CBD Oil Effects: Make An Informed Decision

CBD Oil Effects

CBD oil is becoming a ubiquitous product and you may be wondering why. You may also be wondering, “what exactly does CBD do?” Here is a primer on the effects of CBD.

First, CBD stands for “cannabidiol.” This is a molecular compound classified as a phytocannabinoid, unique to the plant cannabis sativa. CBD oil can be extracted from the cannabis plant for therapeutic use without psychoactive effects, meaning that you won’t get high when you use CBD products.

CBD is effective because it binds to endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies. Imagine endocannabinoid receptors in the body are a lock, and they need the right keys to unlock its features. CBD is the molecule, or key, that can unlock it. The human body contains two types of endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. These are where we can observe the specific effects of cannabis products and how they relieve or treat medical symptoms. CBD is mostly known to bind with CB2 receptors.

CB2 receptors are found mainly in white blood cells, in the spleen and tonsils. CB2 receptors are also found in immune system cells, where they’re most observed interaction regulates cytokine release — molecules that signal the immune system into action, i.e. inflammation. CBD can also enhance the release of feel-good chemicals in the body, such as serotonin, while blocking reception of feel-bad molecules, such as orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR55.

Evidence-based Science Behind CBD

NOTE: Nothing in this section should be taken as a claim about the effects of any of our particular products. No claims are being made as to the use of any of our products and none should be inferred. We simply find this evidence to be interesting and hope it may help customers make more informed decisions.

In the last few years, CBD has attracted the attention of consumers and scientists. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on the effects of CBD that offer glimpses into the biological and chemical basis behind CBD claims.

• A study published in a 2015 issue of Neurotherapeutics concluded that CBD offers significant potential for treatment of multiple anxiety disorders, including PTSD. To test this, the researchers conducted various models: an acute psychological model, generalized anxiety model, stress-induced anxiety model, PD and compulsive behavioral models. Pre-clinical evidence suggests that CBDs provide relief for these various types of anxiety, and do so without anxiogenic (anxiety-inducing) effects at higher doses.

• The Journal of Epilepsy Research published a scientific study that demonstrated class 1 evidence that CBD provides seizure control, especially for epileptic patients. Part of this study analyzed data from 19 children with seizure disorders, where 80% of parents reported positive results after using CBDs (fewer seizures) and two children quit having seizures altogether. Other positive effects for these children were improved mood, alertness and sleep, and perhaps are residual effects from fewer seizures.

• The potential of CBD in cancer prevention and treatment is currently one of the largest areas of research. A 2018 issue of Cancer Medicine published an overview of past studies and where future studies are still needed. This research discusses the ability of cannabinoids to regulate the signaling pathways that stimulate cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting them, while also disassembling unnecessary or dysfunctional components of cells (autophagy), and/or disabling cancer cells altogether (apoptosis). This research is an in-depth discussion about the science behind cannabinoids and the immune system.

• The European Journal of Pain published a study in 2015 regarding pain and inflammation reduction using CBD as a treatment. Researchers conducted a study on arthritic mice and concluded that CBD offers topical therapy treatment for pain and inflammation, without negative side-effects.

While further scientific research must be done to illicit more details about how and why CBD is effective or not, and under which circumstances and conditions, current research is already promising for a plant-based compound that has been in use since ancient times. CBD is not a cure-all and should not replace factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.