Clearing the Air on CBD

With so many family members, friends and loved ones in need, the acknowledgment of CBD comes at a perfect time. This CBD Series will reveal Cannabidiol’s (CBD) effects on physical conditions, mental conditions, cancer cells and more, all while bringing an appreciation for how the body truly works. Many of the leading medical institutions have openly and internationally endorsed CBD as a healthy and effective safe option with no abuse potential. With the backing of peer-reviewed medical studies and research, The CBD Series will help to clear the air and bring wellness to life.

Cannabis-related discussions will oftentimes spark thoughts of recreational use and the psychoactive effects produced by THC. CBD however, does not have psychoactive properties. The euphoric effects of THC (tetra-hydro-cannabinol) are caused by its interaction with CB1 receptors in the brain. CBD can also bind to these receptors but it produces little to no effect at all. Diverse studies on the medical safety of CBD reveal no significant side effects across a range of doses including chronic-dose regimens. 

According to Nora D. Volkow, Director of the National Institute on International Narcotics Control, CBD research is delving into uses for inflammatory diseases, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, cancer, pain, and even schizophrenia. Pre-clinical exploration into cell cultures and animal models have shown that cannabidiol has anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-seizure, and anti-inflammatory effects. It also has anti-oxidant properties along with analgesic and neuroprotective characteristics. The neuroprotective properties have been shown to have positive effects on diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and neurodegeneration caused by alcohol abuse. Governing bodies began to allow for a number of developing studies examining the therapeutic value of CBD. These studies explore CBD for epileptic treatment, mitigation of risk of cannabis use on schizophrenia, the treatment of substance abuse disorders, neuropathic pain management from spinal cord damage, and the reduction of cognitive deficits linked to THC.

CBD has also shown to be effective in pets for a variety of conditions. A 2018 study in the Front Vet Science medical journal looked into CBD oil for Osteoarthritic dogs. After a four week treatment period, the study showed a significant decrease in pain and an increase in activity with no observable side effects. The market for CBD for pets has grown tremendously with research supporting pain relief in canines, and anecdotal evidence supporting anxiety relief for anxious pets (whimpering, trembling, pacing, nervousness).

The overwhelming momentum of this research guarantees that its medical usage will be fully realized over time. Extracted CBD can be integrated into oils, creams, and teas without any added psychoactive effects or THC content. CBD will continue to be an integral piece of how our medical system shapes itself and the finished product of that system will very likely change how we view traditional medicine.

Today weed is legal in several states, and CBD oil is now the girl-most-likely-to-succeed of the beauty and wellness industry. Will it get you high? No. You’ll have to go to, say Colorado for that. Can its inclusion in your grooming products make your skin glow and alleviate minor aches and pains? Survey says yes. While the whole Cannabis beauty moment has been steadily building for a couple of years now, it’s safe to say that we are currently at peak, ahem, reefer madness: It’s in serums, bombs, tinctures, candles, and yes, even mascara- Marie Claire

Akeem Washington

Owner of No Gravity Distributions