(StatePoint) New research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound extracted from the hemp plant, could help manage everything from anxiety to psoriasis to Parkinson’s disease.
With a better understanding of its potential medical benefits, experts say that millions of lives could be improved. And while the use of CBD to provide relief of health conditions is beginning to gain mainstream attention, it’s still often misunderstood.
What is CBD?
CBD, a compound known as a cannabinoid, is found abundantly in the hemp plant. Cannabinoids work by binding with a series of cell receptors found throughout the body, known as the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating a variety of functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, pain management and inflammation. CBD is non-psychoactive, so it doesn’t make you feel “high.”
What are its Medical Benefits?
While research about the medical benefits of CBD is ongoing, anecdotal patient reports are hard to ignore, and the CBD hype has caught the attention of researchers and doctors across many medical specialties. Dermatologist Jeanette Jacknin recommends CBD products for patients suffering from a variety of skin conditions.
“The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD appear to dramatically improve symptoms for many patients,” says Dr. Jacknin. “Recent studies in medical literature found that applying a high-quality CBD topical, such as Medterra’s CBD Tincture, can improve many skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, and eczema.”
“As with any topical,” Dr. Jacknin suggests, “apply to a small area to test for irritation before using.”
But the benefits of CBD are not skin deep. Because endocannabinoid receptors are abundantly found in the nervous system, CBD has been associated with marked improvements in many diseases that affect the brain, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and insomnia. Moreover, there is some animal research and preliminary human research suggesting that CBD is a potent inhibitor of both cancer growth and spread.
Choosing the Right Therapy
CBD is often consumed orally or used topically, for example, as a skin cream. For skin conditions and inflammatory issues such as arthritis, a topical therapy may be best. A CBD tincture (an easily absorbed solution of CBD and oil) can be taken alone or incorporated into foods or drinks. CBD vape, powders, edibles and infused drinks are also available.
Products containing less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are legal in all 50 states. However, not all CBD is created equally. While there are many products on the market, quality and THC levels can vary significantly. Choose high-quality, ultra-pure options extracted from U.S.-grown industrial hemp.
Those sourced from Kentucky under the strict guidelines of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, such as Medterra CBD, are particularly trustworthy because they are third-party tested and guaranteed to be free of contaminants.
To learn more about the CBD extraction process and reliable sourcing visit medterracbd.com.
Experts say that increased education about this remedy will potentially offer a greater number of patients relief from a diverse array of symptoms and conditions.