CBD, 15 effects of Cannabidiol: why is it so important?

For decades cannabis has been associated almost exclusively to its potential psychotropic effects of some of its varieties.

Only in more recent times – thanks to researchers and activists throughout the world – the properties of the hemp plant are becoming increasingly clear, as well as the benefits and the possible side effects. Research, in particular, has focused on the study of the mechanisms of interaction between cannabinoids – the active principles of the hemp plant – and the endocannabinoid system.

From studies performed up to now, emerge how cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main active principles of hemp, exerts its action on the endocannabinoid system, resulting in various benefits. It is for this reason that cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly used by individuals for its capability of soothing anxiety states or states of stress.

On the other hand, more and more each day the potential benefits of medical cannabis used in the medical field are emerging. Both cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the other main active principle of cannabis - are utilised to soothe the symptoms of pathologies like multiple sclerosis or epilepsy.

The therapeutic potential has been reconfirmed in 2013, year of the publication of a revision of the studies on cannabis in the medical field completed up to now.

The revision, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology and edited by researchers of the School of Medical Sciences of the University of Aberdeen, in Great Britain, concluded how research studies aimed on fully understanding the mechanisms of action of the active principles of cannabis should be encouraged as much as possible.

In this context also a product containing cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the hemp plant fits in: CBD oil, utilised for a huge variety of purposes.

How CBD oil interacts with our organism

Cannabidiol does not have a specific action with regards to a particular pathology or area of the organism. CBD acts as a “modulator” of our endocannabinoid system. CBD acts indirectly on the receptors of this system.

As a consequence it is possible to state that CBD modulates existing mechanisms and recovers normality in a situation of imbalance or decompensation of the endocannabinoid system.

Due to this, cannabidiol (CBD) can give benefits, alleviating the symptoms of a pathology or of an inflammation. For these reasons CBD oil is taken both orally and applied on the skin, adapting itself to the necessities of the moment. The fields of application are many and many are also the demonstrated benefits.

It alleviates pain

CBD due to its natural analgesic effects is able to contrast pain. Cannabinoids act by inhibiting the neuronal transmission along the pain signal pathways. A study of 2012 published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine has detected that cannabidiol contrasted the inflammatory and neuropathic chronic pain in mice in a significant manner, without the use of analgesics.

It has anti-inflammatory properties

CBD is a therapeutic agent for a variety of inflammatory disorders and hence for all autoimmune disorders. (Click Here)

It improves the symptoms of schizophrenia

Some scientific research studies demonstrated that CBD produces antipsychotic effects and could have a profile of action similar to that of other antipsychotic drugs. However the mechanism with which CBD expresses this action are still not thoroughly known.

It contrasts Anxiety

Cannabidiol demonstrates to be able to reduce anxiety in particularly stressed individuals. According to researchers it could be effective also in case of panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder,  social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It alleviates the symptoms of epilepsy

CBD can be effective in the treatment of epilepsy as demonstrated by several scientific studies (Click Here).

It protects from neurodegenerative disorders

Several studies demonstrated that CBD is capable of inhibiting the formation of the well-known “plaques” typical of Alzheimer’s Disease and reduces the death of brain cells.

Alleviates nausea

Cannabis has been used for centuries as anti-nausea and antiemetic. A study on rats from 2012 published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, discovered the advantages of CBD, including the anti-nausea and antiemetic effects.

It reduces the incidence of diabetes 

A research from 2006 discovered that the treatment with CBD significantly reduced the incidence of diabetes in non-obese mice affected by diabetes, from an incidence of 86% in mice which weren’t treated to an incidence of 30% in mice treated with CBD. Also in this case, however, further confirmations are being investigated.

It promote cardiovascular health

A Study from 2013 published by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reports that CBD protects against vascular damage caused by a high level of glucose, by inflammations or by diabetes type 2.

Treatment of multiple sclerosis

Many studies have demonstrated how the combination CBD – THC is effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of muscular contraction, of pain, of sleep disorders and of urinary incontinence in individuals affected by multiple sclerosis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Due to their anti-inflammatory effect, cannabinoids can give relief from pain in the joints and from swelling, and can diminish the joint destruction and the progression of the disorder.

It has been demonstrated that the administration of CBD protects the joints against severe damage, diminishes progression, improves movement and quality of sleep and reduces inflammation in only 5 weeks.

It improves sleep

Research suggests that taking cannabidiol before going to bed improves sleep in individuals suffering from insomnia.  

It helps against acne and psoriasis 

Many research studies have demonstrated that cannabidiol has a great effectiveness and many benefits for our skin, an element which made it being utilised increasingly in the cosmetic field.

It reduces depression

According to researchers, CBD has an effectiveness similar to that of antidepressants. A study discovered that the antidepressant effects of cannabidiol are quick, continuous over time and comparable to common antidepressant drugs.