CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is the lesser known version of the sativa plant. This is one of hundreds of cannabinoids. THC is a strain of cannabinoid which is a psychoactive drug. CBD has been used since 750 B.C. in Central Asia as a medicinal plant. In the last few years, however, it has been garnering publicity and there is a tremendous amount of research being done to determine the most efficient use of CBD. Its unique chemical makeup has allowed for the plant to be utilized in many holistic and modern medicine approaches. An important point to note about CBD is that it is completely derived from a hemp plant which is why when used alone it does not cause any psychoactive effects. CBD is legal in most states in America and has been gaining popularity for many years due to its various benefits.
What exactly is CBD being used for? CBD can help treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, and also help people who have trouble sleeping have a better night's rest. It is also being used to treat chronic pain that people may experience due to a variety of conditions. Scientific research also shows promise to treat childhood epilepsy disorders.
In a study conducted by the Neuropsychopharmacology Journal, students who had generalized anxiety were asked to talk for four minutes. This can be very daunting for those who have generalized anxiety since they haven't had any time to prepare for this situation. The students were given CBD and it was observed that they were less nervous and were able to articulate even with this task.
On the opposing side a double blind study conducted by Harriet de Wit, a co-author of the study and a professor at the University of Chicago, found that when volunteers were given CBD, and others a placebo, it did not have any impact on their responses to displeasing images or words. The two groups seemed to have similar responses and the CBD did not indicate any soothing effects.
CBD has also had controversial claims. Is it a scam? When CBD is being added to every product from food to beauty products how can we determine the efficacy? Pure CBD is useful and does have calming effects for those who suffer from anxiety or other problems, but when added to beauty products like mascara or lipstick the effects of CBD will not be immediately apparent. CBD is meant to be used in a routine which will allow for its affect to come to fruition over a period of time.
CBD has also been researched for the opioid epidemic. Integrative Medicine Specialist, Melinda R. Ring, explains how CBD can be a vital tool to treat addicts--however, further research must be done to confirm this. CBD can control anxiety and triggers for those who are dealing with a heroin addiction. In a study led by Yasmin L. Hurd, Ph.D, it was found that CBD had the potential to reduce cravings and relieve anxiety which suggests that it can be an effective option to treat those who are suffering from an opioid addiction.
CBD is also an option to treat chronic pain. One study demonstrated that dogs who were using CBD oil for osteoarthritis were observed to be more active and experienced less pain. This research can be indicative of the potential that CBD can have for humans to treat chronic pain conditions and inflammatory conditions.
At this time we cannot claim CBD to be our saving grace. While it has shown many benefits to treat various health conditions, more research must be done to find conclusive evidence that CBD is the route that should be followed. The research studies conducted show a great deal of promise and potential for CBD to be the ace in the hole. CBD has many uses and the correct application of this plant can be extremely beneficial to those who need it most. CBD is not yet our cure all, save all but it certainly has the possibility to be the paragon we have been looking for.
Purnima Chopra
References
MacKeen, Dawn. “What Are the Benefits of CBD?” Https://Www.Nytimes.Com/#publisher, 17 Oct. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/style/self-care/cbd-oil-benefits.html.
Northwestern Medicine. “What Research Says About CBD Oil.” Northwestern Medicine, 13 Sept. 2019, www.nm.org/healthbeat/medical-advances/science-and-research/what-research-says-about-cbd-oil.
Grinspoon, Peter. “Cannabidiol (CBD) — What We Know and What We Don’t.” Harvard Health Blog, 22 Apr. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476.
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