CBD’s status as a safe, natural anti-inflammatory means it’s becoming more popular than ever. With that popularity, increasing numbers of researchers and consumers are discovering new uses and benefits of this cannabis supplement.
Here are 20 of the most interesting benefits of CBD oil, including clinical studies to back up user claims.
1. CBD is legal across North America
Maybe this is a boring benefit to begin with, but the fact that CBD is now completely legal across the US and Canada shouldn’t be taken for granted!
In the Great White North, all forms of CBD products, including those with high THC levels, are legal to buy and consume. In the US, any CBD product with a THC content of less than 0.3% is federally legal, while most states have their own regulations.
2. CBD doesn’t get you high
The biggest reason behind CBD’s explosion into the mainstream is that it provides all the anti-inflammatory, soothing benefits of cannabis without causing intoxication. This means that you can take CBD at work, while traveling, after exercise, or really any time you feel the need for relief from stress and inflammation.
3. CBD helps a wide range of inflammatory conditions
CBD and other cannabis compounds interact with a part of the body called the endocannabinoid system, which helps detect and respond to stress by activating inflammation. Because the endocannabinoid system affects the brain, nervous system, and all major organs, CBD is able to help reduce the symptoms of numerous disorders, from epilepsy to arthritis.
4. CBD is a safe alternative to pharma drugs
Clinical researchers have given trial participants extremely large doses of CBD in order to find out how safe the compound is. Even when participants took 1500 mg of CBD every day for a month, no negative consequences were observed.
In fact, after many years and millions of people using CBD around the world, the only known side effects of CBD use are fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, and diarrhea. This gives CBD a favorable side effect profile when compared to commonly accepted medications like Tylenol and Advil.
(Always consult a healthcare expert if you’re planning to take CBD alongside other medications).
5. CBD works for dogs, too!
Rates of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and canine anxiety are sky-high in the dog population. Being such social and active creatures, mobility and nervous disorders can sadly have a significant impact on pups’ wellbeing.
Luckily, the fact that these issues have an inflammatory base means that many dogs can benefit from CBD supplementation—which is completely safe when pet-friendly products are used.
6. CBD oil is just one of many delivery formats
Take a look at the CBD section of any dispensary, pharmacy, or boutique and you’ll see a wide range of innovative CBD formats. Today’s brands are busy producing CBD drinks, snacks, balms, bath bombs, and more.
Some of the most effective new CBD delivery formats include topical roll-ons, which help target muscle pain, and CBD oral sprays, which claim to speed up absorption into the bloodstream.
7. You can find local, organic CBD products
Unlike pharmaceutical medications and most other supplements, it’s often easy to find CBD oils made in your area. Buying a CBD product from a nearby manufacturer is a great way to support businesses, cut down on transport costs and emissions, and apply your own local knowledge.
For Canadians, access to homegrown CBD means no need to worry about issues with importing CBD over the border.
8. CBD can improve skin clarity
Acne is thought to impact nearly 10% of the population, with current treatments being notorious for their unpredictable results. Recent studies show that CBD may be able to help to reduce acne by lowering associated inflammation and reducing the production of sebum—the oily substance secreted by glands in the skin.
It’s also thought that CBD may prevent the activation of inflammatory cytokines, one part of the underlying cause of acne flare-ups.
9. CBD can target pain
Because CBD interacts with the endocannabinoids system, it can help reduce chronic pain and inflammation. One (morally questionable) study that gave rats CBD injections recorded reduced pain responses when the animals were subjected to surgical incisions. Another study found that rats had reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation when given oral CBD.
10. CBD may possess anti-tumor properties
While the effects of CBD on tumor tissue are still being researched, some early results suggest that it and other cannabis compounds may be able to block tumor cell activity and initiate necrosis (tissue death), with the result of reducing tumor size and progression.
Again, research is still in the initial stages. However, CBD can also be useful in managing the symptoms of cancer and cancer treatments.
11. CBD can prevent seizures
One of the first approved clinical uses for CBD was in patients suffering from severe seizures disorders. Since then, CBD has been proven as a legitimate anticonvulsant, such as in this study that observed a 36.5% reduction in seizures when CBD was given to people with epilepsy.
12. CBD is biphasic
Biphasic compounds produce different effects when consumed in different quantities. While researchers are still exploring the reasons behind CBD’s biphasic nature, they have found that it tends to produce feelings of wakefulness and alertness in lower doses, while offering sedative effects when taken in higher amounts.
13. CBD is neuroprotective
Preliminary test-tube and animal tests indicate that CBD can help reduce the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In one study, researchers gave CBD to mice who were genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s and observed a slowing of cognitive decline.
14. CBD is one of over 100 similar compounds
While CBD takes all the spotlight, there are actually dozens of similar compounds contained in cannabis. Called cannabinoids, these substances come with their own soothing effects and may be even more effective than CBD in some cases.
CBN, CBG, CBC, CBD-A, and even THC are all currently being researched for their potential therapeutic use, and many CBD oils contain trace amounts of these minor cannabinoids to help enhance their effect.
CBD experts believe that users can gain more potent, well-rounded results from consuming a wider range of cannabinoids due to something called the entourage effect.
15. CBD is non-addictive
Despite years of widespread use in the general population, there have been no recorded cases of CBD dependence formation. Like all cannabis products, CBD is thought to have very little potential for abuse, especially since it does not produce intoxication.
16. CBD can reduce anxiety
With the World Health Organization listing anxiety and depression among the top ten global disabilities, any potential treatments should definitely get our attention.
In a 2014 study, CBD’s impact on brain receptors was concluded to produce both anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Another small study involving 24 participants with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) found that a 600 mg dose of CBD made subjects less anxious and more able to think clearly when taking part in a public speaking exercise.
17. CBD oil can contribute to heart health
While CBD has been shown to lower blood pressure when taken in moderate quantities, the oil into which CBD is infused also has its own cardiovascular benefits. High-fat carrier oils like hemp seed oil and MCT oil contain an optimal ratio of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are thought to reduce triglycerides that can build up in blood vessels.
18. CBD doesn’t require a prescription
While it’s always a good idea to discuss your supplement regime with a healthcare professional (especially if you’re taking any medication), CBD can be freely bought by anyone over the age of 19 at any dispensary or store.
Because it’s not currently prescribed, it’s important to find out the right dosage for your specific needs. Read our CBD dosage guide for the details:
19. CBD is changing perceptions of cannabis
Today, it’s become normalized for parents, bosses, and healthcare professionals to discuss and use cannabis products, all of which is thanks in large part to the rise of CBD. By extracting cannabis compounds that don’t cause intoxication, CBD producers have helped to prove that cannabis plants aren’t just a source of recreational entertainment, but contain the potential for healing and rejuvenation.
20. We’ve still got plenty to learn about CBD’s potential benefits
Almost all of the CBD benefits mentioned in this list have been discovered during the past couple of decades. This means it’s likely we’re only scratching the surface of what cannabis compounds can do for our health!
Shop Canada’s best CBD oils here.