Feature Photo Credit: Tree of Life Seeds
By now, you might have come across mentions of CBD, particularly if you are dealing with a chronic condition such as pain or anxiety. Studies indicate a rapidly expanding CBD market with diverse products and significant future revenue growth. In the UK, there are over 1.3 million regular CBD users, with around 6 million people having tried CBD.
During the height of the COVID pandemic, my friend was diagnosed with cancer but couldn’t undergo surgery due to hospital restrictions. Faced with limited options, he began taking high-grade CBD as part of his daily routine. Months later, when he was finally able to return to the hospital, doctors were astonished to find that his tumour had actually shrunk. They called it a medical miracle. While I’m not suggesting everyone will have the same outcome or advising anyone to take copious amounts of CBD, my friend’s experience offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder that sometimes, the unexpected can happen.
If you’re interested but not sure where to begin, I’ve compiled this guide to assist you in addressing your doubts and dispelling common misunderstandings about CBD and its applications.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD is one of many active compounds in cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive. Non-psychoactive means that CBD doesn’t cause a “high”, but only gives the feeling of calmness that comes with using cannabis, without the THC effect.
While cannabis-derived CBD products are more effective than those hemp-derived, industrial hemp-derived CBD still provides many health benefits and is in fact, the one type available to buy in pretty much all Western countries. Currently, in the UK, only private doctors on the General Medical Council’s specialist register are now legally able to prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use. This is usually only prescribed for people with the following conditions: children and adults with rare, severe forms of epilepsy. adults with vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy. people with muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).
But for everyone else who doesn’t suffer from a life-threatening medical condition, we can still benefit from products containing industrial hemp-derived CBD.
the different forms of cbd
CBD can be found in many forms so that you can tailor your use method to your specific needs:
- By topical and transdermal skin application, so in the form of oils or balms;
- Sublingually, which means you absorb this liquid by placing it under your tongue. In case you didn’t know, the oral mucosa is full of tiny capillaries that absorb the compounds quickly, so you’ll get the effect pretty much straight away.
- By orally ingesting capsules and edibles. CBD drinks are usually absorbable more quickly than edibles. However, the effects of CBD drinks are generally short-lived. While it may take 1 to 2 hours to feel the effects of CBD edibles, they typically last for several hours.
- By smoke or vapour inhalation, the substance goes directly from your lungs into your bloodstream. As such, smoking CBD-dominant strains of cannabis or vaping CBD oil is the fastest way to experience the effects.
However you choose to use CBD, this substance interacts with neuroreceptors in your endocannabinoid system, which sends signals between your cells to help regulate your movement, mood, homeostasis and immune system. This is why these products have seen such a big spike in usage in the last few years – so much so that CBD-based products are now considered part of the wellness industry.
THE BENEFITS OF CBD
It’s not quite clear how CBD works and the research on this substance is ongoing, but it is thought to activate or block cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system and regulate many of our processes, such as sleep, mood and appetite.
CBD may also be able to interact with specific serotonin and opioid receptors, stimulating a process that can decrease cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Or it may also affect peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors’ gamma activity. This activity affects intracellular calcium release, which is responsible for processes such as muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and cell growth.
All in all, these all seem to be positive reactions to the use of this substance and whilst we’re still unsure whether or not these products do affect the above, research has shown a lot of proven benefits that come with CBD.
Helps Anxiety and Depression
CBD’s ability to calm is perhaps its most popular effect and the reason its use is so widespread.
A 2017 study tested the anxiety levels of 57 different men during a public speaking test. Some received a placebo while others received either 150 milligrams, 300 milligrams or 600 milligrams of CBD before their speeches. The ones who received the higher doses of CBD experienced reduced anxiety levels, proving the effectiveness of this substance.
Furthermore, a similar study (but on mice) has proven that CBD might have similar effects to antidepressants, although this still needs to be tested on humans.
Treats Epilepsy Syndromes
In some instances, CBD can be used to treat epileptic seizures, if accompanied by other drugs.
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of CBD under the brand name Epidiolex to treat seizures resulting from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome—two rare forms of epilepsy—in patients at least 2 years old. Some of these patients received the medications while others received a placebo, and once again, CBD has proven to help with the seizures compared to the placebo.
Reduces PTSD Symptoms
In a small 2018 study, 11 people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) received CBD along with routine psychiatric care for eight weeks in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Ten of the 11 experienced a decrease in their PTSD symptoms. That is of course not to say that CDB is the solution to PTSD, but only another way to help people suffering, always accompanied by mental health care.
Alleviates ALS Symptoms
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that causes nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to deteriorate, resulting in loss of muscle control that worsens over time. The medical community still doesn’t know why ALS occurs, although it can be hereditary in some cases, and there is no cure, as well as very few ways to treat its symptoms.
However research and past (as well as current) patients’ results suggest that people with ALS can benefit from the effect created by the combination of THC and CBD, similar to people with PTSD. This is why most Western countries now allow the use of cannabis-based products for medicinal use.
Relieves Pain
Similarly to the above, cannabis-based products are a well-known and approved treatment of multiple sclerosis-related central neuropathic pain. Most Western countries have accepted and are now using THC and CBD mix for medical use to treat these unbearable painful symptoms.
Meanwhile, continued studies in the U.S. indicate CBD is effective in treating chronic, non-cancer pain too, although this seems to only be effective when it’s introduced topically. Since it’s more direct, it may have a more pronounced effect.
Eases Diabetic Complications
This could be a real deal breaker. Some tests on human cells found that CBD helps reduce the effects of high glucose levels on other cells in the body, which typically precedes the development of diabetes and various complications. Hence why I’m saying that CBD could have significant benefits when used in patients with diabetes, or diabetic complications.
If CBD decreases a diabetic person’s levels of resistin (which causes resistance to insulin, the protein that regulates sugar levels) and increases their levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (a hormone that ensures a sufficient release of insulin from digested food), then this could be the solution to diabetes.
Protects Against Neurological Diseases
Preclinical and clinical studies show that CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, characteristics that provide significant neuroprotection and general protection against pathological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and MS.
Of course, these are only preclinical studies, but I’m hopeful for some more studies on this. My thought is that anything that might help us reduce the changes of getting sick, is something we should try and trust.
Stops Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis involves the deterioration of the tissues in and around your joints. There are several types of arthritis, and symptoms include pain, stiffness and loss of movement. Although arthritis treatment usually targets pain relief and improved joint function, some recent studies found that CDB-based products may actually help in halting those symptoms altogether. Not reverse them of course, but at least it might help lead patients to a more serene life when taken at the right time.
Weirdly enough, during these studies, men seemed to benefit from CBD more significantly than women, so this is still something that needs to be researched and studied. Could this be of significance with each of the CBD benefits? Or is it just to be attributed to arthritis symptoms? And if so, why?
slow cancer cell growth
Small studies suggest that marijuana can help with nausea, pain, and appetite in cancer patients, and early research indicates cannabinoids may slow cancer cell growth.
Research on THC and CBD for cancer treatment is still in its early stages, and while cannabinoids have shown potential to kill cancer cells, stop their division, and prevent new blood vessel formation, they can also damage essential blood vessels, potentially promote cancer growth, and weaken the immune system.
There is currently no reliable medical evidence proving that cannabis can effectively or safely treat cancer in humans, and its effects may vary depending on the type of cancer.
In conclusion, while scientific research on CBD is still developing, there are numerous success stories from individuals using it to manage various conditions, from Osteoarthritis to Fibromyalgia. For more stories check out the CFAH [The Center for Advancing Health]: however, it’s also worth looking at other websites such as The Conversation and other science based research to get a more rounded view before you make an opinion.
Trust in CBD products and manufacturers
Although the emerging industry shows a need for more thorough regulation and standardisation of certain procedures, these changes will increase reliability and consistency. For example, many policymakers and industry leaders are highlighting the importance of third-party testing, GMP practices, and non-GMO and organic ingredients.
The change in 2021 of classing edible CBD products as “Novel Foods” was a step in the right direction, but many see the need for further legislation. The demand for higher quality and safety standards continues to grow, which bodes well for the industry in general and consumers looking to access CBD products.
The medicinal cannabis market, CBD included, is subject to far great regulatory oversight than the consumer market. This means that prescribed CBD products are much more reliable than those available over the counter. Patients must have a valid prescription before gaining access to any medicinal cannabis products, and this allows for tailored advice and dosing instructions from a prescribing doctor.
BRAND RECCOMENDATIONS
I have still so many questions as I’m sure you do too, and there is still so much research to be carried out to be sure of the effects of CBD. While CBD oil may benefit these conditions, clinical evidence for CBD’s efficacy is limited, which is why you should talk to a doctor or a health professional before you start using CBD oils, balms or other CBD products.
Body and Mind Botanicals
Body and Mind Botanicals was founded in 2016 out of the desire to produce high-quality, full-spectrum cannabis products and introduce people to all their wonderful benefits. As an independent company, the co-founders are really hands on with every stage of production, from selecting the seeds from EU-licensed and regulated seed banks and partnering with multi-generational cannabis farmers, to producing and packing the teabags and oils.
From bath bombs to edibles such as tea and coffee, food seasoning to body oils, their shop section is a wonder, as well as the recipe idea blogs – which give you a countless amount of food recipes for your CBD edible needs. Check it out here.
ECO Therapy
ECO Therapy products are carefully designed to support relaxation, rest, and rejuvenation. Recognising that each person has unique needs, their mission is to offer CBD oil in a format that delivers quick and effective results. With a commitment to providing a daily dose of nature, ECO Therapy’s journey began with the goal of creating a high-quality CBD product that adheres to the best practices in cultivation, extraction, and delivery. Unable to find such a product, they were inspired to develop their own, combining the power of CBD with scientifically validated terpenes and essential oils.
ECO Therapy believes in the benefits of whole plant CBD oil, which is minimally refined to retain the full plant extract. Their CBD oil is tested with 0% THC and classified as broad spectrum, containing all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that work together in synergy. This “entourage effect” has been shown to produce greater benefits than CBD in isolation.
ECO Therapy’s mint products are infused with natural botanical blends to achieve the desired effects. These mints are crafted using advanced nanotechnology, which reduces the size of the CBD particles, allowing the body to absorb and benefit more effectively from the hemp plant’s properties, making each use more potent for those moments when every bit matters.
Hempanion
Hempanion is a real community space inspired by all the great benefits of CBD. With there being so much information out there, they are communicating the right one. As CBD is very new to the market still and there is a lot of misinformation, Hempanion is driven to be a great source of information to teach people about the benefits of CBD and Hemp Products. It’s important to know the benefits of CBD and if it’s right for you, and they make it easy for us to understand this.
The company spends a lot of time vetting CBD brands for their quality, price, sustainability, ethos and more so you don’t have to. So they’re your trusted marketplace when it comes to CBD products.
Renas Organic
Renas Organic CBD online store is a haven for any plant-based product enthusiast, or if you just want to dip your feet into the world of CBD. In fact, this company only sells certified organic medical-grade CBD and Hemp products. In a commitment to full transparency, they share third-party testing on every product. Each batch of every one of their products is rigorously tested for not just potency, but for purity. This third-party lab testing assures you that their CBD and Hemp products are free from any metals or microbes, ensuring a clean, healthy product, every time. Plus, they have a free learning e-book about all the benefits and downfalls of this substance!
THE CBD SHOP
The CBD Shop has been a trusted provider of high-quality CBD products since 2017, earning a reputation for reliability and excellence in the industry. With over 2000 five-star Trustpilot reviews, the shop’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is well-established.
The CBD Shop is dedicated to making the transformative power of CBD accessible to everyone. They offer a carefully curated selection of premium CBD oils, topicals, edibles, and more, all reflecting their commitment to excellence. Every product undergoes rigorous testing for purity and potency, ensuring customers receive only the finest CBD available.
The CBD Shop fosters a community where individuals can share experiences and knowledge, creating a supportive environment for those seeking the benefits of CBD. They invite customers to discover the difference that premium quality and a customer-centric approach can make, encouraging them to embark on their CBD journey towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
and finally........
Please note that this is not medical advice, and is my opinion, based on my personal research. The information provided in this article aims to discuss the various chemicals in beauty and personal care products, enabling you to make informed decisions based on what is best for you. If you are worried about a skin condition or need medical advice, contact a licensed medical professional for the information you need.
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