Cannabinoids are natural compounds that exist in marijuana and hemp plants. In fact, cannabis plants are thought to contain 113 types of these cannabinoids, some of which have proven medical value. Called “phytochemicals,” they impact the body’s endocannabinoid system, affecting many functions throughout the body as well as general homeostasis, or balance and proper function. (1)
Of those 113 chemical compounds naturally secreted by cannabis flowers, cannabidiol is important from a medical standpoint, particularly THC and CBD. It works by binding receptors in the body, as well as imitating compounds that we naturally produce.
Cannabinoid acts upon certain receptors in your cells that impact the release of neurotransmitters, or chemical messages, that help guide cognitive, nerve, and bodily functions. One of those is your endocannabinoid system, which regulates and stabilizes essential functions throughout the body. When these systems are lacking in endocannabinoids, symptoms manifest and disease can occur.
Your endocannabinoid system is made up of two main types of receptors, called CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors mostly sit in the brain and nervous system, CB2 receptors are a part of your overall immune system.
When you take in THC – an active ingredient, whether from medicinal marijuana product or smoking marijuana – it activates both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, creating the feeling of being “high.”
But cannabidiol is not psychoactive because it doesn’t directly stimulate the CB1 or CB2 receptors, but instead activates other receptors like adenosine and serotonin. The resulting release of neurotransmitters can have a positive effect on symptoms like anxiety, inflammation, cognition, motor skills, pain perception, nausea, and appetite without the “high” feeling.
This quality makes CBD an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
It’s gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies confirming it may help treat a variety of ailments like chronic pain and anxiety.
In this article I will disclose several evidence-based health benefits of CBD oil and also explains some possible side effects with using it.
CBD and Pain Relief
Recently scientists have discovered that certain components of marijuana, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.
The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. (2)
The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.
Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. (3)
For example, one study found that CBD injections reduced pain response to surgical incision, while another study found that oral CBD treatment significantly reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation. (4, 5)
Several other more significant human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
An oral spray called Sativex, which is a combination of THC and CBD, is approved in several countries to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis.
In a study of 47 people with multiple sclerosis, those treated with Sativex for one month experienced a significant improvement in pain, walking and muscle spasms, compared to the placebo group. (6)
Another study found that Sativex significantly improved pain during movement, pain at rest and sleep quality in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis. (7)
CBD and Anxiety/Depression
Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that can have devastating impacts on health and well-being.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the single largest contributor to disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are ranked sixth. (8)
Anxiety and depression are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause a number of side effects including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headache. (9)
What’s more, medications like benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to substance abuse. (10)
CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, leading many who live with these disorders to become interested in this natural approach.
In one study, 24 people with social anxiety disorder received either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo before a public speaking test.
The group that received the CBD had significantly less anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance, compared to the placebo group. (11)
CBD oil has even been used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder. (12)
CBD has also shown antidepressant-like effects in several studies. (13, 14)
These qualities are linked to CBD’s ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.
CBD and Heart Health
Recent research has linked CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is linked to higher risks of a number of health conditions, including stroke, heart attack and metabolic syndrome. (15)
Studies indicate that CBD may be a natural and effective treatment for high blood pressure.
One recent study treated 10 healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it reduced resting blood pressure, compared to a placebo.
The same study also gave the men stress tests that normally increase blood pressure. Interestingly, the single dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure increase than normal in response to these tests. (16)
Researchers have suggested that the stress- and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD are responsible for its ability to help lower blood pressure.
Additionally, several animal studies have demonstrated that CBD may help reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease due to its powerful antioxidant and stress-reducing properties.
For example, one study found that treatment with CBD reduced oxidative stress and prevented heart damage in diabetic mice with heart disease. (17)
CBD and Neurological Disorders
Researchers believe that CBD’s ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders.
In fact, one of the most studied uses for CBD is in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Though research in this area is still relatively new, several studies have shown promising results.
Sativex, an oral spray consisting of CBD and THC, has been proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis.
One study found that Sativex reduced spasms in 75 percent of 276 people with multiple sclerosis who were experiencing muscle spasticity that was resistant to medications. (18)
Another study gave 214 people with severe epilepsy 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound of body weight. Their seizures reduced by a median of 36.5 percent. (19)
One more study found that CBD oil significantly reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome, a complex childhood epilepsy disorder, compared to a placebo. (20)
However, it’s important to note that some people in both these studies experienced adverse reactions associated with CBD treatment, such as convulsions, fever and diarrhea.
CBD has also been researched for its potential effectiveness in treating several other neurological diseases.
For example, several studies have shown that treatment with CBD improved quality of life and sleep quality for people with Parkinson’s disease. (21, 22)
Additionally, animal and test-tube studies have shown that CBD may decrease inflammation and help prevent the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease. (23)
In one long-term study, researchers gave CBD to mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease, finding that it helped prevent cognitive decline. (24)
CBD and Cancer-Related Symptoms
CBD may help reduce symptoms related to cancer and side effects related to cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting and pain.
One study looked at the effects of CBD and THC in 177 people with cancer-related pain who did not experience relief from pain medication.
Those treated with an extract containing both compounds experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who received only THC extract. (25)
CBD may also help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are among the most common chemotherapy-related side effects for those with cancer. (26)
Though there are drugs that help with these distressing symptoms, they are sometimes ineffective, leading some people to seek alternatives.
A study of 16 people undergoing chemotherapy found that a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC administered via mouth spray reduced chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting better than standard treatment alone. (27)
Some test-tube and animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. For example, one test-tube study found that concentrated CBD induced cell death in human breast cancer cells. (28)
Another study showed that CBD inhibited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice. (29)
However, these are test-tube and animal studies, so they can only suggest what might work in people. More studies in humans are needed before conclusions can be made.
Other potential benefits:
CBD has been studied for its role in treating a number of health issues other than those outlined above.
Though more studies are needed, CBD is thought to provide the following health benefits:
- Antipsychotic effects: Studies suggest that CBD may help people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms. (30
- Substance abuse treatment: CBD has been shown to modify circuits in the brain related to drug addiction. In rats, CBD has been shown to reduce morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior. (31)
- Anti-tumor effects: In test-tube and animal studies, CBD has demonstrated anti-tumor effects. In animals, it has been shown to prevent the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer. (32)
- Diabetes prevention: In diabetic mice, treatment with CBD reduced the incidence of diabetes by 56 percent and significantly reduced inflammation. (33)
Are there any potential side effects?
Though CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some people.
Side effects noted in studies include: (34)
- Anxiety and depression
- Psychosis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
CBD is also known to interact with several medications. However, before you start using CBD oil, it’s always best to discuss it with your doctor to ensure your safety and avoid any potentially harmful interactions.
The Bottom Line:
CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in treating many common health issues, including anxiety, depression and heart disease.
For those with cancer, it may even provide a natural alternative for pain and symptom relief.
Research on the potential health benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, so new therapeutic uses for this natural remedy are sure to be discovered.
Though there is much to be learned about the effectiveness and safety of CBD, results from recent studies suggest that CBD may provide a safe, powerful natural treatment for many health issues.
