CBD or cannabidiol is one of the 113 cannabinoids discovered in the cannabis plant and represents up to 40% of its extract. Below we’ll keep you up to date with the latest CBD research, and here’s a quick rundown of some of the biggest.
- Reduces the risk of cancer
According to the 1996 study, CBD may decrease the risk of benign and liver adenoma tumors. Another 2012 study shows that animals treated with CBD have a lower risk of developing colon cancer after being induced with carcinogens in a laboratory.
In 2015, scientists analyzed the medical records of more than 84,000 male patients and found that those who used cannabis regularly (not combined with tobacco) had a 45% lower risk of developing bladder cancer. CBD contributed greatly to those results.
- Reduces the risk of diabetes and obesity
Several studies have already found a connection between cannabis use and a lower body mass index, which reduces the risk of developing diabetes and obesity. According to the 2011 report that included more than 52,000 participants, cannabis users are less likely to become obese.
Another 2006 study exploring the effects of CBD found a connection between CBD and a lower incidence of diabetes in laboratory rats. This is due to the role CBD plays in keeping our bodies fit by better converting white fat to brown fat for weight loss.
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
According to the results of the 2013 study that included data from 4,652 participants, cannabis users have higher levels of good cholesterol that can be found in our blood. Good cholesterol is responsible for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The 2005 study found that CBD could slow the progression of atherosclerosis, while another 2007 study that investigated the effects of CBD in animals showed that CBD had cardioprotective effects during heart attacks.
- Reduces the risk of depression and mood swings
Depression is one of the most difficult mental disorders characterized by loss of interest and persistent sadness. If left untreated, it can lead to decreased appetite, low energy, and suicidal thoughts. There are some medical treatments available, but most of them come with a long list of adverse effects.
The 2016 study shows that CBD has the potential to replace all antidepressant medications due to its ability to improve both glutamate and serotonergic signaling, in turn, helping the person to better combat depression. All this with few negative side effects.
The bottom line
More research is still needed to discover the full potential of CBD, as well as any adverse effects that may affect our bodies after long-term use, but what we have learned so far is very promising. CBD has the potential to be one of the most important medical discoveries to date due to its health benefits and lack of negative side effects. That’s especially true in situations where modern medicine continues to fail.
With that being said, the use of CBD should not be taken lightly because there is always the possibility of adverse effects in some people. Always consult a doctor, especially if you have already undergone medical treatment.