any medications you are currently taking.

One of the most frequent concerns is the origin of the CBD oil, as well as the quality of the product. It is important to purchase CBD oil from a reputable source, and to ensure that it has been lab tested to ensure that it is free of contaminants and contains the correct amount of CBD.

CBD has also catalyzed the rebirth of the U.S. hemp industry, which lay dormant for decades because of drug war politics. The 2018 Farm Bill includes a provision that legalizes the cultivation of hemp (cannabis with no more than 0.3 % THC) in large part because of the popularity and driving economic force of CBD.

Growing hemp is now a legitimate agricultural enterprise in the United States. But extracting CBD-rich oil from hemp biomass and marketing CBD oil concentrates and isolates for ingestion and inhalation steps on Big Pharma’s toes and is frowned upon by the DEA and the FDA.

Legalities aside, hemp-derived cannabidiol is just a mouse click or a phone tap away for anyone willing to roll the dice and purchase CBD oil products that are manufactured with little regulatory oversight.

The upside of all this is easy access to CBD oil; the downside is inconsistent quality.

Many hemp-derived CBD oil products are mislabeled as to cannabidiol and THC content. And poorly processed CBD oil may be tainted with toxic solvent residues, pesticides, corn syrup, artificial flavors and colors, and other contaminants.

Fortunately, good quality CBD oil products are also available for the conscientious consumer – the label reader, the brand researcher – who understands that cannabis and CBD are best used as part of a healthy lifestyle.

In conclusion, CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been found to have a wide range of potential benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression, reducing pain and inflammation, and even fighting cancer. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD, the potential benefits and risks of using it as a treatment for any condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new supplement, including CBD, to discuss any potential risks or interactions with any medications you are currently taking and to purchase from reputable sources.