If you are curious about learning more about what cannabidiol (CBD) is, then you have come to the right place!
It seems that everywhere you look these days in the UK, people are either talking about cannabidiol (CBD) or taking it. Now, various UK companies are selling premium CBD products in a variety of different delivery methods, including CBD oil, CBD tinctures, and CBD vape liquids.
Cannabidiol is one of the two most dominant cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp plants. Worldwide, scientists are looking at the CBD’s potential to help treat various conditions, but it’s still early days yet.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other dominant cannabinoid, CBD, has no psychotropic properties and will not give you that ‘euphoric high’ consuming marijuana products high in THC would.
How does cannabidiol work?
Inside everyone, regardless of whether or not they have ever tried a cannabis product, is something known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). It’s believed the ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis throughout the human body, restoring balance and harmony when our systems are out of alignment. The ECS also regulates things like metabolism, mood, reproduction, immune response, and much more.
The ECS comprises a series of receptors, the CB1 and CB2 receptors, that are linked together and spread throughout the body. Because of the way the ECS is setup, CBD is so versatile, and different delivery methods all allow CBD to enter the bloodstream and interact with the receptors in the ECS.
What do the studies say about cannabidiol?
There are various areas that research into CBD is focused on, but one of the most promising is for the seizures associated with epilepsy. A study published in the British Epilepsy Association found that CBD could help to reduce the number and severity of seizures. There is also a pharmaceutical drug called Epidiolex, approved by the FDA in the US to assist children suffering from Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of childhood epilepsy with no cure.
Another big area of focus is anxiety. Worldwide, millions of people struggle to deal with anxiety, a serious mental health condition, and one of the biggest contributors to anxiety is stress.
In small doses, stress is helpful for us. It triggers our fight or flight response while also assisting us when it’s time to meet a deadline or get a job done. However, too much stress for too long can lead to anxiety. Researchers have found in this study that CBD could effectively reduce stress which would assist with preventing anxiety.
Worldwide we are currently facing an opioid epidemic caused by the misuse of opioid-based pain medication. Several studies have shown that CBD could be an effective way to help treat pain and assist those struggling with addiction.
What is cannabidiol – Conclusion
Although the studies into CBD and its potential health benefits look very promising, we still have a long way to go before making any definitive claims about cannabidiol, and more clinical trials are required.
Anecdotal evidence from people worldwide about the potential of cannabidiol to assist with overall health and wellness looks very promising. However, no two people or their conditions are exactly alike. What works for one person may not work for another.
The World Health Organization considers cannabidiol to have a good safety profile with limited side-effects, but always speak with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are currently taking any medication.