What are the advantages of CBD? 

Whether you’re looking at CBD oil or other full spectrum hemp options (topicals, gummies, etc.), we want to help you be an informed consumer. That’s why: a) we’re incredibly selective with the items we stock at Sona Pharmacy — everything at Sona Hemp Shop is pharmacist-approved — and b) we publish articles like these for fuller context around a product’s place in the world of wellness.

In our last post, we talked about the cons of CBD — risks, side effects, drawbacks, etc.

Today, we’re exploring the pros. Let’s dive right into…

Part 2: CBD Pros & Benefits

1. Potential for pain relief

One of CBD’s most popular uses is for pain relief. In fact, 60% of people who use CBD use it for pain.

As we discussed in our last article, the long-term data on CBD is lacking. There’s not a lot of cold, hard science at this point backing up the claims for CBD as an effective pain reliever. However, there are observational and clinical studies that seem to support CBD’s effectiveness and safety as part of a chronic pain treatment plan.

Many people with the following long-term conditions have found CBD use a positive addition to their pain treatment routine:

• Arthritis and joint pain
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neuropathy
• Fibromyalgia

2. Reduced inflammation

Research suggests CBD has the ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Fun fact: back in 2016, topical CBD reduced joint swelling and pain in rats with no significant side effects. which could create overall improved health and wellness.

And, again, while the verdict is largely still out on efficacy, preclinical studies suggest taking CBD can have a beneficial effect against diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MS.

3. Possible anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects

Studies show CBD may be helpful for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression and even PTSD. Remember the Forbes Health poll from before? In that poll of 5,000 CBD users, 60 percent took it for anxiety. 

In a 2019 test, a dose of 300 milligrams of CBD was shown to greatly reduce anxiety. The catch is that, in that same study, doses of 150 milligrams and 600 milligrams didn’t have the same effect. This just goes to show the importance of finding a dose that works for your unique body. Another study showed low doses of CBD (25-70 milligrams) to be effective over time for anxiety, sleep and pain. 

4. Improved sleep

Lots of people who use CBD oil report better sleep. In a 2019 study on CBD for anxiety and sleep, 79% of participants experienced reduced anxiety and 66% experienced better sleep — although there was some fluctuation. 

It’s thought that CBD’s calming properties help soothe the mind and nervous system, which helps people fall asleep and stay that way. While the research on CBD and sleep is still in early stages (I know, it’s starting to sound like a broken record…) it’s definitely worth a try if you’re struggling to sleep — and it’s safe and non-addictive, unlike some pharmaceutical sleep aids. 

Which leads to the next benefit of CBD…

5. Non-intoxicating and non-addictive 

While many pharmaceuticals come with a host of side effects, including the possibility of addiction, not so with CBD. The non-addictive nature of CBD, sets it apart as a low-risk option for therapeutic treatment. 

A recent medical review states: “It is essential to know that pure CBD extract is a strong candidate as an alternative to opioid medication since it is nonintoxicating and dependence is less.”

Given the opioid crisis in the U.S., it just makes sense to turn to CBD oil and other cannabis products as a safer alternative when you’re exploring treatment options.

6. Support for substance use disorders

Speaking of CBD and opioids, CBD and other cannabis products might be part of the solution. Theoretically, it has the potential to help people suffering from withdrawal since it is already reported to reduce many of the symptoms associated with substance use disorders:

• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Pain
• Nausea 

CBD pros: In conclusion

Point blank, CBD is a great option if you’re looking for safe and natural relief from any number of concerns. We’re excited to see where the research on CBD oil and full-spectrum hemp takes us in the future.

If you want to talk with someone about incorporating CBD into your wellness routine, stop by Sona Pharmacy in Asheville or contact us online or by phone. We’d be honored to serve you.

References

9 Science-Backed Health Benefits of CBD Oil. Forbes Health. Updated April 5, 2023. Accessed online April 24, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/cbd-oil-benefits/ 

Adjunctive Management of Opioid Withdrawal with the Nonopioid Medication Cannabidiol. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Oct. 12, 2022. Accessed online April 27, 2023. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2021.0089?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed 

CBD for Pain Relief: How To Use CBD To Manage Pain. Forbes Health. Updated April 26,  2023. Accessed Online April 27, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/cbd-for-pain/ 

CBD for Sleep: How It Works, Benefits And Risks. Forbes Health. Updated April 26, 2023. Access online April 27, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/cbd-for-sleep/ 

Does CBD Oil Work for Chronic Pain Management? Medical News Today.  Nov. 5, 2020. Accessed online April 27, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475 

Efficacy, Safety, and Regulation of Cannabidiol on Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Cureus. July 16, 2022. Accessed online April 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9288157/ 

Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation and Pain-related Behaviours in a Rat Model of Arthritis. July 2016. Accessed online April 27, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/ 

What Are The Benefits of CBD — And Is It Safe To Use? Mayoclinic.org. Accessed online April 24, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700

What Are The Benefits of CBD? The New York Times. Oct. 27, 2021. Accessed online April 24, 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/style/self-care/cbd-oil-benefits.html