The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says that CBD may help alleviate cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. The action of CBD that’s promising for cancer treatment is its ability to moderate inflammation and change how cells reproduce.

CBD has the effect of reducing the ability of some types of tumor cells to reproduce.

The main psychoactive cannabinoid in Cannabis is delta-9-THC. Another active cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which may relieve pain and lower inflammation,

without causing the high of delta-9-THC.

Some test-tube and animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. For example, one test-tube study found that concentrated CBD induced cell death in human breast cancer cells. Another study showed that CBD inhibited the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice.

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https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-benefits

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq#link/_76

The American Epilepsy Society states that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use. A study from 2016 worked with 214 people with epilepsy. The study participants added oral doses of 2 to 5mg of CBD per day to their existing anti-epilepsy medications. The study’s researchers monitored the participants for 12 weeks, recording any negative side effects and checking on the frequency of their seizures. Overall, participants had 36.5 percent fewer seizures per month.

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https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-benefits

https://journals.lww.com/neurotodayonline/Fulltext/2017/01190/News_from_the_American_Epilepsy_Society_Annual.2.aspx

The non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD interacts with serotonin releasing receptors, and when given in relatively small doses has been shown to help alleviate both nausea and vomiting. CBD can also be effective in easing anxiety, which can help patients manage the angst of chronic nausea. CBD may help reduce symptoms related to cancer and side effects related to cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting and pain. CBD may also help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are among the most common chemotherapy-related side effects for those with cancer.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section3

https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/managing-nausea-cannabis

Emerging research now demonstrates that cannabidiol (CBD) has significant potential in terms of limiting inflammation and downstream effects in terms of free radicals as well. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. 

CBD, for example, has been demonstrated to be specifically effective in dealing with various types of pain. This activity is also thought to represent a manifestation of CBD working as an anti-inflammatory much as over the counter anti-inflammatory medications are used for typical aches and pains.

​

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section2

https://www.drperlmutter.com/targeting-inflammation-with-cbd/

Researchers think that CBD interacts with receptors in your brain and immune system. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical signals from different stimuli and help your cells respond. This creates anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects that help with pain management. This means that CBD oil may benefit people with chronic pain, such as chronic back pain.

One 2008 review assessed how good CBD works to relieve chronic pain. The review looked at studies conducted between the late 1980s and 2007. Based on these reviews, researchers concluded CBD was effective in overall pain management without adverse side effects. They also noted that CBD was beneficial in treating insomnia related to chronic pain.

The authors of the study also noted that CBD was most helpful in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

In a study of 47 people with multiple sclerosis, those treated CBD and THC for one month experienced a significant improvement in pain, walking and muscle spasms, compared to the placebo group. Another study found that CBD and THC significantly improved pain during movement, pain at rest and sleep quality in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis.

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/

https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-for-pain#chronic-pain-relief

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Recent studies have shown that cannabis compounds interact with receptors throughout the body—the so-called endocannabinoid system—including in the brain. At least one of those type of receptors is thought to affect the body’s sleep/wake cycle, offering one explanation for how CBD could affect sleep directly. And CBD also interacts with another receptor in the brain that researchers have linked to anxiety. 

In a study in the January issue of The Permanente Journal, published by the Kaiser-Permanente health insurance company, Colorado researchers looked at the health records of 72 patients who were treated with CBD for either anxiety or poor sleep.

During the three-month study, anxiety levels did decline, even in people whose main complaint was poor sleep. For those with sleep problems, the results weren’t as clear cut, though people did report some improvement in the first month.

And Joseph Maroon, M.D., a clinical professor and neurosurgeon at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center who has researched the effect of cannabis on the brain, says that CBD has properties that could help some people sleep better. Most notably, he says, it appears to ease anxiety and pain, both of which can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.

​

https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-cbd-help-you-sleep/

CBD has shown promise in initial studies as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, and it may cause fewer side effects in some people.

The findings of research from 2014 may help explain why CBD could be useful in treating depression. They indicate that, in most studies, CBD appears to have a positive interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain.

Serotonin impacts a range of functions in the body, including a person's emotional state and feelings of well-being or happiness. Keeping serotonin levels balanced is often a key therapy for people with depression.

According to the authors of the 2014 review, results from a variety of studies indicate that CBD appears to act as an antidepressant and antianxiety compound in animal models of depression.

Authors of a review from 2018 also noted that many studies have shown the anti-stress and antidepressant activity of CBD in animal models. The compound exhibits a clear anti-stress effect after short- or long-term use. In certain tests, CBD acted as an antidepressant. The authors also found that the compound worked without activating the brain's endocannabinoid receptors directly, which may indicate that there is less risk of CBD becoming habit-forming, or addictive. This is important because many people are concerned about the habit-forming potential of antidepressants and cannabis compounds.

In a study from 2018, researchers indicated that CBD has promise as a fast-acting antidepressant.

​

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324846.php

Anxiety-related disorders affect a huge segment of our population—40 million adults (18%) in the United States age 18 and older. In response, Big Pharma has developed numerous drugs to treat anxiety-related disorders, from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft to tranquilizers (the most popular class being benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax).

While these drugs can be effective for many patients, some don’t respond favorably. Certain patients don’t see much improvement, or they can’t tolerate the side effects. Moreover, tranquilizers like Valium and Xanax can be highly addictive. Clearly, alternative treatments are warranted.

CBD may be able to help you manage anxiety. Researchers think it may change the way your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical messages and help your cells respond to different stimuli. 

Numerous animal studies and accumulating evidence from human experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies suggest CBD has powerful anti-anxiety properties. Administered acutely (“as needed”), it appears safe, well-tolerated, and may be beneficial to treat a number of anxiety-related disorders, including:

• Panic disorder

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Social phobia

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

• Mild to moderate depression

• ​

Human Studies Show How CBD Reduces Anxiety

Brazilian researchers conducted a small double-blind study of patients afflicted with generalized social anxiety. After consuming CBD, participants reported a significant decrease in anxiety. Researchers validated patients’ subjective reports by performing brain scans showing cerebral blood flow patterns consistent with an anti-anxiety effect.

In another small study, researchers had patients suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder perform a simulated public speaking test. Participants reported significantly less anxiety, findings supported by objective anxiety indicators like heart rate and blood pressure.

Researchers concluded, “[CBD] significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in their speech performance,” whereas the placebo group experienced “higher anxiety, cognitive impairment, [and] discomfort.”

While more research, including large randomized-control trials (RCTs), is clearly warranted to examine the long-term effects and potential for CBD, its demonstrated efficacy and highly favorable safety profile (particularly when compared to currently available drugs) make it a viable alternative or adjunct to currently available pharmaceuticals.

​

https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-benefits

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/

https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cbd-for-treating-anxiety

CBD and THC are capable of helping treat people suffering from PTSD by improving the endocannabinoid system’s mediation of essential functions including memory consolidation and retrieval. By activating CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout this core system, cannabinoids could prompt the system to produce neurotransmitters that helps promote happiness, pleasure, and memory.

These cannabinoids play a critical role in assisting PTSD cases by preventing the retrieval of the underlying trauma, effectively preventing traumatic memories and nightmares, while also helping attain emotional wellbeing. This has made it a popular treatment for PTSD patients, of which many are combat veterans.

A study conducted by NYU Langone Medical Center researchers showed that people suffering from PTSD have much lower levels of a neurotransmitter called anandamide than others. Anandamide is one of the body’s primary endocannabinoids, meaning natural cannabinoids produced by the body. These operate in a similar way to cannabis by stimulating the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for core functions such as mood, happiness, fear, and anxiety.

Essentially, anandamides operate as a natural antidepressant and can also impair memory as well. CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the body help turn off traumatic memories so that people can essentially stop paying attention to them.

Lead author Dr. Alexander Neumeister stated, “There’s a consensus among clinicians that existing pharmaceutical treatments such as antidepressant simply do not work. In fact, we know very well that people with PTSD who use marijuana — a potent cannabinoid — often experience more relief from their symptoms than they do from antidepressants and other psychiatric medications. Clearly, there’s a very urgent need to develop novel evidence-based treatments for PTSD.”

In fact, a study was conducted to test this hypothesis by utilizing a cannabinoid receptor stimulant called nabilone. This involved 47 patients who despite using antidepressants and seeing a psychiatrist regularly, continued to have recurring nightmares. Following treatment, 72% of patients stopped having nightmares or had their severity drastically reduced.

Not only that, but many patients also stated that the quality and duration of sleep improved, while daytime flashbacks and sweating at night also decreased. The study showed that cannabinoids could serve a much more effective role than many prescription medicines and antidepressants that were proving to be futile in comparison.

Cannabinoids like CBD can help empower the body’s endocannabinoid system and promote quality sleep, prevent traumatic memories from arising, as well as establish physical and emotional wellbeing to mitigate these devastating symptoms of PTSD and allowing patients to regain hold of their lives.

​

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6066583/

https://healthcareinamerica.us/cannabis-key-treating-ptsd-b4abf432215

The viability of cannabidiol in treating symptoms of OCD is more than speculation in the medical community. A 2015 neurotherapeutics study by Esther Blessing and Maria Steenkamp provides plenty of evidence that CBD for OCD is effective. Other supporting studies include Boshuisen et al (2002), Bystritsky et al (2001), Osuch et al (2001) and Schneider et al (1999).

Because they affect the limbic region of the brain, the symptoms from disorders like OCD, epilepsy, dementia and ADHD can all be ameliorated with cannabidiol supplementation. CBD also increases production signalling while inhibiting the breakdown of anandamide. Anandamide is a natural antidepressant named after the Sanskrit for Divine Joy and is commonly known as the “happiness hormone” because of its ability to regulate mood as well as sensations of fear, stress and happiness.

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/

https://dopasolution.com/using-cbd-for-ocd-why-and-how-it-works-well/

The best-known features of CBD cannabinoid are its anti-inflammatory action and its support of the immune system. Our bodies have their own internal endocannabinoid system with receptors that bind endocannabinoids, ensuring that our organism is in harmony. When our body is ill, tired or stressed, it does not produce enough endocannabinoids – but we can help with phytocannabinoids, i.e. endocannabinoids of plant origin. Best known among them is the CBD cannabinoid. These phytocannabinoids help our bodies find balance again.

The endocannabinoid system is also part of our skin. This means that endocannabinoid receptors can be found in our skin, giving CBD extraordinary possibilities for therapeutic effects on skin problems. These conclusions are supported by studies that indicate a great potential of phytocannabinoids in the fight against skin problems such as psoriasis.

To briefly summarize the effects of CBD on psoriasis: industrial cannabis cannabinoids have an anti-inflammatory effect and inhibit the growth of keratinocytes, cells that renew the epithelium by producing new cells. With psoriasis, the production of keratinocytes in the epithelium is accelerated and cannabinoids help normalize the cycle, leading to the reduction of scaly skin.

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17157480

https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bph.12309

https://www.hemptouch.com/blog/does-cbd-oil-help-with-psoriasis/

Because PD affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, researchers Alyssa S. Laun and Zhao-Hui Song from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, made an important discovery when they found that CBD acts as an “inverse agonist” on CPR6 receptors found predominantly in the basal ganglia region of the brain, which connects to the cerebral cortex and brainstem, driving functions in our bodies including movement, learning, and emotion. This means CBD potentially responds within the receptors to provide therapeutic effects against the symptoms of PD. Any increase in dopamine levels would counteract the steady decrease of dopaminergic neurons experienced by those afflicted with PD.

CBD studies are also showing it as effective in treating the psychosis that comes with PDD (Parkinson’s disease dementia). So far, patients are tolerant of low doses of CBD oil and report positive effects.

Numerous studies echo CBD’s benefits. Researchers in Brazil have noted “Our findings point to a possible effect of CBD in improving quality of life measure in PD patients with no psychiatric comorbidities.” (Study) Researchers with the Department of Neuroscience and Behavior there concluded “preliminary data suggest that CBD may be effective, safe, and well tolerated for the treatment of the psychosis in PD.” (Study) And a different Colorado study concluded: “Cannabis was rarely used in our population but users reported high efficacy, mainly for nonmotor symptoms.”

These more recent revelations come on the back of federally funded preclinical studies published in 1998 documenting strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in CDB and THC, particularly in treating “neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and HIV dementia.” These promising findings led to a U.S. government patent on cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants.

​

https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/parkinsons/treating/cbd/

https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/blog/new-research-medication-and-cbd-oil-in-parkinsons-with-dr-trevor-hawkins/

Cannabis may be an effective alternative or adjunctive treatment for peripheral neuropathy, an often debilitating condition for which standard treatments often provide little relief. Most studies show moderately improved pain from inhaled cannabis use. 

Small clinical studies have found that cannabis provides benefits for peripheral neuropathy, including pain reduction, better sleep, and improved function, even in patients with symptoms refractory to standard therapies.

Until risk-benefit profiles are better characterized, doctors in states where cannabis therapy is legal should recommend it for peripheral neuropathy only after careful consideration.

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https://www.mdedge.com/ccjm/article/189782/drug-therapy/cannabis-peripheral-neuropathy-good-bad-and-unknown

The non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD is being considered as a treatment for schizophrenia. CBD is thought to have antipsychotic effects, but the greatest evidence for its antipsychotic ability is through blocking THC-induced psychosis. On its own, the effects of CBD on schizophrenia symptoms have been mixed. In one report, CBD did not improve psychotic symptoms in patients that responded poorly to traditional antipsychotic treatment. A larger study, though, found that CBD effectively reduced psychotic symptoms.

CBD also has promise in improving the difficult-to-treat negative symptoms and cognitive impairment caused by schizophrenia. Studies in animals found that CBD improved some of the negative symptoms such as social interaction deficits and working memory deficits.

One significant benefit of CBD, should it prove to be an effective antipsychotic medication, is that it’s well-tolerated and has fewer side effects compared to traditional antipsychotics. For instance, CBD doesn’t impactfood intake or weight gain which is a common adverse side effect of antipsychotic medications.

THC exposure can also impact dopamine receptors like D2. When D2 receptor activation is elevated, the brain cells in the limbic system become overly sensitive. In a normal brain, CB1 receptors reduce this sensitivity and contribute to normal brain activity.

However, too much THC can weaken the strength of CB1 receptors, leading to an overall elevation of dopamine levels, elevated D2 receptor activity, and the psychosis that can accompany it.

​

https://www.leafly.com/news/health/link-between-cannabis-and-schizophrenia

https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/schizophrenia/cannabidiol-adjunctive-treatment-schizophrenia

A 2017 paper published in Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets suggested CBD as a possible way to diminish the activity of brain cells called glia, which leads to central sensitization. That's a major feature of fibromyalgia and other central sensitivity syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraine.

A 2016 review published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found evidence that CBD is effective in migraine and irritable bowel syndrome, which are related to fibromyalgia. It also stated that some cannabis-based treatments appeared effective for fibromyalgia.

Another 2006 study determined that CBD worked best in combination with THC, but little research has followed.

Several studies have suggested that CBD can fight inflammation. Fibromyalgia isn't currently classified as an inflammatory condition, but research suggests that at least some cases may involve inflammation of a body-wide web of connective tissue called the fascia. If that's accurate, it could be one more reason CBD should be considered.

A 2016 study suggested that a lack of endocannabinoids — neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors — may be at the root of chronic pain syndromes, including migraines and fibromyalgia. Taking CBD may correct this deficiency, explaining the compound's success in alleviating chronic pain.

More research is necessary to understand this process.

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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321501.php

https://www.verywellhealth.com/cbd-oil-for-fibromyalgia-4165993

There are no major side effects of CBD, according to Rosenfield, which will not affect patients with diabetes doing everyday activities such as work, driving or exercise.
While CBD can be obtained from marijuana, it is also abundant in hemp, a plant with no psychoactive properties and no potential for abuse.

Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD could treat this inflammation and therefore improve the body's metabolism. "Unlike insulin and other existing medications for diabetes, CBD may actually suppress, reverse and perhaps cure the disease." -  ISA Scientific Chief Executive Officer Mark J. Rosenfeld

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2015/Apr/cbd-compound-in-cannabis-could-treat-diabetes,-researchers-suggest-95335970.html

Compared with placebo, once daily CBD 400 or 800 mg diminished cue-related cravings and anxiety among people who had heroin use disorder, reported Yasmin Hurd, PhD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, and colleagues in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

In the new study, the 42 participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups, which took 400 milligrams of CBD once daily, 800 mg of CBD once daily, or a placebo once daily, for three consecutive days. (Participants in the CBD groups received Epidiolex, the FDA-approved prescription drug.) The study was "double blind," meaning that neither the researchers nor the subjects knew whether they had received CBD or a placebo.

After participants took their dose of CBD or placebo, they were exposed to heroin-related "cues;" and later watched a "neutral" video showing relaxing scenarios, such as scenes of nature.

As expected, participants reported higher cravings after viewing the heroin-related cues compared with the neutral videos. But if participants received CBD before their session, their cravings were significantly reduced compared with those who received a placebo, the study found.

The researchers also saw reductions in anxiety, as well as physiological measures, including heart rate and levels of the "stress hormone" cortisol, in the CBD group compared with the placebo group.

The effects were seen as soon as 1 hour after the CBD dose, and up to one week later. The latter finding suggests that CBD may still have an anti-craving effect when little to no trace of the substance remain in people's systems, the authors said.

Dr. Harshal Kirane, director of Addiction Services at Northwell Health's Staten Island University Hospital, called the work "a step in a very encouraging direction," and applauded the effort to scientifically evaluate the effects of CBD.

However, Kirane said the study had some important limitations. Since it was a small study, the results need to be replicated in a larger group of people, he said.

​

https://www.livescience.com/65530-cbd-heroin-addiction.html

https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/opioids/79944

In a study published in Addiction in May, researchers at University College London found that CBD can reduce attentional bias to tobacco-related imagery. Attentional bias is when you focus strongly on certain stimuli—called “cues”—while ignoring others. For example, if you’re a smoker and you watch an old French film, all the fumes in the movie can make you crave a cig.

Thirty patients were told to abstain from smoking for 12 hours and given 800 mg of CBD, orally, or a placebo. They were then shown images of ashtrays, lighters, or groups of smokers mixed in with neutral photos, such as a woman applying lipstick instead of putting a cigarette in her mouth.

People who used CBD didn’t notice an impact on cravings or withdrawal, but found cigarette cues less appealing. The study supports the potential to target specific neurocognitive processes associated with nicotine using CBD.

On a 2010 analysis which found that CBD could reduce attentional bias in 94 participants, potentially to treat cannabis dependency.

There’s also a small 2013 study published in Addictive Behaviorswhich found that people who inhaled cannabidiol smoked about 40 percent fewer cigarettes than usual. Researchers gave two dozen smokers a metered-dose inhaler (picture an asthma inhaler) filled with CBD or placebo and observed a “dramatic reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked across a 7-day period in the individuals using the CBD inhaler.”

People given the placebo showed no difference in the number of cigarettes smoked.

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https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mbk4qn/cbd-to-quit-smoking

https://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/cbd-treating-tobacco-addiction

The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil may offer benefits for acne management. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the oil prevented activity in sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. Too much sebum, however, can lead to acne.

Before you consider CBD oil for acne treatment, it’s worth discussing with your dermatologist. More human studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of CBD for acne.

​

https://www.jci.org/articles/view/64628

https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-benefits

Many scientists and health bodies — including the American Cancer Society (ACS) — support the need for further scientific research on the use of marijuana and cannabinoids to treat medical conditions. 

Marijuana is classed as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which deters the study of marijuana and cannabinoids through its imposition of strict conditions on the researchers working in this area.

If you happen to live in a state where medical use of marijuana is legal, you and your doctor will need to carefully consider these factors and how they relate to your illness and health history before using this drug.

For instance, while there is some evidence to support the use for marijuana for pain relief, you should certainly avoid marijuana if you have a history of mental health problems.

Remember to always speak to your doctor before taking a new medicine.

Take Personal Responsibility Serious

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_i2mC5fAmI

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320984.php