6 benefits of CBD proven by science

The commercial interest in CBD is relatively recent, and is based on numerous claims around the cannabidiol molecule. And while CBD alone has only been approved as a medicinal product for a single indication, its health and well-being potential is much broader, hence the strong development of CBD store.

Here are the 6 most advanced areas of CBD research.

1. CBD may improve epilepsy symptoms

The strongest evidence we have for the clinical use of CBD concerns the treatment of rare forms of epilepsy. In 2019, Epidiolex, an oral solution of CBD (99% CBD, 0.1% THC), was approved for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - two childhood epilepsy syndromes that are particularly resistant to current treatments.

Several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have shown that CBD significantly reduces seizure frequency in children and young adults with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, with some patients becoming seizure-free with CBD treatment. Scientists aren't entirely sure how cannabinoids work so well to reduce seizures, but CBD and cannabis are already changing the lives of many young people living with epilepsy.

2. CBD is anti-inflammatory

Although CBD is not a recognized treatment for inflammatory disorders, there is strong evidence of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. CBD has been shown to modulate immune cell activity and subsequently inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines, which are the molecules that mediate and exacerbate the body's inflammatory response.

As a result, CBD shows tremendous promise in the treatment of inflammatory pain and, in turn, can help relieve the symptoms of many diseases associated with inflammation, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

3. CBD can relieve anxiety

It's well known that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the signalling of serotonin (our «happy hormone»). More recently, it has been established that CBD can help improve serotonin signalling in the brain and, consequently, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

4. CBD can reduce the negative effects of THC

For some people, cannabis can have unpleasant effects. In high doses, THC can cause anxiety, panic and paranoia. While it may seem counterintuitive to combat cannabinoids with other cannabinoids, strong evidence suggests that good quality CBD oils can be used to offset the negative effects of THC.

5. CBD protects against addiction

Following on from the previous point, CBD appears to be extremely effective in treating many forms of addiction, including those linked to psychological dependence on cannabis. With virtually no abuse potential, CBD is an ideal candidate for addiction and dependence management.

The strongest evidence for CBD's effectiveness against addiction comes from people suffering from opioid use disorders. CBD has been shown to reduce heroin cravings in recent abstainers, and is currently being tested as a treatment for opioid dependence in the USA.

6. CBD may act as an antipsychotic

Various studies have shown that CBD can reduce the symptoms of psychosis in people with schizophrenia when administered alongside existing antipsychotic medications. The researchers noted that «CBD could be a future therapeutic option in psychosis, in general, and schizophrenia, in particular.».