7 CBD Oil Benefits and Uses with Side Effects

7 CBD Oil Benefits and Uses with Side Effects

Cannabidiol is a widely available natural remedy for a variety of ailments.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of over 100 chemical compounds present in the cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa (1Trusted Source).

The psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the key psychoactive cannabinoid present in cannabis, and it's what gives you that "high" feeling. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive like THC.

CBD is a good option for those who want to get relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or other prescription drugs.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from marijuana plants and diluting it with a carrier oil such as coconut or hemp seed oil.

It's gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry, with some clinical findings indicating that it can help with symptoms of chronic pain and anxiety.

The following are seven health benefits of CBD oil that have been scientifically validated.

1. It Has the Ability to Relieve Pain

Since 2900 B.C., marijuana has been used to relieve pain (2Trusted Source).

Scientists have recently discovered that some elements of marijuana, such as CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving properties.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a specialized system in the human body that regulates a number of functions such as sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response (3Trusted Source).

Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters produced by the body that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.

CBD has been shown to alleviate chronic pain by influencing endocannabinoid receptor function, reducing inflammation, and communicating with neurotransmitters, according to research (4Trusted Source).

For example, one rat study discovered that CBD injections reduced pain response to surgical incisions, while another rat study discovered that CBD treatment reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation significantly (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

A combination of CBD and THC has been shown to be beneficial in treating the pain associated with multiple sclerosis and arthritis in many human studies.

Sativex, an oral spray containing THC and CBD, has been approved in many countries to relieve pain associated with multiple sclerosis.

A one-month study of 47 people with multiple sclerosis looked at the consequences of taking Sativex. Pressure, walking, and muscle spasms all improved for the participants. Nonetheless, there was no control group in the sample, and placebo effects cannot be ruled out (7Trusted Source).

Sativex substantially improved discomfort during exercise, pain at rest, and sleep quality in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to another report (8Trusted Source).

Summary CBD, especially when combined with THC, may help to relieve pain caused by diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Has the Potential to Reduce Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that can have serious consequences for one's health and well-being.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, while anxiety disorders are ranked sixth (9).

Pharmaceutical medications are commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, and they may have a variety of side effects, including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headaches (10Trusted Source).

Furthermore, benzodiazepines, for example, can be addictive and contribute to substance abuse (11Trusted Source).

CBD oil has shown promise as a cure for depression and anxiety, piquing the interest of many people who suffer from these conditions.

In one Brazilian sample, 57 men were given either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before being put through a mock public speaking exercise. A 300-mg dose of CBD was found to be the most effective at significantly reducing anxiety during the procedure, according to the researchers.

A placebo, a 150-mg CBD dose, and a 600-mg CBD dose all had little or no effect on anxiety (12Trusted Source).

CBD oil has also been used to relieve insomnia and anxiety in children who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (13Trusted Source).

CBD has also been shown in animal studies to have antidepressant-like effects (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).

CBD's ability to function on serotonin receptors in the brain, a neurotransmitter that controls mood and social activity, is related to these attributes.

Summary In both human and animal studies, CBD has been shown to alleviate anxiety and depression.

3. Cancer-Related Symptoms May Be Reduced

CBD can help to alleviate cancer-related symptoms and treatment-related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and pain.

In one study, 177 people with cancer-related pain who had not found relief from pain medication were given CBD and THC to try.

When opposed to those who only received THC extract, those who received an extract containing both compounds reported a substantial reduction in pain (16Trusted Source).

CBD can also aid in the reduction of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are two of the most common side effects for cancer patients (17Trusted Source).

While there are medications that can help with these unpleasant symptoms, they aren't always reliable, prompting some people to look for alternatives.

Research of 16 people undergoing chemotherapy discovered that a one-to-one CBD and THC mouth spray decreased chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting better than regular care alone (18Trusted Source).

CBD has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties in test tubes and animals. Concentrated CBD, for example, was found to cause cell death in human breast cancer cells in a test tube sample (19Trusted Source).

CBD also blocked the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice, according to another study (20Trusted Source).

However, since these are animal and test-tube tests, they can only indicate what would function in humans. Before any conclusions can be drawn, further human studies are needed.

Summary While CBD has been shown to help minimize cancer-related symptoms and may even have cancer-fighting properties, further research is required to determine its effectiveness and protection.

4. Acne-Reducing Potential

Acne is a serious skin problem that affects more than 9% of the population (21Trusted Source).

Genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation, and the overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion produced by sebaceous glands in the skin, are thought to be contributing factors (22Trusted Source, 23).

CBD oil can help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production, according to recent scientific studies.

CBD oil inhibited sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum had anti-inflammatory effects, and prevented the activation of "pro-acne" agents including inflammatory cytokines, according to a test-tube report (24Trusted Source).

Another research found similar results, concluding that CBD could be a good and effective way to treat acne, due to its anti-inflammatory properties (25Trusted Source).

Though these findings are encouraging, further research into the effects of CBD on acne in humans is needed.

Summary CBD's anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands suggest that it can help with acne.

5. It's possible that it has neuroprotective properties.

CBD's ability to function on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling mechanisms, according to researchers, may help people with neurological disorders.

In reality, treating neurological disorders including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis is one of the most researched uses for CBD. Several studies have shown promising results, despite the fact that research in this field is still relatively new.

Sativex, a CBD-and-THC-based oral spray, has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for muscle spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis.

Sativex decreased spasms in 75 percent of 276 people with multiple sclerosis who had medication-resistant muscle spasticity, according to one report (26Trusted Source).

Another research administered 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (2–5 g/kg) of body weight to 214 people with serious epilepsy. Their seizures decreased by 36.5 percent on average (27Trusted Source).

Another research showed that when compared to a placebo, CBD oil substantially decreased seizure frequency in children with Dravet syndrome, a complex childhood epilepsy condition (28Trusted Source).

It's important to remember, however, that some people in both studies had negative reactions to CBD treatment, including convulsions, fever, and fatigue.

CBD has also been studied for its ability to treat a variety of other neurological disorders.

For example, multiple studies have shown that CBD therapy improved people with Parkinson's disease's quality of life and sleep (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source).

CBD has also been shown in animal and test-tube research to reduce inflammation and help avoid the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease (31Trusted Source).

CBD was given to mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease in one long-term study, and it was found to help reduce cognitive decline (32Trusted Source).

Summary CBD has been shown to help with epilepsy and Parkinson's disease symptoms, but the evidence is limited at this point. In both test-tube and animal trials, CBD has been shown to slow the development of Alzheimer's disease.

6. It Has the Potential to Improve Heart Health

CBD has been linked to many hearts and circulatory system benefits, including the ability to reduce high blood pressure, according to recent studies.

High blood pressure has been attributed to an increased risk of a variety of health problems, such as stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome (33Trusted Source).

CBD has been shown in studies to assist with high blood pressure.

A recent study showed that giving nine healthy men 600 mg of CBD oil decreased resting blood pressure as compared to a placebo.

The men were also given stress checks, which are known to raise blood pressure. Surprisingly, the men's blood pressure increased less than expected in response to these tests after only one dose of CBD (34Trusted Source).

CBD's ability to help lower blood pressure may be due to its stress- and anxiety-relieving properties, according to research.

Furthermore, due to its strong antioxidant and stress-reducing properties, CBD has been shown in many animal studies to help reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease.

One study showed that treating diabetic mice with heart disease with CBD decreased oxidative stress and prevented heart harm (35Trusted Source).

Summary CBD can support heart health in a variety of ways, including lowering blood pressure and preventing heart damage, but further human studies are required.

7. Some Other Possibilities

Other than the health concerns mentioned above, CBD has been studied for its role in treating a variety of ailments.

CBD is thought to have the following health benefits, but further research is needed:

• Antipsychotic effects: CBD has been shown in studies to reduce psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia and other psychiatric illnesses (36Trusted Source).

• Addiction treatment: CBD has been shown to alter brain circuits linked to opioid addiction. CBD has been shown to minimize opioid addiction and heroin-seeking activity in rats (37Trusted Source).

• Anti-tumor effects: CBD has been shown to have anti-tumor properties in both test tube and animal tests. It has been shown to stop the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon, and lung cancer in animals (38Trusted Source).

• Diabetes prevention: CBD therapy decreased the incidence of diabetes in diabetic mice by 56% and dramatically reduced inflammation (39Trusted Source).

CBD may help with diabetes, alcohol abuse, mental disorders, and some types of cancers, according to some reports. However, further human research is needed.

Are There Any Adverse Effects?

CBD is usually well-tolerated and considered healthy, although some people may experience negative side effects.

The following are some of the side effects that have been reported in studies (40Trusted Source):

• Diarrhea 

• Appetite and weight changes 

• Fatigue

CBD has been shown to interfere with a number of drugs. Consult your doctor before beginning to use CBD oil to ensure your protection and prevent potentially dangerous experiences (41Trusted Source).

This is particularly critical if you're taking any drugs or supplements that have a "grapefruit alert." Grapefruit and CBD also inhibit cytochromes P450 (CYPs), a family of enzymes involved in drug metabolism (42).

CBD-rich cannabis extracts have the ability to cause liver toxicity, according to a mouse study. However, some of the mice in the sample were given extremely high doses of the extract by coercion (43).

In conclusion, While CBD is generally considered healthy, some people can experience side effects such as diarrhea and fatigue. Certain drugs may also be affected.

Final Thoughts

CBD oil has been researched for its possible role in easing the symptoms of a variety of common health problems, including anxiety, depression, acne, and heart disease.

It can also offer a natural solution for pain and symptom relief for cancer patients.

CBD oil is still being studied for its possible health benefits, so new medicinal applications for this natural remedy are likely to emerge.

While there is still much to learn about CBD's effectiveness and protection, recent research suggests that CBD may be a safe and effective natural remedy for a variety of ailments.

If you want to try CBD, there are a variety of items available online, including gummies, oils, and lotions.

Is CBD a legal substance? CBD products derived from hemp (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal in the United States, although they are still illegal in some states. CBD products obtained from marijuana are illegal on the federal level, although they are legal in some states. Check the laws of your home state as well as the laws of every country you visit. It's important to remember that nonprescription CBD products aren't FDA-approved and could be mislabeled.

Source: Healthline