Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil derived from cannabis, is a popular natural remedy for many ailments. CBD oil benefits include pain relief and relaxation without any mind-altering effects.
People make CBD oil by extracting it from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. It’s one of more than 100 chemical compoundsTrusted Source called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high that’s often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
1. Pain Relief
People make CBD oil by extracting it from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. It’s one of more than 100 chemical compoundsTrusted Source called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high that’s often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
2. Could reduce symptoms related to some mental health disorders
CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for some mental health disorders leading many people who live with these conditions to become interested in this natural treatment approach.
A 2020 literature reviewTrusted Source on CBD and mood disorders found that multiple studies suggest CBD has properties that may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even psychosis.
A small 2019 studyTrusted Source also found that CBD was effective in reducing PTSD-related symptoms, including nightmares, in adults.
3. May alleviate certain cancer-related symptoms
CBD may help reduce some cancer-related symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain, according to research published in 2022Trusted Source.
However, more research is needed to determine whether CBD should be used more regularly in cancer symptom management.
4. N europrotective properties
There’s also some limited evidence that CBD may also be effectiveTrusted Source in improving the symptoms of other neurological conditions, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- motor disorders like cerebral palsy
High blood pressure is linked to higher risks of several health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.
Research indicates that CBD may be beneficiaTrusted Sourcel for people with high blood pressure because it can influence the contractions of the heart muscle and help widen blood vessels.
For example, one study from 2020Trusted Source that included 26 healthy men found that treatment with 600 milligrams of CBD for 7 days led to significant reductions in blood pressure in the short term compared with a placebo group. However, the effect was lost after 7 days.
While these findings are encouraging, more research into the potential benefits of CBD treatment on heart health is needed.
CBD has been studied for its role in treating a number of health issues other than those outlined above.
Though more research is needed, CBD is thought to potentially provide the following health benefits:
- Substance misuse treatment: CBD may be helpfulTrusted Source for relieving anxiety and depression in people who have a dependence on certain drugs, including heroin, per preclinical evidence.
- Possible extension of life in those with glioblastoma: Treatment with a combination of CBD and THC may help extendTrusted Source the life of some people with an aggressive form of cancer called glioblastoma, yet research is limited.
- Possible improvement in sleep: CBD might help improveTrusted Source sleep in people with certain sleep disorders, though more research is needed.