Benefits of CBD

CBD is gaining more visibility every day thanks to its multiple benefits that have aroused the interest of the scientific community and people in much of the world. The great advantages of CBD are its wide potential for action and its safety, thanks to which it represents one of the best allies of human beings to maintain or recover a good state.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid, one of the main and exclusive active compounds of the Cannabis Sativa plant, along with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not cause relevant psychotropic effects, cannot cause tolerance or dependence and at the same time is capable of providing different benefits, both physically, psychologically and emotionally.

Why CBD?

The importance of CBD is mainly due to the recent discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which is a physiological system present in both humans and most animals, which produces and uses molecules very similar to phytocannabinoids and reacts to their presence in the body. The great importance of the discovery of the endocannabinoid system is that its function is to maintain the psychological and physical balance of the entire body, therefore it is distributed throughout the body and interacts with the vast majority of systems present in the body to activate itself in any situation in which an imbalance occurs. CBD is capable of stimulating the endocannabinoid system and enhancing its functions, helping to optimize the body’s response to different imbalances and diseases and to maintain a good state of health naturally. We must remind you that CBD is not a medicine and should not replace them.

Benefits of CBD

If you consider the wide distribution of the endocannabinoid system in the human and animal body and its functions, you can easily understand the reason why CBD has the ability to provide multiple benefits in different parts of the body, and can be applied both externally and internally (not regulated in Spain).

Cosmetic Properties of CBD and Cannabis

Thanks to the permeability of the skin, it is possible to use CBD topically, although its absorption will be limited to the area of application without causing a systemic effect. Considering that the endocannabinoid system is distributed throughout the skin, as well as in the muscles and joints, the external use of CBD allows it to act specifically where necessary in the affected areas, facilitating an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effect. It should also be considered that CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system present in the skin by optimizing its cell regeneration capacity and the regulation of sebaceous production, so its use helps to maintain healthy, hydrated and resistant skin.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of CBD has been documented by numerous scientific studies and represents the main reason why in many countries its use has been regulated at a therapeutic level, considering that inflammation and pain are present not only in most acute or chronic diseases but also in the daily life of any person. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are particularly interesting because in addition to relieving the inflammation present, CBD has the ability to modulate the body’s own inflammatory response, so that it is more effective. On the other hand, thanks to the action of CBD it is possible to relieve the sensation of pain, since the endocannabinoid system is able to act on the mechanisms that cause it, both at the nociceptive and neuropathic levels.

Relaxing and anti-stress properties of CBD

One of the best-known properties of CBD is to facilitate a state of physical, mental and emotional relaxation, both for its vasodilatory and hypotensive action and for its anxiolytic and antidepressant effect. In addition, the endocannabinoid system plays a fundamental role in the regulation of psycho-physical stress thanks to its interaction with the nervous system; for this reason, CBD, by enhancing the functions of the endocannabinoid system, helps to improve our perception, management and response to stressful situations in everyday life, as well as relieving their symptoms.

Properties of CBD to fall asleep

The relaxing properties mentioned above make CBD a highly recommended substance to help you fall asleep, thanks to its ability to interact with the nervous system and the cardiovascular system to facilitate relaxation both physically and psychologically and emotionally. In addition, the endocannabinoid system helps regulate sleep functions and the body’s circadian rhythms, so the use of CBD could facilitate both sleep and improve its quality and restorative effect.

Anticonvulsant properties of CBD

The anticonvulsant effect undoubtedly represents the most disruptive property of CBD due to its effectiveness in treating certain types of epilepsy, in particular certain types of very severe childhood epilepsies. The endocannabinoid system interacts directly with the nervous system, allowing CBD to have a calming and inhibiting action on the abnormal electrical activity present in the brain, preventing its spread and limiting its consequences. In addition, CBD has neuroprotective properties that help limit possible damage and optimize recovery after having suffered an epileptic seizure.

Frequently asked questions

Is CBD safe to use?

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), CBD represents a very safe substance even if used in high doses, with high therapeutic value and mild or no side effects. In any case, it is always advisable to follow the advice of a professional, especially if you are taking any medication.

What are the main benefits of CBD?

The potential of CBD is very wide, although the main benefits that have been studied are its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, its relaxing and anxiolytic effect, its ability to improve stress management and the regulation of body functions such as sleep, its anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties.

Bibliography and Digital Sources

• Zieba, Jerzy, et al. (2019)“Cannabidiol (CBD) reduces anxiety-related behavior in mice via an FMRP1-independent mechanism.” Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 181.
• Baron, E. (2018). Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), pp.1139-1186.
• Contributor, J. (2019). What Is Inflammation? Available in: https://www.livescience.com/52344-inflammation.html
• Jan, T. R., Farraj, A. K., Harkema, J. R., & Kaminski, N. E. (2003). Attenuation of the ovalbumin-induced allergic airway response by cannabinoid treatment in A/J mice☆. Toxicology and applied pharmacology, 188(1).
• Grinspoon, M. (2019). Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t – Harvard Health Blog. [en línea] Harvard Health Blog. Available in: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
• Lee, W., Erdelyi, K., Matyas, C., Mukhopadhyay, P., Varga, Z., Liaudet, L., Haskó, G., Čiháková, D., Mechoulam, R. and Pacher, P. (2016). Cannabidiol limits t cell-mediated chronic autoimmune myocarditis: implications to autoimmune disorders and organ transplantation. Molecular Medicine, 22(1).