The CBD market is already fast approaching “unstoppable juggernaut” status. According to Grand View Research, the market is already worth $2.8 billion per annum globally. Its current trajectory means it could exceed $13 billion by 2028. It is happening because research is clearly illustrating that there are many benefits to CBD.
The market is growing in the United States even though cannabidiol isn’t federally legal. Many online sources claim that CBD oil is legal in all 50 states. This is fundamentally inaccurate. States like Nebraska seem to imply that CBD isn’t welcome, although legal action is hardly ever taken.
If you believe in the benefits of CBD, you might be happy to take what is a tiny risk. After all, the cannabinoid is non-intoxicating. As long as its THC content is no more than 0.3%, there is little chance of a screening finding it. Drug tests don’t look for CBD. Instead, they look for THC metabolites; bizarrely, 57% of Americans believe cannabidiol does show up on a drug screening.
In any case, this article looks at the benefits of CBD. One of the most interesting is CBD for MS, but there are others. It would take far too long to focus on them all, so let’s concentrate on three.
CBD for MS
In America, at least 400,000 people have multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a condition where the immune system attacks the fibers of the central nervous system (CNS). After the fiber damage occurs, scar tissues start forming and interfere with the neurological communication between the brain and body.
A growing number of patients turn to CBD for MS because prescription medication is often ineffective and comes with numerous adverse effects. Many people don’t know that the American government holds a patent on CBD for its capacity to reduce neurological damage.
Research into CBD for MS is relatively limited, but some interesting data has come to light recently. A review of studies in 2018 looked at CBD’s ability to improve mobility in people with multiple sclerosis. The researchers reviewed over 130 studies in total. They found that CBD is well-tolerated in doses of up to 1,500mg. This is far beyond what people use. Patients with epilepsy might consume up to 300mg a day, but few people use more than that.
Overall, the researchers found that CBD reduces pain, spasticity, fatigue, inflammation and even depression in people with MS. They also discovered that cannabinoids reduced the consumption of prescription drugs, especially opioids. When you consider that over 130 people die from an opioid overdose every day in the United States, that’s a very good thing.
Apart from CBD for MS, the cannabinoid is potentially capable of helping with many other medical issues.
CBD for Chronic Pain
Many people use CBD for MS to help combat their crippling pain. In fact, there is evidence that ancient civilizations used cannabis to help with pain 5,000 years ago.
The human body contains an endocannabinoid system (ECS) and produces endocannabinoids. These are transmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the nervous system. Our ECS is involved in regulating various functions, including appetite, sleep and pain.
A study published in 2018 looked at how cannabinoids could relieve pain. It found that CBD might help reduce chronic pain by impacting the activity of endocannabinoid receptors. CBD has an indirect effect on the CB receptors and seems to help the body increase its production of endocannabinoids. The result is reduced inflammation and pain.
Apart from using CBD for MS and pain, there are many other benefits of CBD.
CBD for Anxiety & Depression
The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that depression is the largest contributor to disability globally. Anxiety disorders are ranked No. 6. Pharmaceutical drugs such as benzodiazepines are used to treat these issues. However, this form of medication has many side effects, including headaches, insomnia and agitation. They are also potentially addictive.
A major benefit of CBD is that there is seemingly little risk of addiction. It could also prove effective as a means of helping people with anxiety and depression. A study published in 2016 looked at CBD’s effectiveness in reducing these issues. The researchers found that CBD oil helped to reduce anxiety and insomnia in children with PTSD.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of CBD
CBD’s benefits are not restricted to a handful of conditions. Patients are turning to CBD for MS, pain, and anxiety and depression. However, there are potentially dozens of other conditions that the cannabinoid could help with. These include skin conditions, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The cannabinoid is non-intoxicating, so you can use it without fear of getting high. While it technically isn’t legal in all 50 states, it is widely tolerated. Check out sites like WayofLeaf to learn more about the growing CBD market.
