What are the benefits of CBD oil?

How do we know CBD oil works?

It is fair to say that many consumers have decided to take CBD oil on the recommendation of other people, friends, or family.

There are also growing numbers of health professionals who prescribe CBD as an adjunct or secondary medication to be taken in addition to primary medication.

We also have a growing body of evidence drawn from research on CBD which we will discuss in more detail below. 

Insomnia and Anxiety 

Although the research volume is still relatively small compared to mainstream medicines, there have been some promising and informative studies.

For example, a study in 2019 published by the US National Centre for Biotechnology Information (Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/), showed reduced anxiety in 79.2% of participants and improved sleep in 66.7%. 

Seizures

A significant validation of the CBD’s benefits for the treatment of seizures was provided in 2020 with the US Federal Drug Administration’s approval of Epidiolex which is derived from Cannabidiol

(https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare )

As discussed in detail in our article on “how much CBD should I take”, we recommend advancing slowly and cautiously. 

Chronic Pain Relief

A 2003 study (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1191/0269215503cr581oa ) by Oxford University and the Oxford Centre for Enablement provided encouraging results on the relationship between CBD (and THC) and chronic pain relief.

It is important to stress that it seems that pain relief achieved was specific to the conditions trialed and is not guaranteed to provide relief for all pain.

Many people try CBD for whatever type of pain they are experiencing but we always advise a careful, progressive approach to taking CBD. Please see our guide.

Back pain

We are not aware of any specific research relating to relief for back pain at this time but we are aware of CBD oil’s use for muscle cramps, spasms, and general stiffness.

CBD oil appears to be helpful in these cases if taken for more extended periods but does permanently remove the pain entirely where the level and intensity of pain are high.

Many users of CBD oil report better pain management, again over time, especially in terms of the length and quality of sleep

Nerve pain

Medical conditions such as diabetes, or even just poor circulation, can leave us with long-lasting nerve damage and subsequent pain.

Again, depending on the starting level of pain, CBD seems to have helped many sufferers reduce their pain levels or eliminate it.

Reduced dependency on conventional painkillers is also frequently reported. 

Headaches

Here again, we have not seen a lot of research. Still, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that the frequency and duration of headaches can be improved by using CBD in either a preventative or reactive way. 

Improved Quality of Life

In 2019 a study sponsored by Ananda Professional (a producer of CBD products) and conducted with academics from the University of Louisville showed 94% of participants reported enhanced quality of life.

This same report states that 53% of participants could also reduce or completely stop their use of painkillers (opioids in this case) within 8 weeks of adding CBD to their treatment plan. 

Whether it be formal studies or anecdotal testimony shared between users of CBD, we continue to see encouraging results on how CBD is helping improve a wide range of issues.

Equally encouraging is the relatively low number and highly manageable nature of its side effects. Please see our list of guides for more information or contact us directly for more specific questions.