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Here are Some Medical Possibilities Offered by CBD The rising global adoption of CBD

Here are Some Medical Possibilities Offered by CBD

The rising global adoption of CBD

There has always been a taboo surrounding the use of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp. This herbaceous plant finds its origin in Central and Western Asia, and it contains more than four-hundred chemical compounds, eighty of which are biologically active molecules. Today, in many parts of the world, the plant is used as an illicit recreational substance to get the “high” effect, which comes from its psychoactive nature. This is why cannabis smokers are stigmatized and labeled as addicts due to the low cultural acceptability of the plant.

But over the years, this has been changing as researchers have dug into its long-standing history of therapeutic use. There are ample evidences that show the use of cannabis in Chinese medicine, food and fiber. Today, medical marijuana is gaining widespread adoption in the United States, especially with many studies backing its therapeutic benefits.

One of the most prominent naturally-occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant is cannabinoids (CBD). The District of Columbia and thirty-three states in the United States have passed laws that allow medical cannabis use. But the catch, however, lies in their content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. The CBD products legalized in the country should have less than 0.3 percent THC to prevent users from getting addicted to the “high” that the compound gives. These include pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, pain relief cream, facial serum, face cream, glow oil, sleeping mask, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serum, body oil, recovery lotion, and facial cream.

Forbes in a survey reported that the market for CBD products is likely to hit $2.1 billion by 2020, marking a humungous growth of 700 percent. In 2019, California was leading the CBD market in the United States with approximate sales of $730 million. The second was Florida and the third was New York with circa 290 million and 215 million in CBD sales respectively (Source). It is projected that CBD’s consumer sales in the U.S. will hit close to $1.8 billion by 2022. Looking at this trend, sales of legal cannabis in the country are estimated to reach $23 billion in 2025 (Source).

The hemp industry, often called the “Big Weed,” is striving to establish CBD as much more than a therapeutic medication. It is now in the process of developing the compound as a food supplement in the United States. Not to forget, cannabis has become more acceptable in other parts of the globe, more recently in countries such as Canada and the Netherlands.

Israel has been doing a commendable in leading cannabis research in the past years. As the use of cannabis is growing in prevalence and becoming social more acceptable, several primary care physicians (PCPs) are seeing more and more patients asking for information on the use of medical cannabis. These professionals may not be prescribing medical cannabis to their patients, but they are becoming increasingly aware that their patients may be using it. Also, the pros and cons of using medical cannabis have become a subject matter for open discussions among care providers and are actively monitoring the improvements and potential negative outcomes in patients.

The use of CBD as a medicine

The market for CBD-based products, such as pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, pain relief cream, facial serum, face cream, glow oil, sleeping mask, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serum, body oil, recovery lotion, and facial cream, is now growing at a tremendous rate. But it’s the therapeutic potential of CBD in treating a range of illnesses without causing psychoactive effects is what is stealing the limelight in the realm of medicine. Given its medicinal properties, the compound has found applications as an antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory agent, ant-convulsant, anti-depressant and an anti-oxidant.

The list of advantages derived from CBD is only increasing as more and more studies are being conducted across the globe. Several researches have backed the fact that CBD can help in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, depression, diabetes, sleep disorder, anxiety and chronic pain, and a range of mental illnesses. In fact, CBD is allowed for children above two years who are suffering from seizure disorders, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Below are some medical possibilities of CBD that are worth noting to better understand its benefits:

Pain relief

Over the years, many CBD-based pain relief sprays, pain relief roll-ons, and pain relief creams have been developed after acknowledging CBD’s pain-relieving benefits. Also, CBD oil, an extract of hemp, is seen to prove extremely effective in treating and managing pain. It is seen to provide excellent relief from symptoms of arthritis, muscle pain, MS pain, chronic pain and spinal cord injuries, thereby establishing its millennia-old pain-relieving history even more strongly.

There are many evidences that suggest that CBD modulates pain by inhibiting the neuronal transmission in the brain’s pain pathways. The prominent antinociceptive effects of CBD make them therapeutically beneficial in managing trigeminal neuralgia. The compound is seen to inhibit serotonin release—something that has been studied from platelets of people suffering from migraine attacks.

CBD is also blended with the psychoactive THC compound to create medicines that treat pain. Sativex, a THC/CBD buccal spray, showed a high degree of effectiveness in reducing neuropathic pain in people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Not to forget, CBD is also seen to improve sleep in such people. The medicine is approved for use in Canada, thereby becoming the first cannabis-based medication to go through traditional clinical development and used as a prescription drug.

Sleep problems and anxiety

Some studies have established that the use of CBD greatly reduces sleep disturbances. To better understand how CBD improves sleep, it’s important to throw light on the various causes of poor sleeping patterns in people. Amongst several factors, the following are seen to be the most common causes of insomnia:

• Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
• Chronic pain, restless leg syndrome and other physical conditions.
• The use of some medications that break the sleep-wake cycle.
• Excessive intake of caffeine.
• Loud noises, uncomfortable setting and other environmental factors.

Talking about the connection between sleep and anxiety, CBD is seen to alleviate anxiety—something that promotes better sleep in people. The compound is seen to interact with protein-based chemical receptors in the brain, namely CB1 and CB2, which are found in the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems respectively. Although the interaction’s exact working isn’t fully understood, it is believed that CBD changes serotonin (a mood-regulating neurotransmitter) in the brain.

Preliminary clinical trials were conducted that suggest that a high-dose of oral CBD in the range of 150 to 600 milligrams per day may result in a therapeutic effect for certain conditions such as insomnia, social anxiety disorder, and epilepsy (Source). A dose of 160 milligrams was seen to increase the duration of sleep in people suffering from sleep disturbances.

The role of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, is also seen to play a major role in sleeplessness. Usually, the release of this hormone is at its highest in the morning hours. However, people with insomnia are seen to show high cortisol production at night—something that increases their nighttime awakenings. CBD oil in a dose of 300 to 600 milligrams is seen to decrease the release of cortisol, thereby acting as a possible sleep-inducing sedative.

Cancer treatment

There’s a growing body of knowledge that supports the idea of CBD’s beneficial role in the treatment of various types of cancers. This study published in Science Direct throws light on how CBD can possibly reduce the growth of tumor in animals. Also, the compound can enhance the uptake or boost the potency of medications used for treating cancer. The main focus of the study was the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

In patients suffering from cancer, CBD is primarily used as a palliative care agent to reduce pain, stimulate appetite and relieve nausea. A 2019 in vivo and in vitro study found that CBD can reduce the growth of tumor in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. It is also seen to lower the invasion of tumor and kill cancerous cells. Another study also found that CBD could cause cancerous cells’ death and increase the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to radiation therapy without damaging healthy body cells.

These are just a few of the many studies that have highlighted CBD’s role in cancer treatment. However, it is important to note that CBD should be a 100-percent substitute for anti-cancer medications and treatments. It can be used as a complementary treatment to alleviate the various side effects, such as loss of appetite and nausea, which are experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The anticancer properties of CBD are seen in the way the compound targets the ECS and affects several cellular processes and signal pathways that cause tumor development. For instance, CBD can promote apoptosis, promote cell cycle arrest, and prevent the proliferation of tumor cells. This 2019 study also mentions that different cannabinoids exhibit different actions in controlling the growth of cancer cells. CBD down-regulated CB receptors (CB1 and CB2), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in prostate cancer cells. It also down-regulated the pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated dermal fibroblasts, which clearly indicates its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Other research studies demonstrated that the compound could preferentially inhibit breast cancer cells’ survival by causing apoptosis and autophagy and inhibiting the growth and invasion of cancer cells in glioma cell lines.

Skin care

CBD-based skincare products are available in many forms these days. These include facial serums, face creams, glow oils, sleeping masks, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serums, body oils, recovery lotions, and facial creams. The primary reason why CBD is being used widely to develop skincare products is its anti-inflammatory properties. These topical formulations benefit the skin by reducing acne occurrence, which is an extremely common skin-related issue facing people across the globe. It reduces the production of acne-causing sebum in the skin and provides adequate moisture to maintain dermal health.

People suffering from serious skin conditions are now increasing resorting to topical CBD formulations because they are effective and safe to use. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can work wonders in treating dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The topical use of CBD is seen to reduce irritation, dryness and redness, which are characteristic symptoms of these conditions. CBD-based skin care formulations, such as facial serums, face creams, glow oils, sleeping masks, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serums, body oils, recovery lotions, and facial creams, soothe and moisturize the skin and relieve pain caused by certain serious skin disorders.

The anti-oxidant properties of CBD in treating skin conditions is also worth the mention here. For example, CBD oil is seen to repair skin and eliminate free radicals—something that can effectively smoothen wrinkles, as well as reduce acne breakouts and skin blemishes. CBD is seen to be all the more efficacious in treating skin conditions because human skin has its own ECS. CBD binds onto the system directly when applied in the form of a topical ointment. This way the compound shows a targeted and instant effect on the skin condition, thereby calming it and restoring its balance.

However, the key to getting effective results lies in finding the right CBD-based skincare product. The brand that people choose should have a third-party certification that establishes its purity and states the amount of CBD contained in it. Generally, people can choose from three options: CBD isolate (pure CBD without terpenes or flavonoids), full-spectrum CBD (containing traces of THC, CBG and anti-oxidants), and broad-spectrum CBD (having no or below 0.3 percent THC). Nonetheless, it’s always best to consult a skin care professional before using any product.

Bottom line

The above discussion seeks to throw light on the medical possibilities of CBD. After observing its various incredible benefits in treating a range of health conditions, there is no scope to doubt the compound’s effectiveness. However, before using CBD as a treatment option, people should always consult a medical professional to avoid any complications.

Here are Some Medical Possibilities Offered by CBD

The rising global adoption of CBD

There has always been a taboo surrounding the use of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp. This herbaceous plant finds its origin in Central and Western Asia, and it contains more than four-hundred chemical compounds, eighty of which are biologically active molecules. Today, in many parts of the world, the plant is used as an illicit recreational substance to get the “high” effect, which comes from its psychoactive nature. This is why cannabis smokers are stigmatized and labeled as addicts due to the low cultural acceptability of the plant.

But over the years, this has been changing as researchers have dug into its long-standing history of therapeutic use. There are ample evidences that show the use of cannabis in Chinese medicine, food and fiber. Today, medical marijuana is gaining widespread adoption in the United States, especially with many studies backing its therapeutic benefits.

One of the most prominent naturally-occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant is cannabinoids (CBD). The District of Columbia and thirty-three states in the United States have passed laws that allow medical cannabis use. But the catch, however, lies in their content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. The CBD products legalized in the country should have less than 0.3 percent THC to prevent users from getting addicted to the “high” that the compound gives. These include pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, pain relief cream, facial serum, face cream, glow oil, sleeping mask, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serum, body oil, recovery lotion, and facial cream.

Forbes in a survey reported that the market for CBD products is likely to hit $2.1 billion by 2020, marking a humungous growth of 700 percent. In 2019, California was leading the CBD market in the United States with approximate sales of $730 million. The second was Florida and the third was New York with circa 290 million and 215 million in CBD sales respectively (Source). It is projected that CBD’s consumer sales in the U.S. will hit close to $1.8 billion by 2022. Looking at this trend, sales of legal cannabis in the country are estimated to reach $23 billion in 2025 (Source).

The hemp industry, often called the “Big Weed,” is striving to establish CBD as much more than a therapeutic medication. It is now in the process of developing the compound as a food supplement in the United States. Not to forget, cannabis has become more acceptable in other parts of the globe, more recently in countries such as Canada and the Netherlands.

Israel has been doing a commendable in leading cannabis research in the past years. As the use of cannabis is growing in prevalence and becoming social more acceptable, several primary care physicians (PCPs) are seeing more and more patients asking for information on the use of medical cannabis. These professionals may not be prescribing medical cannabis to their patients, but they are becoming increasingly aware that their patients may be using it. Also, the pros and cons of using medical cannabis have become a subject matter for open discussions among care providers and are actively monitoring the improvements and potential negative outcomes in patients.

The use of CBD as a medicine

The market for CBD-based products, such as pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, pain relief cream, facial serum, face cream, glow oil, sleeping mask, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serum, body oil, recovery lotion, and facial cream, is now growing at a tremendous rate. But it’s the therapeutic potential of CBD in treating a range of illnesses without causing psychoactive effects is what is stealing the limelight in the realm of medicine. Given its medicinal properties, the compound has found applications as an antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory agent, ant-convulsant, anti-depressant and an anti-oxidant.

The list of advantages derived from CBD is only increasing as more and more studies are being conducted across the globe. Several researches have backed the fact that CBD can help in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, depression, diabetes, sleep disorder, anxiety and chronic pain, and a range of mental illnesses. In fact, CBD is allowed for children above two years who are suffering from seizure disorders, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Below are some medical possibilities of CBD that are worth noting to better understand its benefits:

Pain relief

Over the years, many CBD-based pain relief sprays, pain relief roll-ons, and pain relief creams have been developed after acknowledging CBD’s pain-relieving benefits. Also, CBD oil, an extract of hemp, is seen to prove extremely effective in treating and managing pain. It is seen to provide excellent relief from symptoms of arthritis, muscle pain, MS pain, chronic pain and spinal cord injuries, thereby establishing its millennia-old pain-relieving history even more strongly.

There are many evidences that suggest that CBD modulates pain by inhibiting the neuronal transmission in the brain’s pain pathways. The prominent antinociceptive effects of CBD make them therapeutically beneficial in managing trigeminal neuralgia. The compound is seen to inhibit serotonin release—something that has been studied from platelets of people suffering from migraine attacks.

CBD is also blended with the psychoactive THC compound to create medicines that treat pain. Sativex, a THC/CBD buccal spray, showed a high degree of effectiveness in reducing neuropathic pain in people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Not to forget, CBD is also seen to improve sleep in such people. The medicine is approved for use in Canada, thereby becoming the first cannabis-based medication to go through traditional clinical development and used as a prescription drug.

Sleep problems and anxiety

Some studies have established that the use of CBD greatly reduces sleep disturbances. To better understand how CBD improves sleep, it’s important to throw light on the various causes of poor sleeping patterns in people. Amongst several factors, the following are seen to be the most common causes of insomnia:

• Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
• Chronic pain, restless leg syndrome and other physical conditions.
• The use of some medications that break the sleep-wake cycle.
• Excessive intake of caffeine.
• Loud noises, uncomfortable setting and other environmental factors.

Talking about the connection between sleep and anxiety, CBD is seen to alleviate anxiety—something that promotes better sleep in people. The compound is seen to interact with protein-based chemical receptors in the brain, namely CB1 and CB2, which are found in the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems respectively. Although the interaction’s exact working isn’t fully understood, it is believed that CBD changes serotonin (a mood-regulating neurotransmitter) in the brain.

Preliminary clinical trials were conducted that suggest that a high-dose of oral CBD in the range of 150 to 600 milligrams per day may result in a therapeutic effect for certain conditions such as insomnia, social anxiety disorder, and epilepsy (Source). A dose of 160 milligrams was seen to increase the duration of sleep in people suffering from sleep disturbances.

The role of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, is also seen to play a major role in sleeplessness. Usually, the release of this hormone is at its highest in the morning hours. However, people with insomnia are seen to show high cortisol production at night—something that increases their nighttime awakenings. CBD oil in a dose of 300 to 600 milligrams is seen to decrease the release of cortisol, thereby acting as a possible sleep-inducing sedative.

Cancer treatment

There’s a growing body of knowledge that supports the idea of CBD’s beneficial role in the treatment of various types of cancers. This study published in Science Direct throws light on how CBD can possibly reduce the growth of tumor in animals. Also, the compound can enhance the uptake or boost the potency of medications used for treating cancer. The main focus of the study was the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

In patients suffering from cancer, CBD is primarily used as a palliative care agent to reduce pain, stimulate appetite and relieve nausea. A 2019 in vivo and in vitro study found that CBD can reduce the growth of tumor in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. It is also seen to lower the invasion of tumor and kill cancerous cells. Another study also found that CBD could cause cancerous cells’ death and increase the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to radiation therapy without damaging healthy body cells.

These are just a few of the many studies that have highlighted CBD’s role in cancer treatment. However, it is important to note that CBD should be a 100-percent substitute for anti-cancer medications and treatments. It can be used as a complementary treatment to alleviate the various side effects, such as loss of appetite and nausea, which are experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The anticancer properties of CBD are seen in the way the compound targets the ECS and affects several cellular processes and signal pathways that cause tumor development. For instance, CBD can promote apoptosis, promote cell cycle arrest, and prevent the proliferation of tumor cells. This 2019 study also mentions that different cannabinoids exhibit different actions in controlling the growth of cancer cells. CBD down-regulated CB receptors (CB1 and CB2), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in prostate cancer cells. It also down-regulated the pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated dermal fibroblasts, which clearly indicates its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Other research studies demonstrated that the compound could preferentially inhibit breast cancer cells’ survival by causing apoptosis and autophagy and inhibiting the growth and invasion of cancer cells in glioma cell lines.

Skin care

CBD-based skincare products are available in many forms these days. These include facial serums, face creams, glow oils, sleeping masks, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serums, body oils, recovery lotions, and facial creams. The primary reason why CBD is being used widely to develop skincare products is its anti-inflammatory properties. These topical formulations benefit the skin by reducing acne occurrence, which is an extremely common skin-related issue facing people across the globe. It reduces the production of acne-causing sebum in the skin and provides adequate moisture to maintain dermal health.

People suffering from serious skin conditions are now increasing resorting to topical CBD formulations because they are effective and safe to use. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can work wonders in treating dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The topical use of CBD is seen to reduce irritation, dryness and redness, which are characteristic symptoms of these conditions. CBD-based skin care formulations, such as facial serums, face creams, glow oils, sleeping masks, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serums, body oils, recovery lotions, and facial creams, soothe and moisturize the skin and relieve pain caused by certain serious skin disorders.

The anti-oxidant properties of CBD in treating skin conditions is also worth the mention here. For example, CBD oil is seen to repair skin and eliminate free radicals—something that can effectively smoothen wrinkles, as well as reduce acne breakouts and skin blemishes. CBD is seen to be all the more efficacious in treating skin conditions because human skin has its own ECS. CBD binds onto the system directly when applied in the form of a topical ointment. This way the compound shows a targeted and instant effect on the skin condition, thereby calming it and restoring its balance.

However, the key to getting effective results lies in finding the right CBD-based skincare product. The brand that people choose should have a third-party certification that establishes its purity and states the amount of CBD contained in it. Generally, people can choose from three options: CBD isolate (pure CBD without terpenes or flavonoids), full-spectrum CBD (containing traces of THC, CBG and anti-oxidants), and broad-spectrum CBD (having no or below 0.3 percent THC). Nonetheless, it’s always best to consult a skin care professional before using any product.

Bottom line

The above discussion seeks to throw light on the medical possibilities of CBD. After observing its various incredible benefits in treating a range of health conditions, there is no scope to doubt the compound’s effectiveness. However, before using CBD as a treatment option, people should always consult a medical professional to avoid any complications.

Here are Some Medical Possibilities Offered by CBD

The rising global adoption of CBD

There has always been a taboo surrounding the use of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp. This herbaceous plant finds its origin in Central and Western Asia, and it contains more than four-hundred chemical compounds, eighty of which are biologically active molecules. Today, in many parts of the world, the plant is used as an illicit recreational substance to get the “high” effect, which comes from its psychoactive nature. This is why cannabis smokers are stigmatized and labeled as addicts due to the low cultural acceptability of the plant.

But over the years, this has been changing as researchers have dug into its long-standing history of therapeutic use. There are ample evidences that show the use of cannabis in Chinese medicine, food and fiber. Today, medical marijuana is gaining widespread adoption in the United States, especially with many studies backing its therapeutic benefits.

One of the most prominent naturally-occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant is cannabinoids (CBD). The District of Columbia and thirty-three states in the United States have passed laws that allow medical cannabis use. But the catch, however, lies in their content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. The CBD products legalized in the country should have less than 0.3 percent THC to prevent users from getting addicted to the “high” that the compound gives. These include pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, pain relief cream, facial serum, face cream, glow oil, sleeping mask, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serum, body oil, recovery lotion, and facial cream.

Forbes in a survey reported that the market for CBD products is likely to hit $2.1 billion by 2020, marking a humungous growth of 700 percent. In 2019, California was leading the CBD market in the United States with approximate sales of $730 million. The second was Florida and the third was New York with circa 290 million and 215 million in CBD sales respectively (Source). It is projected that CBD’s consumer sales in the U.S. will hit close to $1.8 billion by 2022. Looking at this trend, sales of legal cannabis in the country are estimated to reach $23 billion in 2025 (Source).

The hemp industry, often called the “Big Weed,” is striving to establish CBD as much more than a therapeutic medication. It is now in the process of developing the compound as a food supplement in the United States. Not to forget, cannabis has become more acceptable in other parts of the globe, more recently in countries such as Canada and the Netherlands.

Israel has been doing a commendable in leading cannabis research in the past years. As the use of cannabis is growing in prevalence and becoming social more acceptable, several primary care physicians (PCPs) are seeing more and more patients asking for information on the use of medical cannabis. These professionals may not be prescribing medical cannabis to their patients, but they are becoming increasingly aware that their patients may be using it. Also, the pros and cons of using medical cannabis have become a subject matter for open discussions among care providers and are actively monitoring the improvements and potential negative outcomes in patients.

The use of CBD as a medicine

The market for CBD-based products, such as pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, pain relief cream, facial serum, face cream, glow oil, sleeping mask, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serum, body oil, recovery lotion, and facial cream, is now growing at a tremendous rate. But it’s the therapeutic potential of CBD in treating a range of illnesses without causing psychoactive effects is what is stealing the limelight in the realm of medicine. Given its medicinal properties, the compound has found applications as an antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory agent, ant-convulsant, anti-depressant and an anti-oxidant.

The list of advantages derived from CBD is only increasing as more and more studies are being conducted across the globe. Several researches have backed the fact that CBD can help in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, depression, diabetes, sleep disorder, anxiety and chronic pain, and a range of mental illnesses. In fact, CBD is allowed for children above two years who are suffering from seizure disorders, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Below are some medical possibilities of CBD that are worth noting to better understand its benefits:

Pain relief

Over the years, many CBD-based pain relief sprays, pain relief roll-ons, and pain relief creams have been developed after acknowledging CBD’s pain-relieving benefits. Also, CBD oil, an extract of hemp, is seen to prove extremely effective in treating and managing pain. It is seen to provide excellent relief from symptoms of arthritis, muscle pain, MS pain, chronic pain and spinal cord injuries, thereby establishing its millennia-old pain-relieving history even more strongly.

There are many evidences that suggest that CBD modulates pain by inhibiting the neuronal transmission in the brain’s pain pathways. The prominent antinociceptive effects of CBD make them therapeutically beneficial in managing trigeminal neuralgia. The compound is seen to inhibit serotonin release—something that has been studied from platelets of people suffering from migraine attacks.

CBD is also blended with the psychoactive THC compound to create medicines that treat pain. Sativex, a THC/CBD buccal spray, showed a high degree of effectiveness in reducing neuropathic pain in people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Not to forget, CBD is also seen to improve sleep in such people. The medicine is approved for use in Canada, thereby becoming the first cannabis-based medication to go through traditional clinical development and used as a prescription drug.

Sleep problems and anxiety

Some studies have established that the use of CBD greatly reduces sleep disturbances. To better understand how CBD improves sleep, it’s important to throw light on the various causes of poor sleeping patterns in people. Amongst several factors, the following are seen to be the most common causes of insomnia:

• Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
• Chronic pain, restless leg syndrome and other physical conditions.
• The use of some medications that break the sleep-wake cycle.
• Excessive intake of caffeine.
• Loud noises, uncomfortable setting and other environmental factors.

Talking about the connection between sleep and anxiety, CBD is seen to alleviate anxiety—something that promotes better sleep in people. The compound is seen to interact with protein-based chemical receptors in the brain, namely CB1 and CB2, which are found in the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems respectively. Although the interaction’s exact working isn’t fully understood, it is believed that CBD changes serotonin (a mood-regulating neurotransmitter) in the brain.

Preliminary clinical trials were conducted that suggest that a high-dose of oral CBD in the range of 150 to 600 milligrams per day may result in a therapeutic effect for certain conditions such as insomnia, social anxiety disorder, and epilepsy (Source). A dose of 160 milligrams was seen to increase the duration of sleep in people suffering from sleep disturbances.

The role of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, is also seen to play a major role in sleeplessness. Usually, the release of this hormone is at its highest in the morning hours. However, people with insomnia are seen to show high cortisol production at night—something that increases their nighttime awakenings. CBD oil in a dose of 300 to 600 milligrams is seen to decrease the release of cortisol, thereby acting as a possible sleep-inducing sedative.

Cancer treatment

There’s a growing body of knowledge that supports the idea of CBD’s beneficial role in the treatment of various types of cancers. This study published in Science Direct throws light on how CBD can possibly reduce the growth of tumor in animals. Also, the compound can enhance the uptake or boost the potency of medications used for treating cancer. The main focus of the study was the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

In patients suffering from cancer, CBD is primarily used as a palliative care agent to reduce pain, stimulate appetite and relieve nausea. A 2019 in vivo and in vitro study found that CBD can reduce the growth of tumor in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. It is also seen to lower the invasion of tumor and kill cancerous cells. Another study also found that CBD could cause cancerous cells’ death and increase the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to radiation therapy without damaging healthy body cells.

These are just a few of the many studies that have highlighted CBD’s role in cancer treatment. However, it is important to note that CBD should be a 100-percent substitute for anti-cancer medications and treatments. It can be used as a complementary treatment to alleviate the various side effects, such as loss of appetite and nausea, which are experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The anticancer properties of CBD are seen in the way the compound targets the ECS and affects several cellular processes and signal pathways that cause tumor development. For instance, CBD can promote apoptosis, promote cell cycle arrest, and prevent the proliferation of tumor cells. This 2019 study also mentions that different cannabinoids exhibit different actions in controlling the growth of cancer cells. CBD down-regulated CB receptors (CB1 and CB2), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in prostate cancer cells. It also down-regulated the pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated dermal fibroblasts, which clearly indicates its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Other research studies demonstrated that the compound could preferentially inhibit breast cancer cells’ survival by causing apoptosis and autophagy and inhibiting the growth and invasion of cancer cells in glioma cell lines.

Skin care

CBD-based skincare products are available in many forms these days. These include facial serums, face creams, glow oils, sleeping masks, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serums, body oils, recovery lotions, and facial creams. The primary reason why CBD is being used widely to develop skincare products is its anti-inflammatory properties. These topical formulations benefit the skin by reducing acne occurrence, which is an extremely common skin-related issue facing people across the globe. It reduces the production of acne-causing sebum in the skin and provides adequate moisture to maintain dermal health.

People suffering from serious skin conditions are now increasing resorting to topical CBD formulations because they are effective and safe to use. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can work wonders in treating dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The topical use of CBD is seen to reduce irritation, dryness and redness, which are characteristic symptoms of these conditions. CBD-based skin care formulations, such as facial serums, face creams, glow oils, sleeping masks, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serums, body oils, recovery lotions, and facial creams, soothe and moisturize the skin and relieve pain caused by certain serious skin disorders.

The anti-oxidant properties of CBD in treating skin conditions is also worth the mention here. For example, CBD oil is seen to repair skin and eliminate free radicals—something that can effectively smoothen wrinkles, as well as reduce acne breakouts and skin blemishes. CBD is seen to be all the more efficacious in treating skin conditions because human skin has its own ECS. CBD binds onto the system directly when applied in the form of a topical ointment. This way the compound shows a targeted and instant effect on the skin condition, thereby calming it and restoring its balance.

However, the key to getting effective results lies in finding the right CBD-based skincare product. The brand that people choose should have a third-party certification that establishes its purity and states the amount of CBD contained in it. Generally, people can choose from three options: CBD isolate (pure CBD without terpenes or flavonoids), full-spectrum CBD (containing traces of THC, CBG and anti-oxidants), and broad-spectrum CBD (having no or below 0.3 percent THC). Nonetheless, it’s always best to consult a skin care professional before using any product.

Bottom line

The above discussion seeks to throw light on the medical possibilities of CBD. After observing its various incredible benefits in treating a range of health conditions, there is no scope to doubt the compound’s effectiveness. However, before using CBD as a treatment option, people should always consult a medical professional to avoid any complications.

There has always been a taboo surrounding the use of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp. This herbaceous plant finds its origin in Central and Western Asia, and it contains more than four-hundred chemical compounds, eighty of which are biologically active molecules. Today, in many parts of the world, the plant is used as an illicit recreational substance to get the “high” effect, which comes from its psychoactive nature. This is why cannabis smokers are stigmatized and labeled as addicts due to the low cultural acceptability of the plant.

But over the years, this has been changing as researchers have dug into its long-standing history of therapeutic use. There are ample evidences that show the use of cannabis in Chinese medicine, food and fiber. Today, medical marijuana is gaining widespread adoption in the United States, especially with many studies backing its therapeutic benefits.

One of the most prominent naturally-occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant is cannabinoids (CBD). The District of Columbia and thirty-three states in the United States have passed laws that allow medical cannabis use. But the catch, however, lies in their content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. The CBD products legalized in the country should have less than 0.3 percent THC to prevent users from getting addicted to the “high” that the compound gives. These include pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, pain relief cream, facial serum, face cream, glow oil, sleeping mask, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serum, body oil, recovery lotion, and facial cream.

Forbes in a survey reported that the market for CBD products is likely to hit $2.1 billion by 2020, marking a humungous growth of 700 percent. In 2019, California was leading the CBD market in the United States with approximate sales of $730 million. The second was Florida and the third was New York with circa 290 million and 215 million in CBD sales respectively (Source). It is projected that CBD’s consumer sales in the U.S. will hit close to $1.8 billion by 2022. Looking at this trend, sales of legal cannabis in the country are estimated to reach $23 billion in 2025 (Source).

The hemp industry, often called the “Big Weed,” is striving to establish CBD as much more than a therapeutic medication. It is now in the process of developing the compound as a food supplement in the United States. Not to forget, cannabis has become more acceptable in other parts of the globe, more recently in countries such as Canada and the Netherlands.

Israel has been doing a commendable in leading cannabis research in the past years. As the use of cannabis is growing in prevalence and becoming social more acceptable, several primary care physicians (PCPs) are seeing more and more patients asking for information on the use of medical cannabis. These professionals may not be prescribing medical cannabis to their patients, but they are becoming increasingly aware that their patients may be using it. Also, the pros and cons of using medical cannabis have become a subject matter for open discussions among care providers and are actively monitoring the improvements and potential negative outcomes in patients.

The use of CBD as a medicine

The market for CBD-based products, such as pain relief spray, pain relief roll-on, pain relief cream, facial serum, face cream, glow oil, sleeping mask, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serum, body oil, recovery lotion, and facial cream, is now growing at a tremendous rate. But it’s the therapeutic potential of CBD in treating a range of illnesses without causing psychoactive effects is what is stealing the limelight in the realm of medicine. Given its medicinal properties, the compound has found applications as an antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory agent, ant-convulsant, anti-depressant and an anti-oxidant.

The list of advantages derived from CBD is only increasing as more and more studies are being conducted across the globe. Several researches have backed the fact that CBD can help in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, depression, diabetes, sleep disorder, anxiety and chronic pain, and a range of mental illnesses. In fact, CBD is allowed for children above two years who are suffering from seizure disorders, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Below are some medical possibilities of CBD that are worth noting to better understand its benefits:

Pain relief

Over the years, many CBD-based pain relief sprays, pain relief roll-ons, and pain relief creams have been developed after acknowledging CBD’s pain-relieving benefits. Also, CBD oil, an extract of hemp, is seen to prove extremely effective in treating and managing pain. It is seen to provide excellent relief from symptoms of arthritis, muscle pain, MS pain, chronic pain and spinal cord injuries, thereby establishing its millennia-old pain-relieving history even more strongly.

There are many evidences that suggest that CBD modulates pain by inhibiting the neuronal transmission in the brain’s pain pathways. The prominent antinociceptive effects of CBD make them therapeutically beneficial in managing trigeminal neuralgia. The compound is seen to inhibit serotonin release—something that has been studied from platelets of people suffering from migraine attacks.

CBD is also blended with the psychoactive THC compound to create medicines that treat pain. Sativex, a THC/CBD buccal spray, showed a high degree of effectiveness in reducing neuropathic pain in people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Not to forget, CBD is also seen to improve sleep in such people. The medicine is approved for use in Canada, thereby becoming the first cannabis-based medication to go through traditional clinical development and used as a prescription drug.

Sleep problems and anxiety

Some studies have established that the use of CBD greatly reduces sleep disturbances. To better understand how CBD improves sleep, it’s important to throw light on the various causes of poor sleeping patterns in people. Amongst several factors, the following are seen to be the most common causes of insomnia:

• Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
• Chronic pain, restless leg syndrome and other physical conditions.
• The use of some medications that break the sleep-wake cycle.
• Excessive intake of caffeine.
• Loud noises, uncomfortable setting and other environmental factors.

Talking about the connection between sleep and anxiety, CBD is seen to alleviate anxiety—something that promotes better sleep in people. The compound is seen to interact with protein-based chemical receptors in the brain, namely CB1 and CB2, which are found in the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems respectively. Although the interaction’s exact working isn’t fully understood, it is believed that CBD changes serotonin (a mood-regulating neurotransmitter) in the brain.

Preliminary clinical trials were conducted that suggest that a high-dose of oral CBD in the range of 150 to 600 milligrams per day may result in a therapeutic effect for certain conditions such as insomnia, social anxiety disorder, and epilepsy (Source). A dose of 160 milligrams was seen to increase the duration of sleep in people suffering from sleep disturbances.

The role of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, is also seen to play a major role in sleeplessness. Usually, the release of this hormone is at its highest in the morning hours. However, people with insomnia are seen to show high cortisol production at night—something that increases their nighttime awakenings. CBD oil in a dose of 300 to 600 milligrams is seen to decrease the release of cortisol, thereby acting as a possible sleep-inducing sedative.

Cancer treatment

There’s a growing body of knowledge that supports the idea of CBD’s beneficial role in the treatment of various types of cancers. This study published in Science Direct throws light on how CBD can possibly reduce the growth of tumor in animals. Also, the compound can enhance the uptake or boost the potency of medications used for treating cancer. The main focus of the study was the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

In patients suffering from cancer, CBD is primarily used as a palliative care agent to reduce pain, stimulate appetite and relieve nausea. A 2019 in vivo and in vitro study found that CBD can reduce the growth of tumor in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. It is also seen to lower the invasion of tumor and kill cancerous cells. Another study also found that CBD could cause cancerous cells’ death and increase the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to radiation therapy without damaging healthy body cells.

These are just a few of the many studies that have highlighted CBD’s role in cancer treatment. However, it is important to note that CBD should be a 100-percent substitute for anti-cancer medications and treatments. It can be used as a complementary treatment to alleviate the various side effects, such as loss of appetite and nausea, which are experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The anticancer properties of CBD are seen in the way the compound targets the ECS and affects several cellular processes and signal pathways that cause tumor development. For instance, CBD can promote apoptosis, promote cell cycle arrest, and prevent the proliferation of tumor cells. This 2019 study also mentions that different cannabinoids exhibit different actions in controlling the growth of cancer cells. CBD down-regulated CB receptors (CB1 and CB2), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in prostate cancer cells. It also down-regulated the pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated dermal fibroblasts, which clearly indicates its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Other research studies demonstrated that the compound could preferentially inhibit breast cancer cells’ survival by causing apoptosis and autophagy and inhibiting the growth and invasion of cancer cells in glioma cell lines.

Skin care

CBD-based skincare products are available in many forms these days. These include facial serums, face creams, glow oils, sleeping masks, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serums, body oils, recovery lotions, and facial creams. The primary reason why CBD is being used widely to develop skincare products is its anti-inflammatory properties. These topical formulations benefit the skin by reducing acne occurrence, which is an extremely common skin-related issue facing people across the globe. It reduces the production of acne-causing sebum in the skin and provides adequate moisture to maintain dermal health.

People suffering from serious skin conditions are now increasing resorting to topical CBD formulations because they are effective and safe to use. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can work wonders in treating dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The topical use of CBD is seen to reduce irritation, dryness and redness, which are characteristic symptoms of these conditions. CBD-based skin care formulations, such as facial serums, face creams, glow oils, sleeping masks, CBD must, CBD plus, eye serums, body oils, recovery lotions, and facial creams, soothe and moisturize the skin and relieve pain caused by certain serious skin disorders.

The anti-oxidant properties of CBD in treating skin conditions is also worth the mention here. For example, CBD oil is seen to repair skin and eliminate free radicals—something that can effectively smoothen wrinkles, as well as reduce acne breakouts and skin blemishes. CBD is seen to be all the more efficacious in treating skin conditions because human skin has its own ECS. CBD binds onto the system directly when applied in the form of a topical ointment. This way the compound shows a targeted and instant effect on the skin condition, thereby calming it and restoring its balance.

However, the key to getting effective results lies in finding the right CBD-based skincare product. The brand that people choose should have a third-party certification that establishes its purity and states the amount of CBD contained in it. Generally, people can choose from three options: CBD isolate (pure CBD without terpenes or flavonoids), full-spectrum CBD (containing traces of THC, CBG and anti-oxidants), and broad-spectrum CBD (having no or below 0.3 percent THC). Nonetheless, it’s always best to consult a skin care professional before using any product.

Bottom line

The above discussion seeks to throw light on the medical possibilities of CBD. After observing its various incredible benefits in treating a range of health conditions, there is no scope to doubt the compound’s effectiveness. However, before using CBD as a treatment option, people should always consult a medical professional to avoid any complications.