What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more famous counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the "high" associated with cannabis use. CBD is typically extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis that contains low levels of THC but high levels of CBD.

CBD has gained widespread popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits and is used in a variety of products, including oils, capsules, creams, and edibles. The growing interest in CBD is primarily due to its purported health benefits, which have been supported by emerging research.

Scientific Benefits of CBD

While research on CBD is still ongoing, numerous studies have highlighted potential benefits, including:

  1. Pain Relief: CBD has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It may reduce pain by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates processes such as pain, mood, and immune response. Studies have suggested that CBD may help alleviate chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia (Russo, 2008; De Vita et al., 2018).

  2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial for those dealing with inflammatory conditions. It may reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, potentially offering relief to those suffering from conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other chronic inflammatory conditions (Nagarkatti et al., 2009; McDougall et al., 2008).

  3. Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Research suggests that CBD may help reduce anxiety and stress levels. It is thought to interact with receptors in the brain that regulate mood, such as serotonin receptors. Studies have shown CBD to be effective in reducing anxiety in both human and animal models, making it a potential treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD (Blessing et al., 2015; Bergamaschi et al., 2011).

  4. Improved Sleep: Many users report that CBD helps them sleep better by promoting relaxation and reducing factors such as pain or anxiety that may disrupt sleep. Some studies have suggested that CBD can increase total sleep time and improve sleep quality, particularly for individuals with insomnia or anxiety-related sleep disturbances (Chagas et al., 2013; Shannon et al., 2019).

  5. Neuroprotective Properties: Preliminary research suggests that CBD may have neuroprotective effects. It could help protect brain cells from damage and inflammation, which may be beneficial for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Its antioxidant properties may also help reduce the impact of oxidative stress on brain cells (Onaivi et al., 2008; Fernández-Ruiz et al., 2015).

  6. Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: One of the most well-documented uses of CBD is for the treatment of epilepsy. In fact, the FDA approved the use of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, for treating two rare forms of epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CBD has shown significant promise in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in both children and adults (Devinsky et al., 2016).

  7. Skin Health: CBD may also have benefits for skin health, particularly for conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and irritation, and it may also regulate sebum production, which is a key factor in acne development (Oliveira et al., 2016; Zouboulis et al., 2015).

Difference Between CBD and THC

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they have very different effects on the body:

  • Psychoactive Effects: THC is psychoactive, meaning it can alter the mind and cause a "high." In contrast, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause the high commonly associated with marijuana use.

  • Legal Status: In many countries, including the United States, CBD derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) is legal, while THC remains classified as a controlled substance in certain areas, although it is becoming legalized for medical or recreational use in more regions.

  • Effect on the Body: THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, producing a wide range of effects such as euphoria, increased appetite, and altered perception. On the other hand, CBD interacts with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system but does not produce the same mind-altering effects as THC. CBD may actually counteract some of THC’s effects, such as anxiety or paranoia (Fusar-Poli et al., 2009; Zuardi et al., 2017).

  • Health Benefits: While both cannabinoids have potential therapeutic benefits, they work differently. THC is often used for its pain-relieving, appetite-stimulating, and anti-nausea effects, while CBD is primarily sought for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.

Combining CBD and THC: Potential Benefits

Many users combine CBD and THC for what is often referred to as the “entourage effect.” This theory suggests that when CBD and THC are used together, they may work synergistically to enhance the therapeutic effects of each other, while minimizing some of the negative side effects, such as anxiety or paranoia, that THC can sometimes cause.

Some potential benefits of combining CBD and THC include:

  1. Increased Pain Relief: When used together, CBD may enhance the pain-relieving properties of THC. Research has shown that a combination of the two cannabinoids can provide superior relief for chronic pain compared to THC alone (Johnson et al., 2010).

  2. Reduced Anxiety: CBD can help mitigate the anxiety-inducing effects of THC, allowing users to experience the therapeutic benefits of both cannabinoids without the unpleasant side effects. This may be particularly helpful for individuals who are sensitive to THC (Zuardi et al., 2017).

  3. Improved Sleep: The combination of CBD’s calming effects with THC’s sedative properties may promote better sleep, making it useful for individuals with insomnia or other sleep disorders (Babson et al., 2017).

  4. Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Together, CBD and THC may have a more potent anti-inflammatory effect, potentially benefiting those with conditions like arthritis or multiple sclerosis (Nummela et al., 2018).

Conclusion

CBD is a promising compound with a growing body of research supporting its potential health benefits. While it is non-psychoactive and distinct from THC, it may still be effective in addressing a wide range of medical concerns. Additionally, the combination of CBD and THC might offer enhanced therapeutic benefits, especially for pain relief, anxiety, and inflammation. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the optimal uses and dosages of these cannabinoids, particularly when combined.

As always, consult a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD or THC into your wellness routine, especially if you are managing a medical condition.