What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular natural solution that a wide variety of people now use for many common ailments. CBD is one of over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant(1). Blue Lotus Wellness & CBD Boutique came into being when owner, Dr. Margaret Latham, began learning about CBD. It benefited many of her physical therapy clients. Therefore, she started using it herself in 2018. Since that time, Dr. Margaret and her business partner, Mary Galeski, have been seeking out the best CBD products on the market. We offer a wide selection of products and brands. This includes our house brand of USDA Certified Organic CBD Oils and Topicals, – Blue Lotus Botanicals. Keep reading for more information about CBD Oil Benefits or check out our online shop.
THE CANNABINOIDS
Delta9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It causes the sensation of feeling “high” often associated with marijuana (medical or recreational cannabis). Both THC and CBD have medicinal properties, but unlike Δ9THC, CBD is not intoxicating. This quality makes CBD a good option for people who are looking natural relief from pain and other symptoms. Notably, CBD comes without the mind-altering effects of medical or recreational cannabis, many pharmaceutical drugs, or alcohol.
Hemp is a category of cannabis plants that the US Government has defined as Cannabis sativa with a Δ9THC content of 0.3% or less. Plant geneticists have now developed many strains of hemp that contain a high CBD and other minor cannabinoid content as well as natural plant terpenes that contribute to or enhance the effects of the extracted oil. This entourage effect is often much more helpful in relieving many symptoms than just an isolated form of CBD. CBD Oil manufacturers extract CBD from the hemp plant, and then dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. CBD formulations have been gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with a growing body of scientific studies confirming that it can ease symptoms such as chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety for many people.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE BACKS UP CBD OIL BENEFITS FOR HEALTH
MAY PROVIDE PAIN RELIEF
Cannabis has been used to treat pain as far back as 2900 B.C.(2). More recently, scientists discovered that certain parts of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects. The human body contains a special system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It helps regulate a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response(3). The body produces endocannabinoids. These are neurotransmitters that bind to receptors in the nervous system.
Studies are showing that CBD may help reduce chronic pain in a few ways. These include impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and by interacting with neurotransmitters (4). For example, one study in rats found that CBD injections reduced pain response to surgical incision (5). Another rat study found that oral CBD treatment greatly reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation (6). Several human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain. This includes pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
SPECIFIC PAIN FORMULATIONS
Several countries have approved an oral spray called Sativex. This is a combination of THC and CBD to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis. One study of 47 people with multiple sclerosis examined the effects of taking Sativex for one month. The participants experienced less pain, waking, and muscle spasms (7). Another study found that Sativex greatly improved pain during movement, as well as pain at rest. It also showed better sleep quality in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis(8.)
CBD, especially in combination with THC, may be helpful in reducing pain from diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Along with this, other inflammatory conditions may be helped. Blue Lotus Wellness & CBD Boutique carries multiple high quality CBD products. In addition, we carry ingestible oils that combine both full spectrum CBD oil with delta8-THC distillate. This gives our clients more options for symptom management. Manufacturers convert CBD derived from hemp into the delta8-THC. This form of THC has similar benefits to its cousin delta9-THC.
MAY REDUCE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that can have devastating impacts on health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the single largest contributor to disability worldwide. Anxiety disorders rank sixth(9).
Physicians usually treat anxiety and depression with pharmaceutical drugs. In turn these may cause many side effects including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headache(10). Medications like benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to substance abuse(11). CBD oil is showing promise as a treatment for both depression and anxiety. This is why many who live with these disorders have become interested in this natural approach.
Researchers have shown that using CBD can reduce anxiety and depression in both human and animal studies. In one Brazilian study, researchers found that the administration of CBD prior to a simulated public speaking test greatly reduced anxiety during the test (12). Researchers also found that CBD oil can help safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder (13). Several animal studies also indicate that CBD has antidepressant-like effects (14,15). Researchers link these effects of CBD to CBD’s ability to act on brain’s receptors for serotonin. Serotonin is the brain chemical that controls mood and social behavior.
MAY REDUCE CANCER-RELATED SYMPTOMS
CBD may help reduce symptoms related to cancer and the side effects related to cancer treatment. These include nausea, vomiting, and pain. One study looked at the effects of CBD and THC in 177 people with cancer-related pain. These subjects did not experience relief from standard pain medication. Those treated with an extract containing both compounds experienced a large reduction in pain compared to those who received only a THC extract (16).
CBD may also help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. These are among the most common chemotherapy-related side effects for those with cancer (17). There are medications that may help with these distressing symptoms. However, they are sometimes ineffective, leading cancer sufferers to seek alternatives. One study of 16 people undergoing chemotherapy found that a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC reduced chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting better. This blend was administered via mouth spray. In addition, it was found to be more helpful than standard treatment alone (18).
Some test-tube and animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. For example, one test-tube study found that concentrated CBD induced cell death in human breast cancer cells(19). Another study showed that CBD inhibited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice(20). Granted, test-tube and animal studies are limited and can only suggest what might work in people. The scientific community needs to conduct more studies in humans before they can make conclusions. Although CBD has been shown to help reduce symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment, and may even have cancer-fighting properties, more research is needed to assess its efficacy and safety. Research to date, however, holds promise for cancer related CBD oil benefits.
MAY REDUCE ACNE
CBD may have beneficial effects on acne due to its anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to control the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands. Acne is a common skin condition that affects more than 9% of the population(21). Scientists think that several factors contribute to acne including genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation, and the overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion made by sebaceous glands in the skin(22,23). Based on recent scientific studies, CBD oil may help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production.
One test-tube study found that CBD oil prevented sebaceous gland cells from secreting excessive sebum, exerted anti-inflammatory actions, and prevented the activation of “pro-acne” agents like inflammatory cytokines(24). Another study had similar findings, concluding that CBD may be an efficient and safe way to treat acne, thanks in part to its remarkable anti-inflammatory qualities(25). These results are promising, but researchers need to explore the effects of CBD on acne in additional human studies.
POTENTIAL NEUROPROTECTIVE PROPERTIES
Researchers have studied CBD’s ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems. Because of this research, they believe CBD might provide benefits for those with neurological disorders. In fact, one of the most studied uses for CBD is treating neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Research in this area is still relatively new. However, several studies have shown promising results.
Sativex, an oral spray consisting of CBD and THC, has been proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis. One study found that Sativex reduced muscle spasms in 75% of 276 people with multiple sclerosis. These subjects had been experiencing muscle spasms that were resistant to standard medications (26). Another study gave 214 people with severe epilepsy 0.9–2.3 grams of CBD oil per pound (2–5 g/kg) of body weight. Their seizures reduced by a median of 36.5% (27). One more study found that CBD oil reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome compared to placebo (28). This syndrome is a complex childhood epilepsy disorder.
It is important to note that some people in both of these studies experienced adverse reactions associated with CBD treatment, such as convulsions, fever and fatigue. However, the doses of CBD were very high in these studies. One of them administered 20 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. This is equal to 1360mg (an entire 1oz bottle) for a 150lb person.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
Researchers have also studied CBD for its potential effectiveness in treating several other neurological diseases. Several studies, for example, have shown that treatment with CBD improved quality of life and sleep quality for people with Parkinson’s disease(29,30). Animal and test-tube studies have also shown that CBD may decrease inflammation and help prevent the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease(31). In one long-term study, researchers gave CBD to mice genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease and found that it helped prevent cognitive decline(32).
Although research is limited at this time, research has shown that CBD can help ease symptoms related to the neurological disorders of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease as well as the potential for CBD to reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in test-tube and animal studies.
MAY BENEFIT HEART HEALTH
Recent research has linked CBD to several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure. Scientists believe that high blood pressure contributes to higher risks of several health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome(33). Studies indicate that CBD may be able to help with high blood pressure. One recent study treated nine healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it reduced resting blood pressure as compared to a placebo. The same study also gave the men stress tests that normally increase blood pressure. Interestingly, the single dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure increase than normal in response to these tests(34).
Researchers have suggested that the stress- and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD are responsible for its ability to help lower blood pressure. Additionally, several animal studies have demonstrated that CBD may help reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease due to its powerful antioxidant and stress-reducing properties. One study, for example, found that treatment with CBD reduced oxidative stress and prevented heart damage in diabetic mice with heart disease(35). Though researchers need to conduct more human studies, CBD oil benefits may include heart health in several ways, including reduction of blood pressure and prevention of heart damage.
OTHER POTENTIAL CBD OIL BENEFITS
Researchers have studied CBD for its role in treating several other health issues. They need to conduct more studies, but CBD is thought to provide the following health benefits:
Antipsychotic effects: Studies suggest that CBD may help people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms(36).
Substance abuse treatment: CBD has been shown to modify circuits in the brain related to drug addiction. In rats, researchers showed that CBD can reduce morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior(37).
Anti-tumor effects: In test-tube and animal studies, CBD demonstrated anti-tumor effects. In animals, researchers demonstrated that CBD could prevent the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon, and lung cancer(38).
Diabetes prevention: In diabetic mice, treatment with CBD reduced the incidence of diabetes by 56% and significantly reduced inflammation(39).
Some studies suggest that CBD may help with diabetes, substance abuse, mental disorders, and certain types of cancers. However, researchers need to conduct more studies in humans.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH CBD
Although the World Health Organization generally considers CBD to be safe(40), it may cause adverse reactions like diarrhea and fatigue in some people. It may also interfere with certain medications. Though people generally tolerate CBD well, side effects noted in studies include diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, and fatigue(41).
CBD is also known to interact with several medications. Before you start using CBD oil, discuss it with your doctor to ensure your safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions(42). This is especially important if you take medications or supplements that come with a “grapefruit warning.” Both grapefruit and CBD interact with cytochromes P450 (CYPs), a group of enzymes that are important to drug metabolism in the liver(43). Persons using blood thinning medication(s) should also be especially sure to speak to their physician about CBD use.
One study performed on mice showed that CBD-rich cannabis extracts have the potential to cause liver toxicity. The mice in this study, however, were force-fed extremely large doses of the extract(44). Popular media has cited the results of this particular study and used it to incite unsubstantiated fear regarding CBD use(45).
IN SUMMARY
Researchers are continuing to study CBD oil for its potential role in easing symptoms of many common health issues including pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, acne, heart disease, and more. For those with cancer, it may even provide a natural alternative for pain and symptom relief. Research on the potential health benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, so researchers are sure to discover new therapeutic uses for this natural remedy. There are thousands and thousands of anecdotal reports regarding the positive effect of CBD on many conditions and symptoms.
We still have a lot to learn about the benefits and safety of CBD, but the results from recent studies suggest that CBD may provide a safe, powerful natural treatment for many health issues.
At Blue Lotus Wellness & CBD Boutique our mission is to provide our clients with safe and effective options for trying and using CBD products. Our house brand, Blue Lotus Botanicals, includes several great CBD topicals and oral CBD oils that are USDA Certified Organic. We vet all of other products we offer to ensure you have access to high quality, but affordable CBD products. There are many great products on the market today, but there are also many questionable products in our largely unregulated industry. Be sure to purchase your products from a reputable manufacturer with transparency and third-party lab testing to include, not just cannabinoid potency testing, but also safety profile testing for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbials, and mycotoxins. Additional terpene testing can also help you select an efficacious product.
CBD" PRODUCTS ON AMAZON
Be especially careful about purchasing CBD products on Amazon. Amazon does not actually allow the sale of “CBD” products. They do, however, allow the sale of “hemp extracts.” Some of the quality CBD companies have now been able to convert their packaging and verbiage to comply with the overly stringent censoring of CBD products on Amazon and Google Ads and call their products hemp extracts instead.
Many more companies are using “hemp extract,” “hemp oil extract,” and “hemp oil” to imply that the products contain CBD, when in reality they do not. We encourage you to visit the manufacturer’s main website to ensure you are really getting a product that contains CBD. Full spectrum Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp extracts contain CBD, minor cannabinoids, plant terpenes, and more that all work together to provide maximum benefits.
Check our Boutique in Central Florida or our online store to be sure you are purchasing high quality products to enjoy the many CBD oil benefits.