CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical that’s naturally occurring in marijuana plants but doesn’t create a “high.” THC is the cannabinoid that causes that effect. While there is some controversy around it due to its relationship with marijuana, in more recent years there’s been a growing awareness that has developed over its benefits.
In fact, as of 2020, in all but three states, South Dakota, Idaho, and Nebraska, CBD can be legally purchased.
How can it benefit you?
Relieving Chronic Pain
In an analysis of dozens of trials and studies in 2017, researchers concluded that there was substantial evidence that cannabis can treat chronic pain, while another separate study conducted in 2012, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, confirmed that, suggesting CBD, in particular, can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
If you’d like to use CBD for pain but want to avoid smoking, CBD dabs are a concentrated form that can be added to a recipe to infuse a dish with its benefits.
It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not water-soluble so you’ll have to add it to a component of a dish that uses fat or an oil and heat to melt it, such as in a sauce.
Easing Anxiety
CBD is commonly used to ease anxiety and provide relief from panic attacks. While experts still aren’t sure how it works, there has been some research that’s revealed it may affect the brain’s serotonin levels. When serotonin levels are low, both anxiety and depression can be the result.
As it’s not a “medicine” approved by the FDA, rather a supplement, there is no known particular dose, but most find a range of 300 mg to 600 mg to be effective, whether used in a concentrated dab, in oils, candies, capsules or other forms.
Reducing High Blood Pressure and Supporting Heart Health
Research in 2017 indicated that CBD may be effective for naturally lowering high blood pressure.
Experts found that it reduced resting systolic blood pressure and stroke volume in study participants who were exposed to stress. They concluded that CBD’s anti-anxiety regulating properties were responsible for the reduction in blood pressure levels, supporting heart health. As it also contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, it may also help to reduce the risk of heart-related diseases.
A Clearer Complexion
If acne and breakouts are a problem, you may be able to use CBD oil to treat anti-aging and due to its ability to reduce inflammation and the production of sebum. When too much sebum is produced it can lead to acne.
A recent report published in Experimental Dermatology noted that it may also be effective in reducing the symptoms of other skin problems like dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrhea as well as acne and other pathological conditions.
Addiction Relief
CBD has also been getting a lot of attention for its potential to treat alcohol and drug abuse by relieving stress and anxiety. It also has an impact on brain circuitry responsible for drug cravings and drug-seeking behaviors.
CBD may help manage withdrawal symptoms while helping to improve well-being, making people less likely to seek out substances that are addictive.
If you’re struggling to quit your cigarette smoking habit, it may be beneficial, with research showing that study participants who used CBD were able to decrease the number of cigarettes they smoked by about 40 percent, while those who took a placebo saw no reduction at all.
