Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of over 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another popular cannabinoid, CBD does not cause cognitive impairment.
The endocannabinoid system
Similar to the circulatory system or respiratory system, the human body has what’s called an endocannabinoid system that helps regulate sleep, pain, appetite, and immune-system responses. Our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids that interact with the receptors of this system to decrease pain, improve mood, etc.
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant are technically called “phytocannabinoids”. Phyto is defined as “of a plant”. Phytocannabinoids such as CBD can supplement our body’s supply of endocannabinoids to assist the endocannabinoid system.
The research
The scientific research into how CBD works is still quite limited. The following are the results of clinical studies that have been completed as of this blog posting.
It’s important to note that these studies only use CBD. There is a well-documented synergistic effect that can occur called “the entourage effect” when CBD is mixed with THC – even small doses of it. The two cannabinoids, when mixed together, can treat a variety of different symptoms.
CBD for treating anxiety
A small study in 2010 showed that CBD helped alleviate symptoms related to social anxiety disorder (SAD). Brain scans showed changes in blood flow to the areas of the brain related to anxiety.
A double-blind randomized study in 2011 also showed that CBD helped those with social anxiety disorder. Those with SAD were given CBD before a simulation public speaking test. From the study:
“Pretreatment with CBD significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance, and significantly decreased alert in their anticipatory speech.”
After using CBD, the SAD group had anxiety levels similar to the healthy control group.
CBD for treating arthritis pain
While there are numerous preclinical trials showing that CBD can assist with arthritic pain, no clinical studies with humans have been conducted at the time of this post.
Anecdotally, CBD is widely used by those with arthritis to treat their symptoms. In a recent survey by the Arthritis Foundation, it was shown that 79% of arthritis sufferers are “currently using CBD, have used it in the past or are considering using it as an alternative therapy to help manage their arthritis pain.”
CBD for treating neurological disorders
Epilepsy
A 2018 study showed that CBD treatment “resulted in greater reductions in the frequency of drop seizures than placebo” for patients suffering from a severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
A study by the Mayo clinic in 2016 found that seizures were reduced by 39% with children who had Dravet syndrome (a form of epilepsy) compared to 16% for the placebo group.
In 2014, CBD was tested with patients who suffer from treatment-resistant epilepsy. Median monthly motor seizures decreased by 36.5%.
Parkinson’s disease
A small study in 2008 found that CBD helped lessen psychotic symptoms sometimes associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Read about our experience with treating Parkinson’s here.
Forms of CBD
CBD can be taken in many forms:
- Oils: these can be swallowed or absorbed sublingually.
- Topicals: creams or lotions can be infused with CBD and absorbed through the skin.
- Capsules: CBD oil can be placed in capsules and swallowed. This method takes longer to take effect but can be useful for those who have difficulty with tremors that may prevent them from dosing accurately.
- Edibles: CBD oil can be infused into gummies or other foods. Dosing accurately with edibles can be difficult.
- Vaping: CBD oil can also be vaped. This method provides the fastest response time, but may not be best for those with respiratory issues.
CBD side effects
CBD is usually well-tolerated, but you may experience some side effects such as:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness and fatigue
Become a patient
Canada House specializes in creating patient-specific medical cannabis treatment plans. Since 2013, we have helped over 14,000 Canadians improve their health.