What is CBD and how can it help me

CBD is a word circling cannabis enthusiasts and medical researchers, alike. More often than not, CBD is a debated topic lacking the in-depth research and study that its THC cousin, marijuana, has undergone. At the same time, medical studies into CBD continue to uncover major health benefits of using the cannabinoid, with encouraging results.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most dominant active ingredient in cannabis, and is derived from hemp, a cousin of the marijuana plant. CBD accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract, but only contains 0.3% THC. This means CBD does not contain the addictive and psychoactive components that marijuana has.

CBD works as a significant analgesic (pain relief), anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic (reduces anxiety).

CBD and The Research

Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD medication on the market. It is used to help reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients, specifically those diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) published a paper regarding the medication, its use, as well as research related to clinical trials.

Despite this, research and studies are still slow in forthcoming. The biggest obstacle medical professionals are currently facing, is the fact that THC (and by relation CBD), is still regarded as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, LSD, and other addictive substances. Because of this, the FDA has to ensure that clinical trials “do not place human subjects at an unreasonable risk of harm”.

~FDA and Cannabis Research and Drug Approval Process

On-Going Research

The difference between THC-products and CBD is mainly the fact that CBD won’t get you high. At the same time, cannabinoids in CBD are known to improve various functions in the body due to two factors:

Endocannabinoid System: Responsible for regulating the body’s immune system activity, appetite, mood, and pain-sensation.

CB Receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors line the central nervous system, and are linked to the 5-HT1A receptor, responsible for managing serotonin levels. Serotonin helps to stabilise mood and emotions, and aids in digestion, sleeping, and eating.

Interestingly, the CB receptors high binding affinity with THC mediates the plants psychoactive properties, such as memory processing, motor control, changes in mood, etc. On the reverse side, CBD works positively on those same receptors, to improve the body’s healing and well-being factors.

How can CBD help with Anxiety?

Quite a number of people experience anxiety on a daily basis. It can often be overwhelming, to the point of affecting daily life. Common anxiety disorders are:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Research was conducted in 2019 to learn how CBD reduces anxiety and/or improves sleep. Results concluded that CBD’s anxiolytic properties, linking with CB receptors and serotonin levels, improved sleep and helped to decrease anxiety.

“The activity of CBD at 5-HT1A receptors may drive its neuroprotective, antidepressive, and anxiolytic benefits, although the mechanism of action by which CBD decreases anxiety is still unclear.” ~ The Permanente Journal: Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep

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How can CBD help with Sleep?

Sleep is an integral part of life, affecting concentration and energy levels, while reducing the risk of disease. Unfortunately, sleep can be hard to come by due to various factors, including:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Environment/Physical space
• Noise
• Temperature
• Medication
• Medical Condition

A study on how CBD can improve sleep was done using patients with Parkinson’s disease, concluding that CBD improved symptoms leading to poor sleep in patients.

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How Can CBD Help with Pain?

There are many products available on the market promoting pain relief. CBD’s analgesic components, as well as CB receptors, play a vital role in CBD’s ability to reduce pain.

“The ECS (endocannabinoid system) is also active peripherally, where CB1 stimulation reduces pain, inflammation and hyperalgesia (An increased sensitivity to feeling pain and an extreme response to pain).” ~ Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain

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How Can CBD Help with Stress?

Much like anxiety, stress is often part and parcel of life’s daily activities. Stress can be caused by many reasons, and may lead to feelings anxiety, lack of sleep, inability to concentrate, and many other consequences of stress.

However, since CBD affects the CB receptors, it promotes the production and release of serotonin, which helps lower feelings of anxiety and stress.

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