Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of the many identified cannabinoid molecules found in Cannabis plants. Like all cannabinoid molecules, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the human body.
But because cannabidiol isn’t psychoactive, it doesn’t produce the “high” commonly associated with its more famous cannabinoid cousin, THC. That means that cannabidiol, derived from hemp, doesn’t produce the high that cannabis products are often associated with.
Instead, Hemp Oil possesses a wide variety of medical applications. While research is ongoing, studies have already suggested that cannabidiol is an effective treatment for epilepsy. But this cannabinoid is what’s known as a “promiscuous molecule”, meaning that it interacts with many different types of neuroreceptors. That suggests that current studies may just be scratching the surface of Hemp’s therapeutic potential.
What Is It For?
Researchers around the world are investigating cannabidiod’s potential for treating a wide variety of conditions. Near the top of the list is the promise it holds for pain relief. Numerous studies have found that cannabidiol exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it useful in the treatment of both acute pain—like muscle pulls—AND chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Researchers have found using cannabidiol to treat social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and related conditions. Evidence also suggests that this cannabinoid could be helpful in treating the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.
When it comes to conditions like insomnia, cannabidiol clinical research scorecard is more mixed. Some studies have suggested that the substance can actually increase wakefulness. Others, though, have found that a cannabinoid oil used a couple of hours before bedtime can help induce a sense of balance that can help sleep come more easily.