CBD Research Findings: What Doctors Are Saying about Cannabidiol

 Across the United States, in Canada and around the world, there is an increasing acceptance of the wellness and healing powers of CBD and the cannabis plant it comes from. Doctors are speaking out about its therapeutic value, while also issuing cautions about diving into cannabidiol without knowing the full picture. An amazing amount of research is going on.

In this article, I want to share with you some of what a handful of doctors have published about the beneficial uses of CBD. Their findings highlight the need for continued research. Indeed, considering the mounting pile of anecdotal and clinical evidence, the research really should be beefed up.

What CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta wrote to Senator Jeff Sessions

• “Medical marijuana could save many addicted to opioids.”
• “Not only can cannabis work for a variety of conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and pain, sometimes, it is the only thing that works.”
• “The science of weed:
  Cannabis and its compounds show potential to save lives in three important ways. Cannabis can help treat pain, reducing the initial need for opioids. Cannabis is also effective at easing opioid withdrawal symptoms, much like it does for cancer patients, ill from chemotherapy side effects. Finally, and perhaps most important, the compounds found in cannabis can heal the diseased addict's brain, helping them break the cycle of addiction.
  Mr. Sessions, there is no other known substance that can accomplish all this.” [1] 

Here’s what the World Health Organization (WHO) said about CBD in 2017

• “Cannabidiol has been demonstrated as an effective treatment of epilepsy in several clinical trials, and there is also preliminary evidence that CBD may be a useful treatment for a number of other medical conditions.”
• “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”
• “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.”
• “To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” [2]

Talking about CBD being safe, Dr. Gregory Smith says, “I have maintained that clinically, the safety profile of CBD is excellent, especially when compared to any prescription medication.” [3] 

Did a doctor really claim this is “the single most important scientific medical discovery”?

Yes, he did, and in case this is new to you, let me mention that CBD interacts with what is called the endocannabinoid system. It’s your body’s master control system. No wonder Dr. David Allen is so excited about it. Here’s what he wrote in the Cannabis Digest:

• “The discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the single most important scientific medical discovery since the recognition of sterile surgical technique. As our knowledge expands, we are coming to realize that the ECS is a master control system of virtually all physiology.”

He also wrote:

• “This new field of science will change medicine forever and prove cannabis the gold standard for many disease processes.” [4] 

Is CBD effective for chronic pain?

• “In studies of generalized chronic pain, CBD treatment did not significantly reduce measures of pain, however there was consistent improvement in patient-reported quality of life and quality of sleep.” [5]

Now, I don't know what you make of that. The studies didn't find any significant pain reduction, but the patients said CBD helped them sleep better and have a better quality of life. Go figure! 

What about arthritis?

• “According to a study by the Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of London, England, it’s suggested that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help manage chronic pain and inflammations. Thus, arthritis, nerve-related pains, and other inflammations may be managed with CBD.” [6]

What about insomnia? Is CBD helpful with sleep disorders?

Writing in Harvard Health Publishing, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, MD says: 

• “CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.” [7]

Does CBD help with anxiety?

A study of 72 adults concluded that most patients (79%) were less anxious as a result of using CBD. Similarly most patients (66%) had better sleep with CBD, though fluctuations were reported. The conclusions? 

• "Evidence points toward a calming effect for CBD in the central nervous system… Cannabidiol may hold benefits for anxiety-related disorders." 
• "The most notable benefit of cannabis as a form of treatment is safety."
• "CBD appears to be better tolerated than routine psychiatric medications." [8]

Can CBD help with nerve troubles?

As reported in 2020, there has been an increasing body of evidence for the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of chronic, noncancer pain. In this small study of patients with peripheral neuropathy, researchers concluded:

• “There was a statistically significant reduction in intense pain, sharp pain, cold and itchy sensations in the CBD group when compared to the placebo group. No adverse events were reported in this study.
  Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the transdermal application of CBD oil can achieve significant improvement in pain and other disturbing sensations in patients with peripheral neuropathy. The treatment product was well tolerated and may provide a more effective alternative compared to other current therapies in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.” [9] 

And finally, any good news for back pain sufferers?

Yes, indeed. Although this was a study of only two patients, one was suffering from a lumbar fracture and the other was dealing with post-surgery pain, the pain relief they reported was “significant”. Here’s what the report said:

• “Hemp-derived CBD in a transdermal cream provided significant symptom and pain relief.” [10] 

In the interest of balanced reporting, let me also quote this: “Preclinical studies have shown some promising data regarding the medicinal value of CBD but studies in humans are not consistent in outcome and controversial in their design. More studies need to be performed in humans with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.” [11] 

DISCLAIMER: This article presents readers with published research findings including references to the sources that indicate CBD may be beneficial in treating various health troubles. The intention is to inform our readers but not to provide recommendations for any specific ailment because as a company providing CBD products to the American market, we are not permitted to make medical claims. Please consult your own physician, or qualified wellness practitioner, prior to taking CBD products for relief of any of the conditions mentioned above.

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REFERENCES

[1] https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/24/health/medical-marijuana-opioid-epidemic-sanjay-gupta/index.html
[2] https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
[3] https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/fda-warning-letter-cbd-use-marketing-health-effects-companies-respond/
[4] https://cannabisdigest.ca/survey-endocannabinoid-system-medical-schools/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
[6] https://www.cbdschool.com/8-benefits-of-using-cbd-for-animals
[7] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/
[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32421842/ 
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7331870/

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By WriterGary.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.*