CBD: 10 Must-Know Science-Based Facts

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the most popular and widely used compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD showed promising benefits in recent years and created quite a stir of attention in recent years for its potential health advantages and ability to help with various conditions. The compound is found to be helpful in anxiety, pain, insomnia, and more. CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system offering a range of potential therapeutic benefits. 

On the other hand, THC is renowned for its psychoactive properties which lead to known 'highness' among users. Some enthusiasts believe CBD has the potential for reducing their anxiety and help them relax, but more research is needed to confirm this. 

Meanwhile, THC compound is linked to cravings and addiction because of its properties. Its roots can be traced back to Central Asia dating back to as early as 750 B.C. and they use THC for medicinal and ritualistic purposes. 

CBD, which is also referred to as the “good side” of cannabis, is a promising compound that can greatly benefit us all. Despite CBD’s growing popularity and study advancements, there are still tons of misinformation and confusion surrounding this cannabidiol compound. To help set the record straight, here are 10 must-know science-based facts about CBD.

1. CBD is not psychoactive.

As opposed to its counterpart tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not cause the ‘high’ in consumers. It does not induce the same mind-altering effect but rather provides the body and mind with therapeutical benefits. 

1. CBD has a huge potential when it comes to managing stress, anxiety, and even depression.

One of the most promising benefits of CBD is its ability to help our body’s range of physiological processes which include pain, mood, and even sleep. The compound interacts with the endocannabinoid system to provide calm to the body and alter serotonin receptors in the brain.

1. CBD is used to help cancer patients.

Because of CBD’s powerful ability to talk to our ECS’ pain receptors, it is now used to help cancer patients manage their pain, especially during chemotherapy. Several studies have already proven that CBD can reduce pain and inflammation. 

1. CBD can help insomniacs.

For those struggling to doze off at night due to several factors, CBD might be exactly what you need to improve your body clock and have a great night’s sleep. It interacts with the body’s receptors that a responsible for sleep and wakefulness. CBS is also shown to have anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects which can help reduce overthinking at night which is one of the major causes of sleep deprivation.

1. CBD can be made in laboratories.

This fact can be very surprising as most of us know that CBD comes from the cannabis sativa plant (hemp or marijuana), but it can also be recreated in laboratories. Synthetic CBD can be produced by scientists. However, we can all expect that authentic ones will always offer pure and better effects than fake ones. Just a good-to-know fact.

1. CBD is not a drug

According to the European Court of Justice, CBD is not a drug. Don’t forget this! It is generally not intoxicating and easy to be tolerated by the body, ergo, the court does not see any reason or evidence for CBD to be labeled as such.

1. CBD can help treat epilepsy syndromes.

FDA approved the use of CBD for the treatment of epilepsy syndromes in 2018. Well-vetted studies provide support for this decision. A significant chunk of patients in these studies have shown promising results and their frequency of seizures decreased dramatically.

1. CBD can help treat opioid addiction.

Again, CBD is not a drug. The best part? This compound even has the ability to treat patients with opioid addiction. People with heroin use disorder can greatly benefit from the therapeutic advantages of CBD. Studies have shown amazing results for those with opioid addiction. Their cue-induced cravings, withdrawal anxiety, salivary cortisol levels, and resting heart rate were reduced in just over a week course. 

1. CBD can help diabetic patients.

Diabetes is one of the most common yet most difficult diseases to treat and manage. CBD can help reduce the effects of high glucose levels by increasing the diabetic body’s levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide - a hormone that is responsible for the sufficient release of insulin from digested food. In a nutshell, CBD is a natural treatment for diabetic people.

1. CBD can alleviate ALS symptoms.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can significantly help those with ALS. It has the capability to improve the quality of life of the patient and slow down the progression of the disease.