Cannabidiol (CBD) is an organic compound found in marijuana and hemp plants which has many medicinal benefits. One out of almost 200 cannabinoids, CBD’s remarkable healing qualities come from its ability to interact with the human endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulating a variety of physiological processes, such as appetite, pain-sensation, mood, etc. The benefits of CBD are too long to be listed here, but some of the most important ones include:
- Pain management
In a 2015 study, 47 people suffering from multiple sclerosis experienced less pain from muscle spasm and walking after taking a CBD-based medication for a month. Other studies have confirmed similar pain-relieving qualities for people suffering from a variety of conditions, such as fibromyalgia, cancer, and arthritis, among others.
However, unlike pain killers (the standard pain treatment), CBD doesn’t suppress activity in the nervous system, making its use much safer than pain killers as it doesn’t create the risk of suffering a heart attack or stop breathing. Furthermore, CBD is made using non-psychoactive ingredients so, unlike opioids, its use carries no risk of addiction.
- Reduces anxiety and depression
According to a study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, subjects who used CBD had less anxiety and cognitive impairment than those who were administered a placebo. CBD’s ability to interact with the brain’s serotonin receptors, which regulate mood and social behavior, give it antidepressant-like effects. However, unlike antidepressants, CBD isn’t addictive and its use does not lead to insomnia, headaches, addiction, or other side effects related to antidepressants.
- Boosts creativity
CBD use (like that of cannabis) is known to decrease latent inhibition while also promoting the spontaneous generation of ideas.
Although latent inhibition allows you to focus on a single task by ignoring sensory stimuli, it also puts the brakes on your creative imagination. Using CBD will help you unleash your creativity and allow you to see things from as many angles as possible.
- Promotes sleep
CBD oil can also prevent your mind from wandering when it’s bedtime. Research shows that taking CBD one hour before going to bed can help you fall and stay asleep. If you re struggling with insomnia, or feel tired after waking up, a few drops of CBD oil could help you block intrusive thoughts while also inducing a deeper, restorative sleep.
- Quit smoking
Most smokers who try to quit can’t deal with the crippling pain and anxiety that follows withdrawal. However, according to a 2013 study from the University College of London, CBD use allows smokers to cut back on cigarette consumption by altering the memories associated with smoking, using a process called reconsolidation to help smokers associate cigarettes with negative thoughts rather than with pleasure.
While CBD research is still ongoing, we can safely say that its countless benefits by far outweigh any possible drawback. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and find out for yourself what’s the best thing CBD does for you!
References
- Artsy (2019, February 26) CBD’s Calming Effects May Give Artists a More Creative Mindset
- Harvard Health Blog (2018, August 24) Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t
- Healthline (2017, December 1) CBD for Fibromyalgia
- Healthline (2018, February 26) 7 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects)
- Leafly (2016, October 10) CBD (Cannabidiol): What Does It Do & How Does It Affect the Brain & Body?
- Medical News Today (2018, July 29) Does CBD oil work for chronic pain management?
