CBD, one of approximately 85 phytocannabinoids found in cannabis plants that binds to physiological targets in the endocannabinoid system, was first approved as an FDA prescription drug in 2018 to treat Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes – rare forms of epilepsy.
CBD products most frequently used are gummies, oils and vaporizers. Retail stores sell it under the name hemp for pain management, anxiety relief and treating muscle disorders such as dystonia. Other uses for CBD may also exist depending on individual circumstances.
1. Anti-Inflammatory
CBD is one of 85 phytocannabinoids identified in cannabis. Studies have revealed it to bind with various physiological targets within the endocannabinoid system of the body and to have anti-inflammatory properties, while also offering analgesic, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant and neuroprotective benefits.
Chronic inflammation can be linked to numerous illnesses, including heart attacks, arthritis and cancer. Oxidative stress caused by pro-inflammatory mediators like ROS (reactive oxygen species) often plays a part in these cases.
Cannabidiol has been shown to reduce proinflammatory mediator production by inhibiting STAT1 transcription factor phosphorylation. Furthermore, it was discovered to lower inflammation responses in cell culture models as well as animal models like formalin test, writhing test and carrageenan-induced edema tests. Future approaches towards improved cannabis utilization could include isolating active compounds from full spectrum extract to achieve more selective therapeutic benefits by eliminating parts that may promote proinflammatory responses.
2. Anxiety Relief
Medicinal cannabis and CBD in particular are being prescribed more and more often to people living with anxiety disorders. Many have reported how cannabis helps them cope with their symptoms; however, research into medicinal cannabis and CBD remains limited.
Studies suggest CBD might help with anxiety, though long-term observational studies have had mixed results. One such observational study, published in 2022, discovered that subjects who received an antianxiety dose of high CBD 90 minutes before public speaking tests felt significantly less stressed compared to their counterparts receiving placebo pills.
Current frontline treatments for anxiety – cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants are only effective in about half of those who use them, often leading to insomnia and nausea as side effects. As a result, over 50 per cent of young people with anxiety disorders turn instead to alternative therapies like cannabis that may be less expensive and carry less side effects.
3. Pain Relief
Cannabidiol (CBD), is one of 85 phytocannabinoids identified in cannabis that binds and activates multiple physiological targets. CBD has been demonstrated to possess numerous pharmaceutical effects including anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties.
CBD comes in various forms such as oils, tinctures, edibles (e.g. gummies) and drinks, and is often used to treat chronic pain from conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Furthermore, it’s used as an ingredient in several over-the-counter pain relievers like topical creams and vape pens sold over-the-counter containing CBD. If considering complementary or integrative health approaches such as CBD for yourself or someone close to you it is essential that both parties involved can make informed decisions together about these matters so they can make informed decisions jointly about these approaches together.
4. Digestion
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of over 80 cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa L or hemp plants and is non-psychoactive component. You’ll find CBD used as part of many health and beauty products ranging from beverages and lotions to chewable gummies and pet treats.
Preclinical evidence demonstrates that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) influences gut motility through interactions between CB1 receptor-specific interactions and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 interactions, modulation of CB1 receptors directly or inhibition of their metabolism by FAAH or MAGL enzymes or uptake has an impactful antimotility effect via both peripheral and central mechanisms.
CB2 receptor activation or inhibiting endocannabinoid degradation or uptake can reduce gastric lesions caused by stress, pylorus ligation, cold restraint test and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced mucosal damage through peripheral rather than central actions; the ECS has therefore become a crucial therapeutic target in IBD treatment.
