In the UK, sales of CBD have nearly doubled over the past two years. An estimated quarter of a million people use it regularly1. There's a lot of interest in using CBD for health problems like pain and anxiety. But there's also a lot of confusion due to the lack of clear information.
Studies that could give us solid answers are still few. So, we're left with stories from people who have tried CBD. They tell us how it might help with things like anxiety, pain, and feeling down. This kind of information is valuable because it comes from real-life experiences, not just lab tests and theories. CBD Health Benefits: Latest Evidence & Research
Key Takeaways
CBD sales have almost doubled in the UK over the past two years, with an estimated 250,000 regular users.
CBD-containing medicines like Epidyolex and Sativex have been approved for prescription use in England.
Research indicates some CBD products may not contain the claimed amount of CBD or may contain THC, other illegal drugs, or alcohol.
CBD has shown potential benefits for various conditions, including pain, anxiety, depression, and seizure disorders.
Further research is needed to conclusively establish the health benefits of CBD, especially for heart health in humans.
Introduction
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound from the cannabis plant that doesn't make you high. It has caught much attention for its possible health perks2. People are getting more into CBD as a natural solution. This has got both the public and those in charge thinking. They are exploring the rules and the challenges in researching CBD34.
Background on CBD and Its Increasing Popularity
CBD is often seen as a cure for many health issues. It is sold as a health and wellness product2. Some studies have looked into how it might help with conditions like social anxiety, schizophrenia, Parkinson's symptoms, and addiction2. The demand for products with CBD is on the rise because of the benefits people believe they have.
Regulatory Landscape and Challenges for Research
But, there's not a lot of proof that CBD helps apart from in some forms of epilepsy in kids. And, if it is used without doctor's advice, it could be risky. The rules around CBD are different in each place, making it hard to know what's okay2. This mix of rules has made things tough for scientists, doctors, and those who want to use CBD. It slows down the study and making of trusted, safe products.
Still, CBD is attracting more and more fans with its health promises. This makes the industry move even faster. Everyone agrees that more research and clearer rules are needed423.
Methodology
This study looked at how CBD-rich products help with pain, anxiety, and depression in over 279 adults. These adults were getting medical marijuana at special clinics in Quebec, Canada5. We checked their health at the start, after 3 months, and again after 6 months. We put them in groups by how bad their symptoms were and if they changed their treatment after 3 months.
Study Population and Data Collection
There were 279 adults involved, all using CBD-rich treatments from clinics in Quebec, Canada5. We got info on their pain, anxiety, and depression, and how they felt in general, when we started the study, after 3 months, and after 6 months5. This helped us see over time how CBD treatments affected their symptoms and life quality.
CBD-Rich Products Used in the Study
The CBD-rich products were chosen for each person by healthcare providers at the clinics5. They looked at the person’s needs and likes to pick the right type, amount, and how to use it5. This shows how CBD products in real life can help and what works best for different people.
"CBD has been proven safe and effective for seizure disorders in children, reducing the frequency of seizures by over 25%."5
This study's method helps us see how CBD treatments work in real life for common health issues like pain and anxiety. By looking at many different people and how they react to CBD, we add to the big story about CBD's possible benefits. It's all about how CBD can help people feel better.
Results
Recent studies show that CBD products can help with many health issues. For example, they might ease depression, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD8. One study from 2019 proved CBD to be effective with PTSD8.
Another study looked at how CBD-rich treatments lessened patient's burdens8. They found that symptoms such as pain and anxiety decreased after starting treatment8. Even the overall well-being of patients improved8.
Patients with moderate to severe symptoms saw the most improvement8. Their pain and anxiety lessened considerably, and they felt better overall8. However, those with mild symptoms did not find as much relief8. The difference in effects over time was not big8.
These results suggest CBD is best for those with more serious symptoms. For them, it could significantly reduce pain and anxiety8. The study also shows CBD could be a good alternative for those wanting different treatment options8.
"The study highlights the potential of CBD as a viable option for symptom management, offering hope for those seeking alternative and complementary therapies."
CBD Health Benefits: Latest Evidence & Research
CBD, or cannabidiol, has become very popular lately for its possible medical uses. The scientific world is looking into the health perks of this cannabis plant extract.
A study showed that a CBD-rich treatment could help with strong pain, anxiety, and depression9. But, it didn't seem to help much for those with milder issues. This highlights that it's important to talk with a doctor to find out the best dose for you9.
Figuring out CBD's role is tough, as the FDA has just OK’d one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for two rare epilepsy types10. So, getting professional advice before using CBD is smart. The strength and amount of CBD in products you can buy might not be the same10.
Even with these challenges, CBD's health benefits keep getting explored. It might help protect our nerve cells, fight inflammation, and ease pain9. But, remember, not everyone reacts to CBD the same way. How it works can depend on various factors, like dose and how often you use it.
Keeping up with CBD research is key for people interested in its possible benefits9. Scientists think CBD could be good for many health problems. But, there's a lot more to learn about how it works and its risks9.
"CBD is not psychoactive, in contrast to THC which creates a 'high,' making it a viable option for individuals seeking the potential health benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects."9
In sum, the evidence about CBD's health perks stresses the need for more study and talks with doctors. Though we're learning more, we still have a lot to explore about CBD and its help for health issues9.
Pain Relief
CBD comes from the cannabis plant and shows hope in easing chronic and neuropathic pain7. The system that handles our pain sensation could be why CBD works well7. By aiming at this system, it cuts down on pain with less inflammation and adjusting how our brain talks to our body.
Early signs also say CBD might help with rheumatic conditions like fibromyalgia11. One study on arthritis patients found that CBD oil made pain, sleep, and life quality better11. A recent look at many studies found that using cannabinoids, including CBD, could be a good way to fight nerve and muscle pain11.
CBD's Potential for Reducing Chronic and Neuropathic Pain
Studies have found CBD could be a big help with a variety of ongoing pain types711. It's known to tinker with different parts of our bodies that control pain. So, it's often mentioned for nerve pain, arthritis, and even head pain like migraines11.
The U.S. National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health think CBD might slightly improve lasting pain7. A 2020 look-over said CBD could cut down on pain, boost sleep, and lower swelling. The results, though, can depend on the person and their condition7. Also, a large human study showed that CBD can help with long-lasting nerve pain7.
Although the early findings are good, info on using CBD for pain is still growing12. Trials have shown a mix of effects, from not much to very helpful12. It's important to be careful because the quality of CBD items can change a lot12.
"CBD shows promise in reducing inflammatory and neuropathic pain, according to the Journal of Experimental Medicine."
Summing up, fresh signs point to CBD working well for steady and nerve pain71112. Yet, bigger and more detailed studies are needed to be sure. We need to learn more about the right doses and safety over time12711.
Mental Health Benefits
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound from the cannabis plant that doesn't make you high13. It could help with mental health issues. Anxiety affects about 19.1% of adults in the U.S. each year13. Depression hits about 17.3 million U.S. adults yearly13. Studies are finding CBD might ease these and other mood problems.
CBD's Effects on Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders
In 2020, experts looked at many CBD studies and found something interesting14. They found CBD might cut symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. A small 2019 study also showed CBD could help with PTSD symptoms like nightmares in adults14. A survey from the Brightfield Group revealed 60% of folks who use CBD do it for anxiety15.
One reason CBD could help is how it works with our endocannabinoid system14. This system is key in controlling mood and emotions. CBD is also anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. These qualities might help people feel mentally better14.
Although it's early, studies show CBD might be a natural option for anxiety, depression, and PTSD13. The CBD market could be worth $16 billion in the U.S. by 202515. More research is needed to know all about CBD and its mental health benefits.
"CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for some mental health disorders leading many people who live with these conditions to become interested in this natural treatment approach."
Cancer-Related Symptom Management
Scientists keep learning about the good CBD might do. More and more, people are interested in using it to help with cancer issues16. Studies show CBD might ease nausea, tiredness, and offer comfort to cancer patients161718.
Especially, CBD seems useful against the sickness and throwing up you can get from chemo1617. When taken alone or with standard anti-sickness drugs, CBD might lower these awful feelings. This could make life better for those fighting cancer1617.
CBD also looks promising for tiredness in cancer patients. This symptom hits many hard16. The idea is, CBD's power against inflammation and protection for the brain might boost energy1618..
Though we're still learning, early signs show CBD could be a big help to those with cancer161718. It may improve life by lessening nausea, sickness, and tiredness. These are hard effects of cancer that CBD might ease161718.
But, we need more and bigger studies to be sure about using CBD for cancer symptoms18. Patients, before trying CBD for cancer, should talk to their doctors first17.
"The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes, including those involved in cancer biology. Understanding the interplay between the endocannabinoid system and cancer could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies."
- Moreno et al. (2020)
Neuroprotective Properties
New studies show that CBD, a compound in cannabis, might help with brain diseases19. CBD can fight swelling and protect nerve cells. This makes it a good choice for brain and nervous system issues.
CBD could be great for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). A recent study showed that using a mix of CBD and THC together can lower pain and muscle tightness in MS patients19. In 2017, another study found CBD oil decreased seizures in kids with Dravet syndrome, a bad form of epilepsy19. The FDA has now okayed one CBD medicine, Epidiolex, for these severe seizures.
Besides helping with seizures and MS, CBD might also aid in Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases19. CBD and other cannabis compounds defend brain cells from harm in lab animal tests of these diseases.
Also, CBD fights swelling and stress in the brain, which might help prevent brain diseases from starting or getting worse20. These health issues usually get worse because of swelling and stress in the brain20. CBD targets these problems, offering hope for these patients.
The potential for CBD in brain health is exciting, but more research is vital21. We need more studies to figure out how best to use CBD for brain diseases. This work will help shape CBD's future in medicine for brain problems.
Neurological Disorder | Potential CBD Benefits |
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | Reduced pain and muscle spasticity |
Dravet Syndrome | Reduced seizure activity |
Parkinson's Disease | Neuroprotective effects |
Huntington's Disease | Neuroprotective effects |
"The neuroprotective potential of CBD extends beyond seizure management and MS. Studies have suggested that CBD may have beneficial effects on other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease."
Heart Health
There is growing evidence that CBD, found in the cannabis plant, might help our hearts1. Studies show CBD can affect heart muscle contractions. It can also make our blood vessels wider, which may help regulate blood pressure.
In 2020, a study with 26 healthy men tested 600 milligrams of CBD. They took it daily for a week. The results showed a drop in blood pressure when compared to a group that took a fake pill1. But, after stopping CBD, the lower blood pressure effect went away. This means more research is needed to know if CBD can help over the long run.
CBD's Impact on Blood Pressure and Artery Function
Scientists have looked at how CBD might help the heart in animals and people22. A study from 2009 showed that in stressful situations, CBD could lower blood pressure and heart rate in rats22. A similar 2017 study with people found that those taking CBD had looser blood vessels under stress, compared to those not taking it22.
Yet, in 2017, a review of 25 studies suggested CBD might not lower blood pressure if there's no stress22. Still, there's a glimmer of hope for the heart. Evidence points to CBD possibly protecting the heart, especially after a heart attack or when diabetes has hurt the heart1.
Scientists are looking into purer forms of CBD to treat heart issues1. They're focusing on diseases like myocarditis and certain cardiomyopathies. Right now, we can't say for sure how well CBD helps human heart health because more research is needed1. As Professor Harry Sumnall notes, we're just at the beginning of understanding what CBD can do for our hearts1.
The quality and labeling of CBD products are not always right22. A 2017 review found that about 31 percent of CBD items weren't labeled correctly for CBD content. This might mean they're not entirely what they say they are22. So, we need better rules and checks to make sure CBD products are safe and do what they claim.
In conclusion, there’s exciting research on how CBD could help our hearts. But, we need more detailed studies to be sure of its benefits and risks. If you're thinking about using CBD for your health, talk to your doctor first.
Conclusion
This study looked back at the effects of CBD treatments. It found that CBD seems to help reduce pain, anxiety, and depression in patients with severe symptoms. Yet, it didn't show much effect on those with milder symptoms2. This highlights the importance of more research to really know how CBD can help people.
By 2024, the market for CBD is expected to climb past 20 billion in sales23. This shows how much people are interested in CBD products. But, the rules are tricky. Only CBD from hemp with very little THC is legal. Still, with over 300 studies ongoing24, we are learning more about the health benefits and future uses of CBD.
Though this study is a stepping stone, understanding CBD fully is complex because of the rules. Yet, as more detailed studies are done, we'll be in a better position to use CBD for its full benefits. And, this will help people looking for natural solutions to live healthier lives.
FAQ
What is the current state of research on the health benefits of CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the cannabis plant. In recent years, many have shown interest in using it for health reasons. This interest has grown faster than scientific proof. This has led to a lot of confusion and false health claims. Currently, most of the evidence for its benefits applies to specific conditions in children. For other health uses, there's not much solid proof yet. Plus, using CBD with other drugs without advice can be risky.
How does CBD-rich treatment impact pain, anxiety, depression, and wellbeing symptoms?
A study has found that a CBD-rich treatment can help with pain, anxiety, and depression. This is especially true for people with moderate to severe symptoms. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to help those with mild symptoms. While it's a good step in understanding CBD, more research is still needed.
What are the potential pain relief benefits of CBD?
People have used cannabis for pain relief for thousands of years, dating back to Chinese medicine. CBD, a part of cannabis, seems promising for pain control. It may work by reducing inflammation and interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. Studies show it could help with chronic pain and conditions like fibromyalgia. However, more research on its pain-relieving effects is necessary.
How can CBD impact mental health conditions?
CBD oil shows some promise in treating mental health issues. Several studies suggest that it might help with depression, anxiety, and even serious conditions like psychosis. A small study also found that it could lessen PTSD symptoms in adults, including reducing nightmares. These findings suggest that CBD could be a valuable addition to treating mental health conditions.
Can CBD help with cancer-related symptoms?
Research from 2022 indicates that CBD might help with some cancer symptoms. It could reduce issues like nausea, vomiting, and pain. But it's not clear yet if CBD should be a standard part of treating these symptoms.
What are the potential neuroprotective benefits of CBD?
There is hope that CBD could protect the nervous system. For instance, a spray called nabiximols (Sativex) with CBD and THC might reduce pain and muscle spasms in MS patients. In children with a severe epilepsy type, CBD oil was found to lower seizures. However, there were some side effects. The FDA has approved a CBD product, Epidiolex, for certain seizure disorders.
How can CBD impact heart health?
Studies show that CBD might help with high blood pressure. It can affect how the heart muscle works and widen blood vessels. For example, a 2020 study with 26 healthy men found that taking 600 milligrams of CBD for a week lowered their blood pressure. But this improvement didn't last beyond the short term.
Source Links
CBD: What is it, and can it help the heart? - https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/cbd-and-the-heart
Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8223341/
Health Benefits of CBD - https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cbd
CBD oil: Uses, health benefits, and risks - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221
CBD is not a cure-all – here’s what science says about its real health benefits - https://theconversation.com/cbd-is-not-a-cure-all-heres-what-science-says-about-its-real-health-benefits-186901
CANNABIDIOL (CBD): Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews - https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1439/cannabidiol-cbd
CBD oil for pain management: Effects, benefits, and uses - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475
6 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects) - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits
What Are the Health Benefits of CBD—Cannabidiol? - https://www.health.com/condition/chronic-pain/what-is-cbd
CBD: Safe and effective? - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
CBD Oil for Pain: A Comprehensive Review on Its Effectiveness - PharmEasy Blog - https://pharmeasy.in/blog/cbd-oil-for-pain-a-comprehensive-review-on-its-effectiveness/
A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
5 Mental Health Uses for CBD - https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-uses-for-cbd-4844875
The Impact of Cannabidiol on Psychiatric and Medical Conditions - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7331870/
What Are the Benefits of CBD? (Published 2019) - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/style/self-care/cbd-oil-benefits.html
Cannabidiol (CBD) in Cancer Management - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8869992/
CBD for cancer: Possible benefits, side effects, and more - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324745
What do we know about the benefits of CBD in cancer management? | dsm-firmenich Pharma News - https://www.dsm.com/pharma/en/news/dsm-pharma-blog/what-do-we-know-about-the-benefits-of-cbd-in-cancer-management.html
Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid? - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579248/
Frontiers | Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: A comprehensive review - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.989717/full
Cannabidiol's neuroprotective properties and potential treatment of traumatic brain injuries - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9932048/
CBD for Heart Disease: Can It Help? - https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-heart-disease
CBD Oil: What are 9 Proven or Possible Health Benefits? - https://www.drugs.com/lifestyle/health-benefits-cbd-3516616/
Carrington Williams - Review of CBD Health Benefits - https://www.theneighborhoodacademy.org/editoruploads/files/Carrington_Williams_-_Review_of_CBD_Health_Benefits.pdf
Comments