As a non-psychoactive derivative from cannabis and hemp plants, cannabidiol-containing products are more widely available in most states and come in various forms. While anecdotal and a few studies may reveal the compound’s therapeutic properties, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers cannabidiol (CBD) products similar to dietary supplements. This means that claims have yet to be scientifically and medically approved.
5 Medical Conditions That CBD Might Help Treat
Regardless, the CBD market continues to grow and is expected to reach USD$ 47.22 billion by 2028, almost ten times its figure in 2021, pegged at USD$4.9 billion based on predictions by Vantage Market Research. Increasing demand for health and wellness and more relaxed state rules are expected to fuel this accelerated growth.
If you’re concerned about specific symptoms and conditions, ask your physician about using CBD products as a complementary treatment, especially for the conditions discussed below. Remember to purchase only from reputable companies. You can visit reliable websites like wovenearth.com or check out other shops to ensure quality and safety.
Chronic Pain
Pain and discomfort are telltale signs that something’s going on with your body. Any persistent pain lasting more than six months can be considered chronic. It could be a symptom of severe conditions, such as cancer, sclerosis, and arthritis.
CBD is said to attach to the brain and body receptors, helping minimize inflammation and pain. Its precursor, cannabidiolic acid or CBDA, may also prove helpful, as it impacts the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, immune functions, and sleep. You can learn more about CBDA vs CBD by visiting credible online resources.
In Canada, patients with multiple sclerosis, cancer, and other illnesses causing chronic pain are allowed to use CBD and THC for pain relief. The same goes for patients in several US states.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a review of more than 47 studies covering 4,743 participants showed promising evidence of CBD’s analgesic properties. About 30% of the subjects experienced pain reduction.
Epilepsy
In addition, CBD may help relieve seizures, based on the results of a clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018 and other similar studies. The research focused on Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a specific type of epilepsy, and showed positive results—a reduction in the frequency of attacks.
In the same year, the US FDA approved oral medication for rare and severe forms of epilepsy, namely LGS and Dravet syndrome. Pharmaceutical CBD use is likewise authorized for patients with tuberous sclerosis.
Anxiety And Depression
Besides treating persistent pain, CBD positively impacts mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The compound is said to help the body release endorphins and interact well with serotonin receptors, the hormones responsible for relieving pain, reducing stress, and improving mood. As such, it’s believed that CBD has anti-depressive, neuroprotective, and anxiety-fighting functions.
In a small study published in 2019 with 72 participants, researchers found that patients with anxiety and sleeping troubles improved after the administration of CBD. Anxiety scores for about 79% of these individuals were reduced within the first month of CBD use and until the study ended. On the other hand, 66.7% of the sleep-deprived patients reportedly got better. While results from CBD use show potential, the study recommended additional research for conclusive evidence.
Cancer
CBD is also used in managing side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy. In some instances, the compound is believed to reduce nausea and vomiting following the treatment. Some cancer patients may get a CBD prescription from their doctors to manage chronic pain.
There’s no conclusive evidence about CBD’s impact on reducing the severity of certain types of cancer, and studies have generated mixed results. For instance, a 2019 study on CBD and pancreatic cancer showed promising results. Some cannabinoids were discovered to promote cell death, facilitate new cell growth, and arrest the spread of cancer cells. However, additional studies are required to obtain reliable results.
Diabetes
Similar to CBD use in patients with cancer, studies to determine the compound’s positive impact on diabetes have yet to be conducted. However, there has been a handful of research showing potential results.
For instance, a 2019 study indicated that CBD might reduce high blood sugar, cholesterol, and ‘harmful fat’ while promoting insulin production. The only downside is that this study was done on mice rather than people. Without human participants, it’s unclear whether CBD will show similar effects.
Encouraging results from a 2012 study have revealed that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD have therapeutic potential for diabetes due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Conclusion
Cannabis has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes since ancient times. However, its psychoactive and addictive properties continue to receive flak in the modern world, causing governments to either prohibit or regulate its use.
CBD, which doesn’t have psychoactive properties, has shown promising results in treating the conditions mentioned above. Although the compound isn’t known to cause significant side effects, patients must discuss CBD use with their healthcare providers to avoid potential issues, especially if they take other medications.
