We’re all on quests to live out the best possible version of ourselves, from recovering from the stresses and challenges of this past year to setting ourselves up for next year, what we cannot forget to explore and give focus to, however, is our healthcare.
The global mood is changing from a sole reliance on chemical-based pharmaceuticals to more natural, organic alternatives and as attitudes change towards holistic healthcare there has also been an increase in interest in the potential medical benefits of Marijuana, more specifically, CBD oil.
So in this post, we’re going to clarify some of the misconceptions around CBD oil and discover some of the potential benefits.
LET’S START WITH THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CBD OIL
Anxiety & Depression:
One of the most publicized benefits of CBD oil is perhaps its ability to bring about calm in users that experience issues with anxiety, stress, or depression. In 2017, the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry tested the anxiety levels of 57 adult men in a simulated public speaking test. Some of the men were given a placebo and others were given either 150gm, 300mg, or 600mg of CBD before they made their speeches.
The men who were given 300mg experienced greatly reduced levels of anxiety during their test as opposed to those that received the placebo. Those who took the 150 or 600mg doses experienced more anxiety than those who took the 300mg dose.
In a study with mice, CBD had effects similar to the antidepressant Imipramine, human trials are pending.
TREATMENT OF OPIOID ADDICTIONS
Studies have suggested that CBD could be used to treat people who are opioid dependant and in one study, researchers administered CBD to people with heroin use disorder. Turns out that over the week of the study period, CBD greatly reduced heroin users’ cravings, withdrawal anxiety, resting heart rate, and salivary cortisone levels.
Of great interest is that no negative side-effects were reported or found.
There have also been encouraging results experienced by users of CBD treating issues related to epilepsy, PTSD, ALS symptom relief, chronic pain management, and protection against neurological disease.
SOME OF THE MYTHS AROUND CBD USE
There is still much negativity surrounding the use of CBD oils and other Marijuana related products as the stereotypical image of Marijuana users refuses to change shape, and because of this some of the myths endure too. These include:
- CBD has a psychoactive effect: there are no psychoactive properties in CDB oil as the THC (the chemical that causes the “high”) has been removed.
- CBD oil doesn’t cause side effects: as with any substance, overdose or misuse can cause side effects though these are generally mild and not life-threatening.
- CBD products are all the same: there is a massive variety of CBD products on the market from many different manufactures and producers, you should always conduct your own research and make informed decisions.
- CBD hasn’t been scientifically proven to help any health conditions: this is inaccurate. Extensive research has been done and last summer the FDA approved Epidiolex as a treatment for seizures.
As always, we recommend speaking with the right people, getting a diversity of opinions, and discussing your thoughts with your GP should always be a priority before undertaking any new treatment program or alternative.
