Cbd oil is derived from Cannabis, naturally found in marijuana. Like marijuana, it has a direct effect on the brain that makes it beneficial as well as harmful to human health. The benefits of Cbd oil are not limited to any single condition as it proves to be effective in the treatment of many diseases like seizures, heart conditions, pain-relieving e.t.c. Cbd oil uses are very broad except, the higher dosage will produce the exact opposite effect that proved to be harmful to the person. When using the CBD oil, the quantity to be used should always be monitored to minimize the side effects of CBD. Cbd side effects produced can also interfere with the medications being used at that time. Here we will discuss the benefits, uses, and side effects of CBD oil and in which conditions it is best used.
Benefits and uses of CBD oil:
The benefits of Cbd oil are wide even the World Health Organization has approved its beneficial effects in medical conditions yet, the dangers related to this chemical are still under investigation, and it should only be used under the supervision of a physician. Benefits and uses of cbd oil are also seen by research conducted by Canadian pediatrician on different conditions. CBD oil is beneficial for certain conditions as:
1. Relief of pain:
The treatment of pain by marijuana is continuing for too long now, as CBD is a component of marijuana and has some similar effects so, it can also be used to relieve pain. Studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health and Journal of Experimental Medicine have proved the benefits of CBD oil in pain-relieving. These studies suggested that the human body produces some neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoid these neurotransmitters bind with the receptors of Cbd oil that helps in relieving pain, and also stimulating sleep, and produces anti-inflammatory responses. The studies have shown excellent results of pain relief in multiple sclerosis and arthritis patients as it also helps in reducing inflammation. The survey in the US conducted at adults aged 50 to 80 years to observe the effect of medical marijuana in pain relief shows the benefits of CBD in 31% adults by relieving pain.
2. Epilepsy or Anti-Seizure:
Epilepsy is basically a brain disorder in which abnormal function of the brain results in seizures and loss of awareness. After prolonged research conducted by the American Epilepsy Society, one of the effective ways to reduce seizures is the use of Cbd. Cbd has proven beneficial for epileptic patients when used with other anti-seizure medications. The CBD drug that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration is known as Epidiolex that helps in reducing seizures in patients. This drug is also prescribed for the children under 2 years of age with disorders like Dravet syndrome and Lennox Gastaut syndrome for treating seizures. The clinical use of Cbd has proven effective in 76% of epileptic patients. The research is still being conducted to check the effectiveness of cbd on other conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease.
3. Smoking and Addiction:
The benefits and use of CBD in patients with the addiction to drugs or smoking are proving very effective. Recent studies published in Substance Abuse proved the effectiveness of CBD in drug abuse patients. However, different effects are seen in each type of addiction. As studies show the patients with opioid addiction have a minimum effect of CBD than those with cocaine and methamphetamine. The effect of Cbd on heroin users is still under investigation. The CBD also proves to be effective in smokers, as it is used as an inhaler, and if used for one week reduces 40% numbers of cigarettes smoked.
4. Anxiety and Depression:
Anxiety and depression are mental health disorders that are increasing day by day. With anxiety, other symptoms that are seen are an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and mood changes. Many pharmaceutical drugs are used to treat depression and anxiety, but these drugs produce some side effects like headaches, dizziness, e.t.c. According to the studies, CBD oil proves to be effective in treating anxiety and depression and normalizes heart rate and blood pressure. These studies show that the amount of CBD oil used in anxiety should be of low dosage (10mg per kilogram) because with the higher dosage (100mg per kilogram) it will act opposite and triggers the brain to increase heart rate, B.P resulting increase of anxiety.
5. Treatment of Cancer:
CBD benefits and uses in the treatment of cancer are not clinically proven yet. But its use in treating the symptoms of cancer, especially symptoms due to chemotherapy like nausea, vomiting, and pain can be reduced. Cbd used in cancer reduces the number of cancerous cell-reproduction and also generates an anti-inflammatory response that reduces the ability of tumor cells. Current studies show the effectiveness of CBD in alleviating symptoms of cancer, but CBD as a treatment of cancer is still under investigation. Cbd can be used in cancer patients with other pharmaceutical cancer management drugs. It is also found that Cbd used with THC in cancer patients acts more effectively in pain reduction.
6. Heart conditions:
Most heart conditions are linked with hypertension i.e. high blood pressure due to stress or anxiety. High blood pressure can result in heart attack, strokes, and other metabolic syndromes. One of the benefits of the CBD is to lower heart rate, thus, lowers the blood pressure to normal. The studies and investigations suggest that CBD is given in heart patients can reduce the symptoms, thus the fewer chances of heart failure. Cbd cannot treat hypertension or cardiovascular diseases itself, but, as it has the ability to reduce stress, therefore, it can be used to decrease symptoms as it does not have a direct effect on the sympathetic or parasympathetic system. According to the studies, after the use of CBD in cardiovascular patients, the mortality rate in men increases by up to 2.3% and in women 1.3%.
7. Insomnia:
Insomnia is basically a difficulty in sleeping or a person stay asleep at night. It is a very common problem nowadays and it could be due to stress, anxiety, or due to any other medical condition. Recent studies have shown that people with insomnia can be treated with higher doses of cbd, it helps in stimulating sleep and relaxation in the body, but a person cannot easily recall dreams. It only proves effective with higher doses as low doses do not produce this kind of effect in the body.
8. Anti-Acne:
Acne is the most common skin condition found especially in teenagers. Acne is due to hormonal changes, genetics, production of oil through sebaceous glands, inflammation of skin e.t.c. The studies show the use of cbd oil in acne treatment has proven very effective as it reduces oil production and also acts as an anti-inflammatory that helps in the reduction of inflammation and redness and cures the skin.
9. Multiple Sclerosis:
Multiple sclerosis is a brain and spinal cord disorder that results in muscle spasms, numbness, pain, weakness, and lack of coordination. The studies of the use of cbd oil in multiple sclerosis are limited, but it shows that the cbd helps in relaxing the tightened muscles and pain, but it does not improve or help with the other symptoms related to multiple sclerosis. More investigations are required to observe the proper effect of cbd on multiple sclerosis patients.
10. Schizophrenia:
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person cannot differentiate between reality and imagination. The use of cbd in this condition is conflicting. Some studies suggest that using cbd in schizophrenic patients for 14 consecutive weeks helps in the reduction of psychotic symptoms and can treat it. Other studies show that the cbd for 14 weeks does not help with the patient of schizophrenia and does not reduce symptoms, therefore more research is required to clear this confliction.
Side Effects of CBD Oil:
Cbd can be used by mouth, in the form of a spray, and also as oil. Cbd normal dose is 300 mg that could be taken up to six months, while a higher dose of 1200-1500 mg is taken up to no more than 4 weeks and under the supervision of a physician. Cbd oil is used on the skin and provides very effective results with minimum side effects, but higher doses of CBD could be harmful to the skin and body. High doses of CBD can increase the amount of liver enzyme that can cause inflammation and is only being recommended with the regular checkup of blood liver enzyme levels. Here is the list of some CBD oil side effects caused by high dose:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Light headedness
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Tiredness, irritability
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Changes in weight
- Fatigue
Cbd should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it is a potential risk for the baby’s development, as it can pass through the placental barrier. Cbd toxicity can be reduced by interacting with other drugs, but under the supervision of a doctor.
