9 Science-backed Benefits of CBD

Most of us think of the active ingredient in cannabis as THC. However, there is another cannabinoid that has been getting some attention lately. This is cannabidiol (CBD). Many of today's doctors and alternative health practitioners are promoting cbd leaf wraps for its effective treatment of a wide range of medical conditions. In this article, we’re going to explore why.

CBD recap

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It's different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the stuff that has psychoactive properties and can induce feelings of euphoria or relaxation. CBD is non-psychoactive (meaning it doesn't produce a high), but it has been shown to have many health benefits.

There are different types of CBD: full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate. Full spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids found in hemp plants, including CBD and THC. Broad spectrum contains more than just CBD and THC, but less than 100 parts per million of THC. Isolate contains only pure cannabidiol.

Hemp extract capsules

Full spectrum CBD has more health benefits than broad spectrum or isolate because it contains more cannabinoids and terpenes that provide additional benefits beyond just cannabidiol. However, some people prefer isolates for their purity or cost-effectiveness.

The most common way to consume CBD is oral ingestion via tinctures or capsules (which can be made with full spectrum or isolate). You can also apply it topically as a skin lotion or ointment.

Common myths and misconceptions

CBD is one of the most powerful compounds in cannabis, and it has a lot of potential health benefits. But even though it's been widely available for years, there's still a lot of misinformation out there about what CBD can do—and what it can't.

Myth #1: CBD is just a fad

Fact: CBD has been used for centuries by people in many different cultures, and is one of the most documented compounds in the world.

Myth #2: CBD is addictive

Fact: There is no evidence to support the claim that CBD is addictive.

Myth #3: CBD can be used as a treatment for any ailment or condition

Fact: While there are numerous studies that support the use of CBD as a treatment for various conditions, there are also some studies that do not show positive results and therefore do not support its use as an effective treatment for those conditions.

marijuana plant

Myth #4: CBD is just another name for marijuana

Fact: CBD is made from industrial hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC (the compound in cannabis that gets you high). That means it's not psychoactive at all—in fact, it's not even technically considered to be cannabis by most governments! And because hemp is harvested from the seeds or stalks of the plant instead of the buds and flowers like recreational marijuana, it has no hallucinogenic effects. It's also legal in all 50 states.

Myth #5: You can only get CBD from marijuana plants

Fact: There are many different types of hemp plants that can be used to make CBD, including but not limited to: alfalfa, clover, corn, cottonseed (oil), flaxseed (oil), kenaf seed (oil), lavender, mints, mustard seed (oil), oats (seed oil), papaya seeds (oil), peppermint and rosemary oils. These plants are non-psychoactive and contain no THC which means they will not get you high or make you fail a drug test!

How CBD works

There are two main types of receptors in the human body: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors.

The CB1 receptors are located throughout the body and primarily affect the nervous system and immune system. The CB2 receptors are mostly concentrated on lymph nodes and spleen cells. THC activates these receptors by mimicking some of our own endocannabinoids (chemicals produced naturally by our bodies). CBD does not activate these receptors directly; instead, it inhibits the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids so they cannot interact with them. When CBD interacts with those receptors, it can help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain.

Benefits of CBD

If you're looking for a healthier way to relax, or just want to try something new, CBD is the answer!

Here are five of the best benefits of CBD:

1.  It's safe and non-addictive.

Unlike most other painkillers, CBD doesn't have any addictive properties. This means you don't have to worry about your body becoming dependent on it or needing more and more each time you take it—so long as you follow the recommended dosage!

2. It has anti-inflammatory properties

CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body by activating key signaling pathways involved in controlling this process such as COX-2, PPARs and 5-lipoxygenase (5LOX). These pathways can be activated by other cannabinoids like CBG-A or CBC-A but also by compounds like aspirin or ibuprofen—both of which are known to cause stomach bleeding when taken at higher doses than recommended by doctors.

man experiencing headache pain

3. It has no side effects

Unlike prescription drugs that may have serious side effects like vomiting or nausea, taking CBD will not cause these problems in most people (though there are some exceptions).

4. It can help with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia

The cannabidiol found in CBD oil helps reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body by slowing down cell communication pathways. This means that it can ease chronic pain without causing drowsiness or addiction issues like other medications do!

5. It promotes healthy sleep cycles

CBD is an effective sleep aid, so you can get a good night's rest every night without worrying about feeling groggy when it comes time for work or school in the morning.

The Bottom Line

Pinterest pin image bottle of cbd pills

Like this? Please pin!

Whether you're looking to get healthier or decrease the use of your current medication, CBD may be the answer. It may be able to help with a number of ailments and symptoms, from assisting those who suffer from chronic pain to aiding those who are struggling with mental illnesses. Many users have reported attaining great results by simply applying CBD oil directly to their skin.

 About the Author:

portrait of the guest author

Frederick Grimes is the Digital Marketing Specialist/Developer for Dr. Strains CBD. He is an accomplished professional with a range of skills in data analysis, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and email marketing, and enjoys using his skills to contribute to the exciting technological advances that happen every day at Dr Strains CBD. He graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2016 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications.