The CBD Benefits That You Need in Your Life

person Larry Ostrovsky
calendar_today May 18, 2017

The Cannabis sativa L. plant supplies both medical marijuana and industrial hemp, which contains more than 80 phytocannabinoids and over a hundred terpenes. These tiny molecules are the target of much new medical research, repeatedly demonstrating their ability to be a viable alternative to today’s pharmaceuticals for many diseases. As soon as one medicinal property is explored, it seems to open the door for more potential, with CBD oil health benefits, in particular, taking the lead.

Let's look at how CBD works and the benefits of CBD oil supported by science.

How Do Plant Cannabinoids Work in the Body?

All cannabinoids are 21-carbon molecules that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system; each providing different therapy options. This endocannabinoid system (ECS), found in all vertebrates, is responsible for mood, appetite, pain perception, memory, and digestion, to name but a few functions as they are currently understood.

Few people know that our bodies naturally manufacture cannabinoids! Phyto or plant cannabinoids appear to enhance and strengthen this most important system. The major focus of today’s research is exploring the benefits of CBD oil.

All cannabinoids are 21-carbon molecules that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Phytocannabinoids mimic the ones naturally produced by the body and are therefore able to influence different biological processes. Although each cannabinoid acts differently within the ECS, they typically influence the function of two primary endocannabinoid receptors. The first, CB1 receptor, is mostly found within the spinal cord (nervous system) and brain.

The second, CB2 receptor, is mostly located within the immune system. In a common example, THC locks directly with the CB1 receptor, triggering THC’s well-known euphoria and psychological effects. On the other hand, CBD seems to only indirectly influence the functioning of these receptors and never locks directly.

Part of the reason why CBD is the primary focus of research these days is that it was one of the first cannabinoids to be used for medicinal purposes that weren’t associated with psychoactivity. Until CBD was singled out, cannabis or medicinal marijuana tended to be high in THC.

For many, the experience of a high was not ideal, and they chose to stop treatment. Thanks to the discovery of CBD, which works together with THC but seems to ameliorate its effects, nearly everyone can safely use cannabinoids without risk. [1][2]

The Complicated Legal Status of CBD

While marijuana remains federally classified as a Class I schedule drug in the United States, the legalities surrounding hemp-derived CBD are complicated. Many states have begun relaxing their laws surrounding marijuana use, both for medical and recreational users. However, the federal government appears to remain stagnant in their views on the plant.

Historically, marijuana was first outlawed in the U.S. when it became a social problem, and laws against its use were created that were not science-based. It is said that the government defined the legal status of the plant depending on what it was called. For example, if it was called "marijuana," it was illegal, while "cannabis" or "hemp" was legal.

Legal complexities still abound, but—very simply put—if CBD products are extracted from low-THC hemp, they happen to fall in a legal grey area. It can be argued that this is because they are from a legal source, and they do not cause the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

While marijuana remains federally illegal in the United States, the legalities surrounding hemp-derived CBD are complicated.

To make matters even more confusing—one arm of the federal government still considers marijuana illegal, while simultaneously, another side of government has recently approved patented cannabinoids for medicinal use against intractable epilepsy. [3]

The Importance of the Entourage Effect

Another movement within the industry is focusing on something called the "entourage effect." This refutes the idea that simply reducing a plant to its individual parts is the most powerful way to reap the benefits. Instead, this idea supports a more whole-plant approach. This is what the “entourage effect” refers to.

In other words, just because CBD or CBN (another cannabinoid) might individually have powerful medical potential, it’s likely that in combination they work in much more profound ways. [4]

The federal government isn’t in the habit of approving naturally occurring herbal remedies for pharmaceutical use, as it tends to also only promote single-molecule medicines. It can be argued that this allows big pharmaceutical companies the ability to remove and patent-specific characteristics of a plant, and thereby boost profits. If the government promoted whole-plant medicines, people could easily stop investing their money in expensive medicines and grow them at home.

An Overview of CBD Oil Benefits, According to Science

The following list is by no means exhaustive, and it touches on some of the main indications for CBD use. Research is also looking at other CBD oil health benefits such as its possible action against:

high blood pressure
chronic pain [9]
addictive behaviors [11]
insomnia and many more [12]

Research is also looking at other CBD oil health benefits such as its possible action against insomnia.

Anti-Seizure

One proven benefit of CBD oil and cannabinoid therapy is its ability to effectively treat and even prevent seizures in epilepsy and similar disorders—without the side-effect problems associated with pharmaceuticals. It has even been shown to make existing anticonvulsants work better. Some of the earliest studies centered around CBD's anticonvulsant activity, and as mentioned, the FDA has finally approved its use for intractable epilepsy. It's worth mentioning that similar effects have not been found upon smoking marijuana. [5]

Neuroprotection

Cannabinoids play a major role as a neuroprotectant, protecting brain cells from glutamate and oxidant-induced cell death. This has made them a valuable potential treatment for patients of strokes or traumatic brain injuries. It may also be beneficial during major surgeries that require patients to be placed on an artificial lung machine. Other areas being pursued are for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's Diseases, where it has been found to reduce and slow down the progressive onset of symptoms. [5]

PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

No longer considered only a veteran's disease, PTSD is now thought to plague many U.S. citizens. Because CBD is beneficial for anxiety, panic attacks, and mental illnesses associated with memory, it is proving extremely useful in the treatment of PTSD. Another CBD oil health benefit is that over time, it reduces the severity and impact of the recollection of fear-inducing memories. [6]

CBD is proving extremely useful in the treatment of PTSD.

Antitumor

One of the most exciting avenues for CBD therapy is its ability to target tumors and cancer cells. In an increasing number of laboratory studies, including some as far back as the 1970’s, CBD treatment has been found to limit the metastasis of cancer cells, inhibit movement of the cells throughout the body, reduce the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, and encourage cancer cell death. This has been found to target a wide variety of cancers, including breast, lung, and prostate cancers. [7][8]

Conclusion

Research is by no means complete, and more clinically significant study is needed. However, the health benefits of CBD oil are indisputable in a great number of studies as well as through millions of anecdotes from users. Always be sure to choose a quality oil, and never replace your chronic medication with CBD oil without the consent of your physician.

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Sources:

The CBD Benefits That You Need in Your Life

How Do Plant Cannabinoids Work in the Body?

The Complicated Legal Status of CBD

The Importance of the Entourage Effect