Medical marijuana is becoming big medicine in the United States.
As of 2018, medical marijuana is legal in 29 states, including New York and Arizona. By 2021, the legal marijuana market could grow to be worth $24.5 billion.
With all that said, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of buzz surrounding the miracle CBD oil. But what exactly is CBD oil and what does it have to do with medical marijuana?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main active cannabinoids in marijuana. In recent years, scientists have been able to extract CBD into oil form. At the same time, CBD oil research has led to the discovery of medical marijuana’s health benefits.
Still, there’s a lot more to discover about CBD and its amazing health benefits. In this article, we’ll not only explore CBD oil more in-depth. We’ll also unravel 8 of many astonishing health benefits.
Here we go!
Understanding Cannabidiol (CBD)
Before we can explore the health benefits of CBD, first, we have to understand how CBD works.
The cannabis plant contains over 100 known cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most active ones. They make up the majority of the cannabis plant.
So, what are cannabinoids and what do they do exactly?
Cannabinoids & the Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds. They make up the cannabis plant and function as neurotransmitters. They attach to cannabinoid receptors found naturally throughout the cells in our bodies.
Cannabinoid receptors are specifically part of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of our body’s basic biological systems.
The ECS regulates major physiological processes, such as appetite, mood, sleep, and pain sensation. When our bodies go off balance, the ECS kicks into gear. It does so to ensure we’re sleeping, maintaining an appetite, and able to sense pain.
The ECS kicks into gear when endocannabinoids attach to cannabinoid receptors. Our bodies naturally make endocannabinoids.
So, where do the cannabinoids from cannabis come into play with all this?
What’s interesting is that the chemical components of cannabinoids mimic endocannabinoids. Because of this, they’re able to attach to cannabinoid receptors.
Cannabinoid Receptors
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and spinal cord. They’re also located throughout the peripheral nervous system.
CB2 receptors are predominantly located in the immune system. They’re also located throughout the peripheral nervous system.
When cannabinoids and endocannabinoids attach to these receptors, those physiological processes activate. A number of effects then occur simultaneously.
CBD vs. THC
We’re all familiar with the infamous high that marijuana users experience. THC is the cannabinoid that produces this psychoactive effect.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t produce a high or stoned feeling among users. CBD also doesn’t affect the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain as THC.
Because it doesn’t produce a high, many people prefer to medicate with CBD oil. But what are some of the benefits of medicating with CBD, and what exactly has CBD oil research shown?
Next, we’ll explore 8 amazing health benefits of using the miracle CBD oil.
1. Relieves Pain
As previously mentioned, cannabinoids in marijuana mimic the endocannabinoids our bodies naturally produce. When cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, the endocannabinoid system kicks in.
Pain relief is one of the effects of this process. Both CBD and THC have analgesic (pain relieving) effects on the body. CBD, in particular, can relieve different types of pain associated with the central and peripheral nervous system.
Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis have experienced significant pain relief with CBD oil. MS is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack cells in the spinal cord and brain.
MS causes many debilitating, life-altering side effects. MS patients often suffer from numbness, tingling, vision loss, tremors, and muscle spasms. However, studies show that CBD can reduce muscle spasms and neuropathic pain.
That’s not all. CBD oil can relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain, as well as cancer-related pain.
And because CBD can improve mood, users can also experience a distraction from their pain. Cannatonic, for example, is a high-CBD strain that elevates mood and alleviates pain.
2. Minimizes Inflammation
Inflammation is one of our body’s natural responses to harmful stimuli, like bacteria and viruses. When we injure ourselves, our bodies produce inflammatory responses, like swelling and redness.
However, the body can sometimes produce inflammatory responses when there is no injury or presence of harmful stimuli. This is otherwise known as chronic inflammation. It not only causes severe pain, but can lead to certain cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.
There are a few known causes of chronic inflammation. Poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle are some of them. However, even those in good health can suffer from chronic inflammation.
That’s where miracle CBD oil comes in. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory that not only reduces inflammation but the onset of diabetes, as well.
3. Reduces Seizures in Children
In the last few years, CBD oil testimonials of epileptic children have surfaced. What these videos showed was astonishing.
The videos revealed that these children experienced immediate relief when given CBD oil. Their seizures slowed down and ultimately stopped.
These CBD oil testimonials also revealed something even more astonishing. In cases of severe epilepsy, children can suffer from multiple – even hundreds of – seizures per day. Over time, the number of these seizures reduced with regular CBD oil therapy.
The anticonvulsant qualities of CBD are undeniable. Though research is ongoing, doctors are utilizing CBD for epilepsy in states where it is legal.
4. Alleviates Anxiety & Depression
People tend to think that marijuana heightens anxiety and paranoia. This can be true for some strains high in THC, but this isn’t the case with CBD products.
With that said, CBD oil research has shown more promise than antidepressants and benzodiazepines. These drugs not only have many adverse side effects, like sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, and agitation. Benzodiazepines, in particular, are very addictive.
Because CBD can elevate mood, it works as a natural antidepressant. And because CBD doesn’t produce mind-altering effects, users won’t experience heightened anxiety.
5. Relieves Cancer-Related Symptoms
CBD oil research in the area of cancer treatment is still ongoing. Even though more research is necessary, many cancer patients find relief with CBD.
Cancer and cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation, cause many side effects. Some of the side effects that cancer and cancer treatment cause include:
- Nausea & vomiting
- Fatigue
- Low appetite & weight loss
- Diarrhea
Cancer, as well as radiation and chemotherapy, can also cause moderate to severe pain. Luckily, CBD can often reduce nausea, vomiting, low appetite, and pain. Certain CBD strains with low amounts of THC can also boost energy and reduce fatigue.
6. Promotes Better Sleep
How many times have we heard about how our bodies need 7-8 hours of sleep per night? In reality, many adults barely get that much sleep, and some even suffer from insomnia.
Lack of sleep not only interferes with our ability to function during the day. It can also cause headaches, weight gain, depression, and worsening of pain.
There are over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids. But more and more people who suffer from poor sleep are experiencing great things with CBD oil.
Unlike the Sativa plant, the Indica plant induces relaxation and alleviates anxiety. Because of this, Indica is widely known to promote better sleep. Many users have an easier time falling and staying asleep after using Indica.
There are specific strains that are higher in CBD and lower in THC. These strains can make users feel drowsy, which is helpful in cases of insomnia. Additionally, certain sleepytime strains can also reduce pain and the occurrence of nightmares.
7. Supports Healthy Weight & Heart
Everyone has surely heard of “the munchies”. These are otherwise known as the increase in appetite marijuana users experience.
But did you know that CBD can actually promote healthy weight contrary to popular belief?
For one thing, CBD promotes healthier blood sugar levels. Having healthy blood sugar levels not only reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes. Healthy glucose levels also keep the immune system in check while reducing kidney and pancreatic damage.
Additionally, CBD can convert white fat into small deposit brown fat. It’s believed that brown fat regulates blood sugar levels and helps our bodies burn white fat.
Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, CBD can also treat heart disease. It not only reduces blood pressure and cholesterol. It also reduces arterial blockages.
8. Brightens & Improves Skin
If you’ve ever suffered from acne or eczema, then you know how frustrating these conditions can be. You’ve probably tried over-the-counter products to treat these conditions to no end.
Luckily, skin relief comes in the form of miracle CBD oil nowadays.
Again, because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory qualities, it can treat eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It can also treat pain associated with these skin conditions. CBD oil also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote healthier skin.
The better news?
CBD oil is now manufactured as facial and body soap, as well as topical lotion!
Discover the Benefits of Miracle CBD Oil
Although CBD oil research is still ongoing, the health benefits of CBD are already evident.
Thousands of Americans are experiencing the variety of health benefits that CBD has. And as more research comes out, it’s likely that CBD will start to treat more types of patients in the future.
Believe it or not, but the miracle CBD oil is not only for humans. To learn more about CBD, check out these 5 things you didn’t know about CBD for dogs!
