CBD Benefits? What's the Proof? And What About Side Effects?

July 28, 2019

CBD is no mystery. It's a naturally occurring component in hemp oil. The use of hemp extracts in folk medicine goes back thousands of years. Now, Western science is pursuing peer-reviewed knowledge of CBD hemp oil benefits.

Here, we look at:

  • Key benefits associated with CBD.
  • Whether these claimed benefits are based on fact.
  • What precautions are advised.

Many CBD Oil Benefits Are Possible. Some Are Better Proven Than Others.

Additionally, potential hemp CBD oil benefits could ease inflammation and pain. Given its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD hemp oil may turn out to be a game-changer in treating allergic asthma, as recent research suggests.

Other relevant conditions include arthritis, cancer treatment, depression and anxiety.

Outside of epilepsy treatments, the FDA has not approved these uses so far. Until the FDA formally regulates CBD hemp oil as a pain reliever, no CBD hemp oil maker should make medical claims. Yet we can and should examine the research. Let's look at it now.

Our CBD Oil Benefits List: Let's See How It Stands Up to Science.

1. CBD as an epilepsy treatment. We start with the strongest proof: CBD's clear benefits for epilepsy. Here, the benefits of CBD hemp oil are well tested, scientifically understood, and medically accepted. The federal advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration unanimously approved Epidiolex, a CBD oil drug, for certain hard-to-treat kinds of epilepsy. By 2018, the new, FDA-approved drug was being prescribed for two kinds of epilepsy—including Dravet syndrome, a condition for which there were no prior approved medicines.

2. CBD for anxiety. Many CBD oil customers are looking for help with anxiety issues. Are they right? Let's look to the experts. CBD is not an FDA-approved treatment for anxiety. Nevertheless, the American Cancer Society declares that CBD can "reduce anxiety and paranoia." The current research shows CBD's "considerable potential" to treat anxiety.

3. CBD for depression. CBD oil has "great psychiatric potential" as an antidepressant, according to research published in the CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets journal, which covers outstanding developments in neurological and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. We'll keep learning more as more human subjects are studied. As with any use of supplements, talk with your doctor first. This is especially vital if you are currently taking other medicines.

4. CBD for acne. Yes, it's a thing. Research published in 2014 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found promise in CBD as an acne treatment. CBD is well tolerated by all skin types. As with any new skin product, start with just a bit.

5. CBD for glaucoma. Intraocular pressure is a key factor in the risk of glaucoma. Caution: In a 2006 study in the Journal of Glaucoma, 20 mg of CBD produced no effects, and a double dose temporary increased intraocular pressure. While THC, another component of the Cannabis sativa plant did reduce eye pressure, CBD did not.

6. CBD for insomnia. CBD has a known sedative effect, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. Because of that effect, CBD is now sought out by people living with insomnia. CBD may support a good night's sleep, especially when chronic pain gets in the way of proper rest.

7. CBD for muscle spasms. It's painful when a muscle tightens and contracts suddenly, and this issue can cause impact joint mobility. Recent research indicates that CBD can help control spasms symptomatic of multiple sclerosis.

8. CBD for appetite and body weight control. The natural cannabinoid receptors in our bodies respond to CBD by working to regulate the body's intricate internal balance. So, CBD can stimulate appetites of people undergoing chemotherapy—yet reduce hunger in people who wish to shed weight by decreasing nervous eating, according to Rachna Patel, MD.

9. CBD for chronic pain. While this website is not meant as a substitute for medical advice, we do encourage our readers to look at showing that CBD hemp oil benefits people coping with chronic pain. The Journal of Experimental Medicine, for instance, reports on CBD's ability to ease inflammation in the brain and nervous system connected with neuropathy. Chronic pain is a health issue of massive proportions, and firm evidence shows CBD oil benefits for pain are receiving keen attention in science.  

Here's What We Know About Side Effects and Risks.
The website of the Mayo Clinic, which recognizes important health benefits of CBD oil, also says CBD use comes with "some risks." The site lists a number of possible unwanted effects: fatigue or drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, diarrhea, and reduced appetite.

Drug experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) find that using CBD will not trigger serious negative effects. Moreover, to quote WHO's 2018 Cannabidiol Critical Review, "CBD exhibits no effects" that would indicate any possibility of dependence or abuse.

So, even if taken on a regular basis, CBD will not create a craving or need to increase doses in order to achieve reliable effects over time. In fact, CBD pain relief options can support people and help them avoid methods of pain control that are habit-forming, and come with other known risks and side effects.

Each person is an individual, and no two responses will be identical. So, follow dosage directions with care. Do speak with a doctor who knows your health history before adopting CBD or any pain relief aids. This is particularly important if you take prescription drugs, or are thinking about replacing a prescribed medicine or doctor-recommended supplement. Note that the Mayo Clinic warns that CBD can interact with blood thinners and other drugs.

Full Spectrum CBD Can Optimize the Range of Benefits.
Reading the CBD oil labels, the consumer may have another question: Should I buy isolates, or full spectrum CBD hemp oil?

The full Cannabis sativa plant has a set of compounds that work in combination. This is the idea behind full spectrum CBD hemp oil benefits.

For sleep problems, bone health challenges, and several other purposes, some people will seek out isolated CBD components. Generally, though, we think full spectrum CBD oil benefits most people more effectively than a CBD isolate (a single compound) will.

To ensure the full benefits and safety of the CBD you purchase, the main thing is to buy from a reputable seller that steers clear of unfounded claims. Let's follow the science, not the hype.

The bottom line? CBD is sought as natural wellness aid. While not a cure-all, CBD oil shows remarkable scientific promise for easing the discomfort of a wide range of conditions.

Experience the Benefits of CBD oil