Every day, more and more Canadians are finding medical cannabis to be a treatment option for a variety of different ailments. But not all Canadians are aware of the potential health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) oil and how its addition to their treatment can, in some cases, help achieve superior patient outcomes.
From pain to anxiety to depression to arthritis, CBD oil has been shown in studies to provide some relief to patients and help alleviate their symptoms. While a consensus has yet to be reached, there is a lot of promising research that indicating CBD oil could be remarkably effective as a treatment for a variety of typically hard-to-treat conditions.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits CBD oil more in-depth. But before we do, let’s cover the basics: what is CBD oil?
What Is CBD Oil?
As mentioned above, CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the more famous cannabis compounds, perhaps only second to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
But while THC has an active psychological and intoxicating effects (the “high” sensation that is typically associated with marijuana), CBD is non-intoxicating. In other words, the person using CBD on its own won’t experience impairment, but it has the ability to alter your mood.
CBD oil, then, is the CBD extract from the plant mixed with an inert carrier oil (more often than not coconut oil or hemp seed oil).
CBD Oil Use in Pain Relief
The possible benefits of CBD oil and medical cannabis more broadly have been known to humans for thousands of years. CBD oil for pain has specifically shown excellent promise in a variety of studies.
One study showed that CBD was effective at treating neuropathic pain and for pain relief in patients with malignant diseases, with only mild to moderate side effects in a few patients.
Other studies in rats showed a reduction in sciatic nerve pain and inflammation, while also helping in relieving pain from surgical incisions.
While, again, the research isn’t conclusive as of yet, a mounting body of research is showing CBD could be an effective treatment for a variety of pain conditions.
CBD oil for arthritis has also been shown to have positive effects on patients.
CBD Oil’s Role in Lowering Anxiety and Depression
The benefits of CBD oil aren’t limited to pain alone.
For anxiety, one study showed that mice had their symptoms significantly reduced when treated with CBD. Animal studies have also shown CBD to show promise at treating depression.
Meanwhile in humans, evidence shows that CBD can be useful at helping to treat:
- Panic disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorders
- Social anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Depression
Cancer and Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms
Patients who have experienced cancer symptoms as well as the side effects of cancer treatment have benefited from CBD treatment in studies.
In one study, 177 people with cancer-related pain who did not experience pain relief form pain medication were treated with the extract. Patients that received CBD and THC experienced significantly more pain reduction compared to patients treated with THC alone.
CBD also has been shown to help with nausea, vomiting, and other common symptoms related to chemotherapy.
Treating Smoking and Drug Withdrawal Effects
CBD oil research also shows it may help people to quit smoking. A 2018 study showed that CBD helped to reduce cravings during tobacco withdrawal. This was believed to be due to the relaxing effects of CBD.
Other studies demonstrated CBD to be helpful in treating people with opioid addictions.
Neuroprotective Properties
Medical cannabis (in this case, CBD) has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. In fact, one study with rats with diabetes showed CBD helped preserve memory and reduce nerve inflammation.
Managing Seizures
The benefits of CBD oil have also extended to helping reduce seizures in patients in some studies. In children with Dravet syndrome as well as people with severe epilepsy, CBD showed a substantial reduction in symptoms.
CBD’s Role in Protecting Heart Health
CBD has demonstrated heart-fortifying properties. It’s been shown to reduce high blood pressure in some studies and its ability to reduce stress has also been shown to have a positive impact on patients’ health.
Side Effects of CBD Oil to Note
Before using CBD oil (or medical cannabis in general), you should consult a doctor at a medical marijuana consulting clinic.
Some possible side effects include:
- Adverse interactions with other drugs and alcohol
- Changes in alertness
- Gastrointestinal problems and loss of appetite
- Mood changes, including irritability and irritation
- Fertility reduction in males
Medical Cannabis Consulting for Canadians
If you’re ready to access the many CBD oil health benefits, then you need Medical Marijuana Consulting (MMC).
MMC is a premier cannabis clinic that’s dedicated to assisting Canadians connect with medical professionals with deep expertise on medical marijuana. Consult with a team of physicians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners that can provide a prescription, help connect you with coverage for your prescription costs (if eligible), refer you to a licensed producer, and help you apply for the ACMPR license.
At MMC, it is our goal to help every patient that could benefit from medical cannabis get access to the medication. Join our Ambassador Program and receive $15 for every person you refer to MMC that becomes a patient.
To learn more about Medical Marijuana Consulting and how you can secure a prescription as part of your personalized medical cannabis treatment plan, book a consultation online, contact us at 844-312-5143, or email us at patientcare@medmc.ca.
