CBD is popping up just about everywhere these days and although the compound is still a relatively recent phenomenon, there’s a huge amount of potential to be tapped into.
There’s minimal FDA testing and even fewer approved drugs out there stemming from CBD research (with Epidiolex the only one available).
But thanks to the legality of the substance, regular everyday people like me and you are able to test experiments with CBD to our heart’s content.
With this mass personal usage of the marijuana/hemp-derived oil, the media has become rife with potential benefits and seemingly magic cures for a variety of different conditions and ailments.
Although the majority of these benefits are yet to be verified with a 100% reliable source with further research double-blind tests required, it’s hard to deny the huge potential of CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD, or Cannabidiol to give it it’s full name, is just one phytocannabinoid of 113 making up the identified cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant.
Unlike the alternate popular cannabinoid known as THC, CBD does contains absolutely no psychoactive ingredients responsible for that characteristic ‘high’ that cannabis iS notorious for.
As a result, CBD is perfectly legal in all 50 states in the US when derived from hemp, while those states with legalized marijuana are able to offer CBD from any source.
What surprising benefits are there?
With the relaxed legality surrounding the alternative treatment method, there’s been tremendous interest surrounding the potential benefits that supplementation of the compound yields.
Of these benefits, it’s the reduced anxiety, increased mood and the treatment of epilepsy that make up the majority of the headlines. However, there are countless other non-verified potential benefits that users cannot help but brag about.
1. Can reduce acne
Chances are that at one time or another, we’ve all suffered from at least a mild form of acne over the years, making it one of the most relatable conditions in the world.
Acne is notoriously difficult to treat with countless creams, topicals and in the most severe cases, medication used to solve the skin condition. However, the difficulty and struggle that comes with acne treatment may soon come to an end thanks to the potential of CBD to treat the condition.
CBD oil has been found to have potential in the reduction of different types of acne thanks to its ability to alter how the body makes sebum (the waxy, oily substance created by our skin for protection). By controlling the sebum creation, CBD can prevent the mixture of dead skin cells and dirt from becoming trapped in our pores and form acne.
There are a number of studies suggesting that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD alongside the antibacterial/antifungal effects that can reduce infections from pollutants on the skin can both lower sebum production and effectively treat acne. It’s an exciting time to see exactly what benefits CBD can bring to the table.
Naturally, it’s not just the sebum creation that affects acne and hormonal imbalance, genetics, stress, diet can all play a part, but CBD might just be the final piece to the puzzle.
2. Can reduce Parkinson’s symptoms
One of the most exciting uses of CBD that we’ve seen over the last couple of years is for the treatment and reduction of Parkinson’s symptoms.
Aside from some glowing reviews from patients that suffer from Parkinson’s, there are a handful of early studies surrounding tremor reductions. Of this, perhaps the most noteworthy comes a study from Brazilian researchers showing a reduction in anxiety and thus improved tremor control when patients over 60 years of age supplemented with CBD.
Additionally, for those suffering from PDD (Parkinson’s Disease Dementia), a study at the Colorado School of Medicine demonstrated the relief of some issues including both tremors, psychosis, and difficulty sleeping reported by patients.
With CBD having the potential to treat and reduce some of the most challenging aspects and of the disease, it’s great news for Parkinson’s patients with an increased quality of life optimistically on the horizon.
3. Can help treat type 1 diabetes
One potential benefit of CBD that may catch a number of us by surprise is as with use in treating type 1 diabetes.
As the condition is usually formed with inflammation occurring as the immune system attacks the pancreas cells, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can be beneficial as a treatment. A 2016 study emphasizes this point, suggesting that the compound’s anti-inflammatory properties can directly help to treat type 1 diabetes.
This could be a huge breakthrough for the diabetic community with the potential of the creation of a CBD-based treatment, beneficial for the reduction in inflammation and the protection against, or the delay of the development, of type 1 diabetes.
4. Can reduce pain in cancer patients
There has been both excitement and uncertainty surrounding the potential of CBD for treating cancer patients over the last few years and although research is still inconclusive, it is clear that there is at least some potential in CBD.
As of current, there is evidence of pain relief in cancer patients thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties characteristic of CBD. This has been noted as particularly effective in offsetting the pain associated with chemotherapy treatments.
Due to the obvious harsh effects of these traditional cancer treatments, CBD oil has proven a popular and more favorable alternative to pain management medication for patients with chronic conditions.
Minimal research has yet been concluded on the treatment of cancer itself as of current.
The takeaway
It’s clear that CBD has many potential benefits that we have not yet uncovered and despite countless personal accounts and anecdotal evidence, the lack of research is still the limiting factor.
With the FDA approval of Epidiolex leading the way for CBD-based medication, it’s a very exciting time for the medical industry, although very little can be achieved without further in-depth studies and advanced research.
However, if the personal experience of countless patients around the globe is anything to go off of, CBD might just the “magic drug” that we’ve all been waiting for.
Author bio: Marina Turea works as content manager at Digital Authority Partners, and is a huge fan of all things CBD.
