Uses of CBD in one of the most discussed topic theses days. Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids affect the body’s eocrinoid system to regulate mood, anxiety, and appetite.1 CBD comes from Cannabis plants (ex. Cannabis Indica or Cannabis sativa). CBD found in hemp (Cannabis Ruderalis) is more common. CBD is then blended with carrier oils to make CBD oil.
The other main component of Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa species–but not typically Cannabis ruderalis–is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC can produce a feeling of euphoria, but it can also cause paranoia. CBD oil should not exceed 0.3% THC. This is because it doesn’t typically produce a feeling like euphoria. However, it is safe for certain populations.
Researchers and consumers are both interested in CBD products. According to one source, the CBD products could be worth more than $20 billion in the US by 2024.2 CBD products have been studied for their use in treating seizures, chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and other conditions.
CBD Oil: What are the uses?
Supplements should be tailored and reviewed by a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist or registered dietitian. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
CBD oil is claimed to have many health benefits. Researchers have been trying to understand CBD oil more, but so far human trials are sparse.9 CBD’s many health benefits are not supported by any evidence.
We’ll be looking at CBD oil’s many compelling health benefits.
Seizures
The FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD oral treatment that was developed in June 2018.
Two rare forms of epilepsy that affect children younger than two years old are Dravet and Lennox–Gastaut. Epidiolex can be used to treat them. These rare genetic conditions can cause lifelong seizures within the first year of life. It was approved in 2020 for tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a rare condition that causes benign tumors throughout the body to grow, and often with seizures. Epidiolex can be used in patients one year old and older to treat all three disorders.11
CBD’s effectiveness in treating seizures, aside from these disorders, is not known. It’s not clear whether CBD is responsible for the anti-seizure effects of Epidiolex or some other factor.
Epidiolex does not count as a supplement. You will need a prescription from your healthcare provider to use it. CBD products are not regulated and standardized. They have not been shown to be effective in treating seizures.
Anxiety
CBD could be used to treat anxiety disorders13, although not many human trials have been conducted.
One study involved 57 men who took CBD oil or a sugar tablet with no CBD (placebo), before speaking in public.14 Researchers measured participants’ anxiety levels by measuring blood pressure and heart beat. Researchers also used the Visual Analog Mood Scale, which is a reliable tool to assess mood states. Men who received 300 mg (mg), of CBD oil had less anxiety than those who were given a placebo. However, CBD oil was not as effective for men who consumed 100 and 600 mg (mg). The trial had a limited sample size, and only men were enrolled. More data is needed to determine if CBD oil has the same effect on women.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that CBD can reduce symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder among teenagers.15 The study involved only 37 participants.
Addiction
Preliminary research on CBD’s effects upon addiction has shown mixed results.16
One small controlled study in 50 people with heroin addiction showed that CBD had benefits at doses of 400 and 800 mgs (mg).17 CBD was compared to placebo (a sugar pill), and the participants showed less anxiety and a decreased desire for heroin. To determine the safety and effectiveness CBD oil for this purpose, more robust trials are required.
Schizophrenia
A randomized controlled trial with 88 patients suffering from schizophrenia found that CBD oil 1000 mg per day reduced positive psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions).18 However there was no difference between CBD oil (and placebo) regarding the negative symptoms such as blunt affect or disinterest. Note that CBD oil was used as an adjunct therapy in this trial because the participants were already on prescription medications to treat schizophrenia.
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