Top 6 Benefits of Taking CBD

As the CBD market continues to grow, many people are curious about CBD’s benefits and how it can help them. There are many different benefits of taking cannabidiol, and we are here to discuss each of them with you. Let’s take a look at the top benefits of taking CBD.

1. Provides Sense of Calm

Cannabidiol from hemp is known to provide users with a sense of calm, which can help those in need get relief from feelings of anxiousness. According to a small study published in Neuropsychopharmacology, CBD helped reduce nervousness in those with social anxiety.

Additionally, CBD is being studied for its potential to help those with schizophrenia and other mental health conditions with psychosis as the main factor. While THC is known to produce mildly psychotic effects and cognitive impairment, CBD may have antipsychotic properties. The studies found that CBD not only counteracts psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment, but it also may lower the risk of developing psychosis related to cannabis use.

2. Provides Sense of Relief

Many CBD users have reported that CBD provides them with a sense of relief. In fact, researchers are studying the relief effects of cannabidiol, and many even believe that cannabis products have been used for pain relief for centuries in various parts of the world.

According to a study by the European Journal of Pain, CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation when applied on the skin in rats with arthritis, causing zero side effects. Another study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that rats that were injected with chemicals that cause inflammation and then given CBD experienced less nerve pain and inflammation than the control group.

3. Helps with Rest

A few studies suggest that CBD can help those who struggle with insomnia. One study published in the Permanente Journal, found that two-thirds of patients who struggled with sleep saw an improvement within the first month of CBD usage.

Based on numerous studies, there is promising preliminary evidence that CBD may be beneficial for those with sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and other sleep disorders. However, current studies have yet to provide a clear picture.

4. CBD is a Powerhouse Antioxidant

“Antioxidants are compounds that help to keep our cells healthy. When free radicals (like environmental pollution) come into contact with our healthy cells, they attempt to steal their electrons. This can damage and destroy our healthy cells,” highlights Macaluso.

CBD’s antioxidant properties act as a first line of defense against free radical damage, working to support your healthy cells during exposure to dangerous invaders.

A study published in JCI Insight found that CBD helps lower high blood pressure. Although the study worked with only a small group of men, the results were incredibly promising. The men in the study noticed decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and decreased stroke volume.

Does CBD Have Side Effects?

CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, but there are a few potential side effects that some people have reported from CBD use, including:

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in weight
Changes in appetite
Abnormal liver function test results

Drug interactions are also a concern for those who are taking pain medications, antidepressants, seizure medications, and diabetes medications. You should discuss CBD with your doctor before trying it, especially if you are on any of the medications above.

How Does CBD Work?

Our bodies have a unique cell-signaling system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate a wide range of functions and processes, including appetite, sleep, mood, and more. This system works with three specific components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

Endocannabinoids are molecules produced by the human body. There are two key endocannabinoids that have been found so far—anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). These two endocannabinoids help maintain the internal functions that are regulated by the endocannabinoid system. Your body will produce these endocannabinoids on an as-needed basis.

Phytocannabinoids, which are produced by plants, can help bridge the gap between what our bodies naturally create and what we need. Phytocannabinoids help mitigate deficiencies by binding to our endocannabinoid receptors to lead to a state of homeostatis within the body.

The endocannabinoids bind to endocannabinoid receptors to signal that the ECS needs to fire up. The two main endocannabinoid receptors are:

CB1 Receptors: Found mostly in the central nervous system
CB2 Receptors: Found mostly in the peripheral nervous system

Endocannabinoids can bind to either of these two receptors. The effects you may get from a cannabinoid depend on the location of the receptor and which endocannabinoid it binds to.

The enzymes in the endocannabinoid system are responsible for breaking down the endocannabinoids when they have completed their function. The two main enzymes responsible for this process are fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA, and monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which breaks down 2-AG.

Macaluso highlights that CBD is very similar to endocannabinoids produced by the human body, but it works a little differently. Rather than binding to a specific receptor for a specific purpose, CBD gently interacts with a wide range of receptors to provide general support throughout the body. It doesn’t hijack your body’s natural messaging system. It simply encourages your receptors to work efficiently, promoting holistic balance that can lead to an overall feeling of wellness.

Veritas Farms is your trusted source for high-quality full-spectrum hemp oil products that contain CBD. Our products are fully tested by a third party to ensure accuracy in labeling and safety for consumers. If you are curious about incorporating CBD into your routine, check out our full line of CBD products.