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Does CBD Really Work

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Grace Hawkins
Does CBD Really Work

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabis plant active compounds. After tetrahydrocannabinol THC, it comes second in abundance. Unlike THC, CBD is nonintoxicating, meaning it cannot make you feel high. Instead, it counters THC psychoactive effects. 

Beyond that, CBD and THC host a myriad of health benefits. Although hemp-derived CBD products are dietary supplements, they may potentially alleviate a wide range of symptoms and health conditions. 

If you are wondering whether CBD oil for pain works, this is your post. In this article, we will answer the question: does CBD work? Take a look!

Does CBD Oil Work?

Does CBD work? Yes, it does and science has proven it. With the many ways CBD works, let's see some medical conditions that it may overcome.

A 2019 study discovered that CBD oil could help overcome the feeling of social anxiety. To the study, CBD has nonaddictive and nonpsychotomimetic properties responsible for reversing anxiety.

As reported by the Food and Drug Administration, CBD could help treat epilepsy. The FDA approved Epidolex to treat epileptic disorders (Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). 

The agency suggests that CBD oil possesses anti-seizure potentials. To them, it acts as anti-seizure, antipsychotic, anxiolytic, anti-depressant, and neuroprotective. This results from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.

A 2014 study found that cannabidiol reduces acne. The study inferred that it positively affects sebocytes cells to reduce the overproduction of sebum, the primary cause of acne.

Another study found that hemp alleviates chronic pain by suppressing inflammation. Also, it works against neuropathic pain by activating α3 glycine receptors.

Cannabidiol may treat spasticity, multiple sclerosis symptoms that causes muscle stiffness, hence movement difficulties. Research claims posit that CBD may lower spasticity, thus MS. However, scientific clinical trials are needed to confirm this.

A similar study argues that hemp’s neuroprotective properties make it an ideal therapy for Alzheimer's disease.

According to Current Psychiatry, CBD shows promising results against insomnia. To them, both a high and medium dose of CBD offers a sedating effect. That means CBD oil may help people with insomnia and those with sleep difficulties.

With that, does CBD work? Yes. However, the results differ from person to person since it reacts with the human body differently.

How Does CBD Oil Work?

To understand how CBD works, we must know its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a series of fatty acid-based signaling chemicals, receptors, and metabolic enzymes. 

Whether you consume cannabis or not, the ECS always exists active in your body. So, how does CBD interact with ECS?

CBD for anxiety is a phytocannabinoid which interacts with ECS to enhance body wellbeing. It modulates the brain functions, endocrine, and immune tissues to sustain good health.

CBD and ECS reaction boosts cell receptors and neurotransmitters. This helps achieve and maintain body homeostasis. Besides, it improves communication between the body organs.

Unlike THC, which interacts with CB1 causing psychoactive effects, CBD binds with CB1 & CB2 to benefit the body. Cannabidiol binds with these cannabinoid receptors to alleviate mental conditions and physical ailments. Also, it binds with A2A, VR1, GPR55, and 5HT receptors.

A2A regulates blood flow and blood oxygen levels. Aside, it acts as an anti-anxiety as well as an inhibitor of glutamate and dopamine.

VR1 handles pain & inflammation perception and body temperature. That's why CBD works as neuroprotective.

Cannabidiol inhibits the GPR55 receptor, which, when active, promotes cancer cell proliferation. The activation of 5HT (serotonin receptor) helps boost appetite and sleep, reduce pain, depression, anxiety, and addiction. Lastly, CBD blocks the FAAH enzyme, which degrades anandamide.

That said, the interaction between CBD and ECS helps maintain homeostasis. It also counters genetic deficiency and produces adequate amounts of natural endocannabinoid for the overall body functioning.

Benefits and Impacts of CBD

As said earlier, hemp doesn't bind directly with CB1 & CB2. Instead, it stimulates ECS to produce its cannabinoids. By inhibiting the FAAH enzyme, cannabidiol allows endocannabinoids to stay longer in the body. 

Also, it positively impacts serotonin receptors, immune systems, vanilloid receptors, etc.

Even with the proven benefits, CBD legality is subject to discussion. With this, it's illegal under some states and legal to others. Still, to others, it's subject to tight regulations. However, the FDA is advancing nonprescription CBD products. 

The agency strives to utilize new technology to ensure manufacturers uphold the safety of their hemp products.

With that said, does CBD work? Yes, as per the above inferences. Research on CBD for sleep benefits and impacts is relatively not abundant. However, the compound has provable therapeutic potentials to many ailments.

Reasons Why CBD Is Not Working for You

Even with the proven potential, there're lots of misinformation fueled by the sale of deceitful products. The market is flooded with counterfeit products branded CBD, with claims of offering incredible results. 

As a result, many people have tried and got unexpected results. With that, CBD may not work as expected.

Some of the reasons why cannabidiol may not have worked well for you are:

  1. Your product isn't from a reputable source.
  2. Incorrect CBD dose.
  3. Increased CBD tolerance in your body.
  4. Short-term use.
  5. Unsuitable demonstration method.
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Grace Hawkins
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