13 effects of CBD according to scientific studies

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the many molecules found in the hemp plant. It is estimated that the plant contains more than 200 other molecules, but CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in the hemp flower.

The history of human use of hemp is very ancient. The earliest traces date back nearly 10,000 years. As early as 1800 BC, several texts from ancient Egypt refer to the "medicinal plant of marijuana" when discussing its cousin, the THC-containing plant: cannabis. The difference between hemp and cannabis lies in the THC content.

Above 0.3% THC in the plant, it's cannabis, and it's illegal. Below 0.3% THC, it's hemp. It's legal and has no psychoactive effects. Even better, according to some clinical studies, CBD may have therapeutic potential and benefits! We'll present them to you in this article.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

According to a 2019 study from the University of Białystok, Poland [1]: “ CBD can indirectly enhance anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical studies have confirmed that CBD reduces levels of inflammatory cytokines. By acting via the PPAR protein receptor*, CBD exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.”

 

**PPAR: They play an important role in fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and embryonic development.

Effective against arthritis and osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (more commonly known as arthritis) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 1% of the population and is characterized by joint destruction, deformity and loss of function associated with joint stiffness, pain, swelling and tenderness.

 

In a 2010 study[2], daily oral administration (5 mg/kg) of CBD was shown to inhibit disease progression.

Effective against diabetes

According to this 2010 study: “One of the best-studied uses of CBD is its therapeutic effect in diabetes. CBD has been shown to have a therapeutic effect in diabetic neuropathy [2].” Another 2010 study adds that “ CBD attenuates the glucose-induced inflammatory response of endothelial cells and barrier disruption in human coronary endothelial cells. [3]”

Effective against inflammation

The second study from 2010 claims that CBD has potent anti-inflammatory effects. It has been shown to decrease inflammatory cytokines associated with arthritis and diabetes. In doing so, it prevents brain damage during periods of poor blood circulation and helps prevent stroke.[3]

CBD may help relieve pain

According to the conclusion of a 2020 study [4]: ​​CBD presents an opportunity for the treatment of intractable chronic pain for which primary treatments are insufficient or impossible.

Chronic back pain

The 2020 study[4] found that "prolonged treatment (less than 7 days) with CBD alleviates chronic pain caused by chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury in rats and mice."

Effective against fibromyalgia

In a 2019 study[5], it was found that "In patients with fibromyalgia, CBD treatment reduced pain by more than 30% compared to subjects who received a placebo."

Effective against migraines

In 2017, a study [6] demonstrated the positive impact of CBD on migraine treatment. This study compared the effects of different substances administered to test groups. It concluded that the cannabinoid solution provided the best results. "In the treatment of acute pain, cannabinoids reduced pain intensity in migraine patients by 43.5%."

Anxiolytic effect – CBD reduces anxiety and depression

Effective against anxiety

A Brazilian study published in 2019 conducted a test: 57 subjects received either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before a simulated public speaking test. Researchers found that a 300 mg dose of CBD was effective in significantly reducing anxiety during the test [7]. Also in 2019, a study examined the interaction of CBD with anxiety and sleep [8]. Among 72 patients with anxiety discheckouts, 52 responded favorably after one month of CBD use, experiencing a reduction in their symptoms.

Effective against depression

A 2016 study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado [9] mentions that CBD at relatively high doses (25 mg per day, in this case) has an antidepressant effect. In this clinical trial, CBD oil was substituted for a well-known antidepressant: imipramine (LAROXYL), and no side effects were observed with cannabidiol.

Anti-tumor effect: Cancer

A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that reproduce uncontrollably and invade the organ. A 2011 study [10] found that CBD induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a series of human breast cancers. A clinical study conducted in 2016 [11] by the University of Madrid states that "CBD exerts a significant anticancer effect – and in particular it inhibits the invasive power of metastasis " [...] "cannabinoids (mainly CBD and THC) inhibit tumor angiogenesis and decrease the migration of cancer cells." Cannabinoids affect only cancer cells.

A 2018 joint study from the University of Naples and the University of Aberdeen [12] states that: CBD reduces cell proliferation only in tumor cells, but not in healthy cells.
For more information, see our article on the effects of CBD on cancer cells.

Neuroprotective effect

Effective against neurodegenerative diseases

A neurodegenerative disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain or, more broadly, the nervous system. Many neurodegenerative discheckouts, such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, involve cognitive deficits. A 2012 study [13] sought to determine whether cannabidiol could be useful in treating memory discheckouts.

 

An animal model of cognitive impairment induced by iron overload was used to clinically test the effects of cannabidiol in mice with memory discheckouts. Results: A single injection of the highest dose of cannabidiol restored memory in iron-treated mice. Regular administration of cannabidiol improved recognition memory in iron-treated mice. High-dose CBD did not affect memory in control mice.

 

Also, in a 2017 study [14] on the effects of CBD on Alzheimer's disease, tests on mice showed that CBD could reduce neuronal inflammation and promote neurogenesis*. According to the study, in mice, CBD prevents and inhibits the development of cognitive deficits. The study concludes that "cannabidiol has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. "

CBD is said to have an antispasmodic effect

For chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)

A 2008 study[15] from the University of Naples presents "Cannabidiol as a potential good way to normalize motility* in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).

 

** Motility can be either hyperactivity leading to diarrhea or vomiting, or underactivity (hypomotility), leading to constipation or vomiting.

 

*In both cases, abdominal pain is observed.

Effective against epilepsy

Epileptic spasms are characterized by a sudden extension or flexion of the limbs. In a clinical study conducted in 2018 [16]: 57 patients aged 1 to 20 years with epilepsy of various etiologies were treated with CBD oil (CBD/THC ratio of 20:1) for at least 3 months (median follow-up time – 18 months). 46 patients were included in the efficacy analysis.

 

The average CBD dose was 11.4 mg/kg/day in 26 patients. It was observed that 56% of participants experienced a reduction of ≤ 50% in the average monthly seizure frequency. The study results suggest that adding CBD to standard treatment for patients with refractory epilepsy may lead to a significant reduction in seizure frequency.

CBD and skin problems

Effective against acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, particularly prevalent during adolescence. Acne and seborrhea, the most common dermatological conditions, are characterized by a very high production of lipids (sebum) by the sebaceous glands. Clinical results published in 2014 [17] suggest that, due to its combined lipostatic*, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects, CBD has potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne.

** Lipostatic = which controls the constancy of fat reserves.

Effective against psoriasis

Psoriasis is another inflammatory skin disease. It is autoimmune in origin; the inflammation stems from a malfunctioning immune system response. A 2017 study conducted by the University of Colorado [18] indicates that CBD, thanks to its immunomodulatory properties, reduces skin inflammation.

Effective against skin lesions

A study [19] involving 20 patients with two of the most common skin conditions: psoriasis (n: 5 patients), eczema (n: 5), and resulting scarring (n: 10). Subjects applied a CBD-containing ointment to the affected areas twice daily for three months. The results showed a marked improvement in skin appearance , particularly in elasticity and hydration.

The effects of CBD on addictions

Addiction discheckouts include alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking, and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, internet). They affect the brain's reward system. The object of addiction takes up more and more space in the individual's life. The individual progressively increases the dosage/use usaachieve the same effect.

 

Addiction-related problems persist for multiple reasons: withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and the individual's sensitivity to stress. In a study published in 2018 [20]: mice with a history of self-administration of alcohol or cocaine received transdermal CBD at 24-hour intervals for 7 days. Their stress and anxiety levels were then assessed.

 

CBD has been observed to reduce stress and the urge to use addictive substances. A 2015 Quebec meta-analysis [21] highlights that studies conducted on mice have shown the potential effects of CBD on dependence on opioids* and psychostimulants*. Studies conducted on humans have presented preliminary evidence of a beneficial impact of CBD on cannabis and tobacco use.

** Psychostimulants: cocaine, ectasy, MDMA, etc.

** Opioids: derivatives of opium. Examples: heroin, morphine and codeine.

CBD for your libido and sex life

Effective against stress

Stress is a major factor in loss of libido. Numerous studies have shown that CBD has anxiolytic properties [22]. Cannabidiol can therefore improve sexual life by acting favorably on this factor.

Improves orgasm

A study of 5398 Americans, 9% of whom reported using CBD before having sex, found that 31% of men and 33% of women experienced improved orgasm [23].

Improves lubrication

According to this study [24], topical cannabidiol has an anti-inflammatory effect. Consequently, some lubricant manufacturers have decided to incorporate CBD into their product formulations.

Improves erection

As men age, they produce dioxin, a toxin that plays a significant role in erectile dysfunction. According to a recent study [25], CBD reduces this toxin in the body.

Conclusion

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Research on CBD is progressing rapidly , and its applications seem almost limitless. However, it will still be many years before we can unlock all the secrets this wonderful plant has to offer. If this article has inspired you to take the plunge, feel free to visit our shop. Check out our blog to learn more about CBD and stay up-to-date on the latest news!