By: Samantha Barron
According to healthline.com, Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the primary psychoactive component found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. With momentum in the health and wellness world expanding, is CBD the right choice for you?
A common form of CBD seen today is in the form of oil. CBD oil is made by extracting the chemical from the cannabis plant and diluting it with coconut or hemp seed oil. Although most popular, CBD can also be found in dietary supplements, bath soaks, muscle rubs, drinks, and food. This allows for a variety of relief options for your symptoms. What types of symptoms allow for relief from the use of CBD?
The use of cannabis to treat pain dates back as far as 2900 BC. Recent studies have discovered that certain components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for pain-relieving elements. According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters. Additional research suggests that CBD alone can be effective for nerve and back pain. However, it seems to be most effective when combined with THC.
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Mental illness is often treated with pharmaceutical drugs. Although some chemical imbalances in the brain can only be treated by these medications, CBD has shown to have benefits, too. CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for some mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, leading many people who live with these conditions to become interested in this natural approach. According to an article from PubMed Central, although some people find that CBD improves symptoms related to depression, human evidence of CBD’s potential antidepressant abilities is currently limited. However, results from several studies suggest that it may help reduce depressive symptoms in those with cannabis use disorders.
Overall, CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in easing the symptoms of many common health conditions, including anxiety and neurological disorders. Remember that some of these health benefits are related to the use of CBD combined with THC, not CBD alone. If you wish to include CBD in your health management routine, please consult with your primary care physician to determine the best addition to your lifestyle. For more information on the legalities of cannabis in New York, visit cannabis.ny.gov/cannabis-conversations-0