Different people have different views and opinions on CBD, but not many seem to have an answer for: What can CBD be used for? The more popular that these products become will also influence how much information is researched and available. What is accurate? What can CBD be used for? First, it is important to be accurate as to what CBD is. CBD is one of the hundreds of plant cannabinoids found inside of the cannabis sativa genus of plants. This particular plant type is a category that contains both hemp and marijuana. This means that CBD can be extracted from both plants. Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound that has been extracted from the federally legal, agricultural commodity: Hemp. Marijuana-derived CBD exists but can only be found in states where marijuana has been legalized (medicinally or otherwise). Companies that are able to sell CBD-based product to all 50 states have manufactured their products using hemp-derived CBD. The way that it is believed that CBD works with the human body is said to play well with the body’s own endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system - or ECS - is a biological system that we all already have. It is made up of endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters) that bind to receptors and the receptor proteins that are throughout the central nervous and peripheral nervous system. When the body takes in cannabinoids like CBD, they make their way into this system and bind to the receptors where they’re utilized for so much in the body. [Read about the Endocannabinoid System] When it comes to what CBD Oil can be used for, there are many studies being done regularly. The FDA has only approved of one CBD based pharmaceutical (Epidiolex) while it is still figuring out everything that the compound can do. Studies from researchers and universities, however, have been occurring for some time. Multiple scientific studies have shown great promise in how Cannabidiol (CBD) has helped many people deal with multiple issues, including:
- Insomnia: Preliminary research from the National Center for PTSD found that “CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia.”
- Neuropathy: The University of California, San Diego, found potential in CBD being used to treat Neuropathic pain, which plagues over 20 million in the United States.
- Arthritis Pain: The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacology utilized CBD in studies regarding arthritis-related joint swelling and pain with positive results.
- Cancer: The California Medical Center Research Institute is just one of many who have been taking the time to look into CBD, cancer and treatment related pain.
