1. Reduction of pain caused by arthritis and rheumatism
Joint diseases can have two causes. On the one hand, because of the natural wear and the consequent inflammation, as in the case of osteoarthritis or arthrosis; on the other hand, they may be caused by an autoimmune disease or infection, as is the case with rheumatoid arthritis. These symptoms cause severe pain, so the use of CBD in these cases is a very effective solution. The nerves that channel the pain signals from the joints into the brain are endowed with numerous cannabinoid receptors.
In these cases, CBD has pain- and anti-inflammatory effect reduces the swelling and relieves the pain of the patients. It can be applied either orally or topically in the form of creams or pomades that act directly and locally on the pain. Some studies even suggest that the ingredient slows the progression of rheumatoid arthritis as it is a substance responsible for changes in the immune system.
2. Symptoms of chemotherapy
According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, cannabidiol contains anti-angiogenic substances. This means that it inhibits new vasculature that the tumor needs to grow. Thus, cannabidiol slows the spread and infestation of harmful cells in some cancers, such as breast, lung or brain tumors.
The CBD also has antiemetic properties that combat nausea and vomiting in patients caused by chemotherapy sessions.
3. Efficiency against epileptic seizures
Several clinical studies have proven that CBD has anti-spasmodic properties, making it an effective treatment for epilepsy. It is considered to be an effective remedy especially for children suffering from conditions such as Dravet, West or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These rare diseases cause long-lasting seizures, increasing the risk of irreversible brain damage.
The intake of CBD inhibits these seizures and protects patients from the consequences. There have even been cases in which CBD proved to be the only effective treatment for convulsions, such as the US girl Charlotte Figi, who suffered up to 300 epileptic seizures a week and managed to catch her by taking CBD by 99 % to reduce.
Now Charlotte can beat and eat alone; even the severe autism she suffered from because of the disease has been reduced. These excellent results, which are supported by a growing number of experts, have encouraged thousands of epilepsy patients to consume CBD. One of the most famous varieties with high CBD content even bears the name of the little patient: Charlotte’s Web.
4. Alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis
The main feature of multiple sclerosis is the inflammation of the neuronal tissue, a consequence that can stem the CBD thanks to its anti-inflammatory agents. Over the years, numerous studies have demonstrated this benefit and contributed to the development of the first hemp-based drug, Sativex.
The multiple sclerosis neuronal inflammation causes a number of neurological symptoms, including loss of motor control, muscle weakness and spasms, mood swings, and fatigue. These can also be reduced by consuming CBD, as the ingredient also has anxiety and anticonvulsant properties.
In addition, CBD has been shown to control the pain caused by this disease. In a clinical study, the CBD-based drug proved to be more effective, given in the form of a spray under the tongue, than the placebo administered to alleviate the pain and sleep disturbances suffered by MS patients.
5. Treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
According to the Spanish Observatory on Medicinal Cannabis, CBD is an effective cure for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Both are triggered by an inflammation of the intestine, which is combated and reduced by the CBD with its anti-inflammatory agents.
In this way, many patients with acute and chronic intestinal disorders have benefited from cannabinoid treatment to improve their quality of life. However, many experts believe that with this type of disease, as with others, more scientific research is needed to find the right dose for each disease.
6. Protection against neuronal deterioration in Alzheimer’s
Researchers in neuroscience in Australia have suggested that the CBD has therapeutic potential to treat cognitive disorders specific to Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the CBD reduces aggregation of beta-amyloid deposits and then decreases phosphorylation of tau proteins (a chemical process that adds phosphates), another biological indicator of this condition. This would lead to the decay of nerve cells leading to cell death.
Thanks to its many properties, the CBD also helps to alleviate neuronal inflammation and promotes the formation of new brain cells, which also help contain the disease. Thus, the CBD acts as preventive nerve protection.
7. Stop the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
In the same way, the CBD has shown beneficial effects on the major neurodegenerative diseases affecting portions of the basal and mitochondrial ganglia of the brain. One of these diseases is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS; In many cases, marijuana has slowed and even stopped the progression of the disease.
Cannabinoid receptors are associated with appetite, pain sensation and mood. In this way, they are activated in the presence of CBD and release their nerves protective, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which also reduce ALS symptoms.
8. Support in the fight against depression and anxiety
The CBD also stands out as an effective anxiolytic that can regulate moods and prevent depressive episodes. It also triggers a sense of relaxation and mental well-being and helps in cases of anxiety and panic attacks, according to a study published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology in 206. Unlike its cousin THC, the CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects, which makes it a treatment for mental illnesses.
9. Control of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia
CBD also works against schizophrenia. It has been found that patients who can not control their symptoms with standard antipsychotic drugs have made it through CBD.
These symptoms range from impairment of perception, cognition, ego functions, will, traction, motivation, to impairments in psychomotricity. All could be improved by consuming CBD. Similarly, the endocannabinoid system regulates patients’ feelings, sleep, reward system, and aversive memory, while CBD has a positive effect on the components of the metabolism, both anti-inflammatory and the stress caused by schizophrenia.
10. Prevent acne
Strangely, CBD can also be used to combat acne. Its hemostatic effect along with the anti-inflammatory reduces the formation of talc on the skin and thus prevents the development of this disease, which affects mainly adolescents.
With these medical applications, we have shown that CBD is a medical remedy for treating various diseases. Yet, many experts demand that they continue to explore their properties in order to benefit from all their medical and scientific skills.