5 Amazing Properties of CBD

Bearer of all expectations, heir to 1000 promises, what virtues are not attributed to CBD today? Growing hair back? It's already been seen. Bringing back a loved one? Who knows...

But what is certain is that CBD has interested science and medicine for almost half a century and that we are starting to have some serious leads on the biological effects that surround it and its effects on human health.

Rue de la Boulette offers you a spotlight on 5 medicinal properties of Cannabidiol in the form of questions and answers, embellished with external links.

We will try to quickly cover the questions relating to the main therapeutic properties of CBD. Cannabidiol is the major molecule in hemp, a category of plants in the Cannabis Sativa L. family.

What does science say?

As our preamble said, the discovery of CBD is only 50 years old. It is a consequence of the discovery of THC and the endogenous cannabinoid system or: endocannabinoid system (let's get used to the English acronym: ECS for EndoCannabinoid System).

To simplify, the ECS consists of a network of receptors, like female sockets, which are perfectly compatible with cannabinoids such as CBD.

We now know that the ECS is involved in many physiological and cognitive processes. Cannabinoids such as CBD or THC are therefore involved via the ECS in the following processes:

Regulation of homeostasis: The ECS is involved in the regulation of many biological processes, such as body temperature, energy balance, sleep, stress response, and the functioning of the immune system. It helps maintain a stable balance, known as homeostasis.

Stress response: The ECS is involved in the stress response, helping to alleviate physiological and behavioral responses related to stress. Endogenous cannabinoids (naturally produced by the body) interact with cannabinoid receptors to regulate these responses.

Pain control: The ECS plays a role in regulating pain perception. Endogenous cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors are present in the central and peripheral nervous system, involved in the modulation of pain.

Neurological functions: The ECS influences neurological functions, including synaptic plasticity (changes in the strength of connections between neurons) and neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons). These processes are essential for learning and memory.

Immune system: The ECS regulates the functioning of the immune system, influencing the inflammatory response and protection against pathogens. It also helps maintain immune balance.

Appetite and metabolism: The ECS is involved in the regulation of appetite, energy metabolism, and fat storage. Some endogenous cannabinoids influence these processes by acting on cannabinoid receptors.

Reproductive Functions: The ECS plays a role in regulating reproductive functions, including spermatogenesis and reproductive-related hormonal regulation.

Pain: Is CBD a Pain Reliever?

CBD can be said to have potential pain-relieving properties, with preliminary studies showing promising results for CBD in treating various chronic pain conditions.

However, more research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety.

Here are some interesting studies on the use of CBD as a pain reliever.

Neuropathic Pain:

Study on the Efficacy of CBD for HIV-Induced Neuropathic Pain: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264820/

Systematic Review on the Efficacy of CBD for Neuropathic Pain: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6674123/

Arthritis Pain:

Study on the Efficacy of CBD for Knee Osteoarthritis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877605/

Study on the Efficacy of CBD for Rheumatoid Arthritis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6324042/

Muscle Pain:

Study on the Efficacy of CBD for Exercise-Induced Muscle Pain: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5642405/

Study on the effectiveness of CBD for fibromyalgia:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464115/

Study on the effectiveness of CBD for the prevention of migraines: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043372/

Study on the effectiveness of CBD for the acute treatment of migraines: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023803/

Stress: Is CBD an anxiolytic?

Medicine is divided on this subject, the studies are very mixed. It seems that the answer is more on the side of the entourage effect than CBD alone.

It must be said clearly that used alone, CBD is not a miracle solution to combat anxiety. Individual responses to CBD can vary, and it is important to take into account the potential interaction with other active ingredients present in hemp to appreciate the extent, on an individual scale.

In a few words: The answer is complex and nuanced.

Here are some examples of studies:

Study on the effectiveness of CBD for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/

Study on the effectiveness of CBD for panic disorder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564004/

Study on the effectiveness of CBD for anxiety-related sleep disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6324042/

These studies suggest that CBD may be an effective treatment for anxiety, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Is CBD effective for sleep?

Although nuanced, the answer is mostly yes. It is not yet clear how, but some research suggests that it may have positive effects on sleep quality.

However, many studies highlight the fact that CBD, while it can be useful for certain types of insomnia, will be less so for others.

CBD is not part of the hypnotic family, as such it does not directly induce sleep. On the other hand, it can influence peripheral mechanisms of insomnia such as pain and stress (see above).

Here are some links to scientific studies on the subject.

Study on the efficacy of CBD for primary insomnia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6674123/

Study on the efficacy of CBD for stress-related sleep disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5642405/

Study on the efficacy of CBD for chronic pain-related sleep disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6324042/

Systematic review of the efficacy of CBD for sleep disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6548114/

Skin Health: What role can CBD play?

It seems almost universally accepted that CBD plays a number of key roles in the health and maintenance of human skin.

Reduced inflammation:

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated, red, and inflamed skin. It can be helpful for people with chronic conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Hydration:

CBD can help maintain skin moisture by increasing the production of ceramides, which are lipids that are essential to the skin barrier. This can improve the skin’s suppleness and elasticity.

Free radical protection: CBD is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the skin from free radical damage. This can help prevent signs of premature aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.

Regulate sebum production: CBD can help regulate sebum production, which can be beneficial for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Wound healing: CBD has wound healing properties that can help speed up the healing of wounds and injuries.

Scientific Studies on CBD and Skin Health:

Study on the Effectiveness of CBD for Eczema:

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

Summary: This study showed that topical application of CBD can improve eczema symptoms, such as dryness, redness, and itching.

Study on the Effectiveness of CBD for Psoriasis:

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564004/

Summary: This study showed that CBD can reduce inflammation and skin cell proliferation, which can improve psoriasis symptoms.

Study on the Effectiveness of CBD for Acne:

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6324042/

Summary: This study showed that CBD can reduce sebum production and inflammation, which may help improve acne.

Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of CBD for Skin Conditions:

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6548114/

Summary: This systematic review examined the available studies on the effectiveness of CBD for skin conditions and concluded that CBD is a promising compound for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Study on the Antioxidant Properties of CBD:

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6674123/

Summary: This study showed that CBD is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the skin from free radical damage.

Can CBD Fight and Prevent cancer?

This is a particularly interesting and sensitive topic at the same time. One thing is absolutely certain: CBD alone is not a cure for cancer and should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments.

That said, as we have seen above, the Endogenous Cannabinoid System has many implications and not all of them have been explained yet.

Some research on CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) indicates that they may have promising effects in the fight against certain forms of cancer.

Possible reduction of tumor growth: CBD and THC have shown anti-proliferative effects on tumor cells in several in vitro and in vivo studies. These cannabinoids can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. For example, research in liver and lung cancer has shown that CBD reduces the viability of cancer cells and stimulates apoptosis. These effects are seen in several types of cancer, including liver, lung, and prostate cancers. (Project CBD) (MDPI).

Potential reduction in inflammation: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation associated with tumors. This chronic inflammation often promotes cancer progression. Cannabinoids, including CBD, have shown potential to reduce this inflammation in a variety of settings, particularly in lung and liver cancers (MDPI).

Potential relief of cancer symptoms: CBD is also being studied for its role in relieving certain cancer-related symptoms, such as nausea, chemotherapy-induced vomiting, and chronic pain. For example, combinations of THC and CBD, in spray or oil form, have been shown to be effective in relieving cancer-related pain and improving sleep quality in patients ​(MDPI)​.

These results are promising, but it is important to note that human clinical studies are still limited, and more research is needed to confirm these effects in a clinical setting.

The use of CBD in cancer patients shows promising results in improving quality of life, particularly by relieving symptoms such as pain, sleep disturbances, and nausea. Several studies indicate that CBD can help manage cancer-related pain, reducing the need for stronger medications such as opioids. Additionally, improved sleep quality has been observed in some patients, often in conjunction with better pain management.

One study found that after two weeks of continuous cannabis use, patients reported significant pain reduction and improved cognitive function, particularly with CBD-rich products. These effects appear to be linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, which play a key role in improving sleep quality and overall well-being (Oxford Academic) (SpringerLink).

That said, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of CBD in palliative care for cancer patients (University of Colorado Boulder).

Bonus: Is CBD psychoactive, is it psychotropic?

Yes and yes again without a shadow of a doubt, yes twice. Just like coffee, chocolate, nutmeg and pepper, which are part of it.

First of all, we must banish any difference between ‘psychotropic’ and ‘psychoactive’, these two words are absolute synonyms for clinical medicine. Now if you want, we will see a small non-exhaustive list of products with known psychotropic effects that humans consume every day.

Spices and Herbs:

Saffron: Contains crocin, a compound that may improve mood and memory.

Ginger: Contains gingerols and shogaols, compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a compound that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant effects.

Fruits and Vegetables:

Banana: Contains dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in motivation and pleasure.

Tomato: Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may protect against cancer.

Spinach: Contains folate, a vitamin that may improve mood and cognitive function.

Other Foods:

Green Tea: Contains L-theanine, an amino acid that may improve relaxation and focus.

Yogurt: Contains probiotics, which may improve mental and gut health.

Fish oils: Contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve mood and function.