With all of the research being done on the effects of cannabis on the human body, one specific compound is really showing a lot of promise for health benefits. CBD is one of over 60 compounds naturally found in cannabis. The other compound you hear so much about is THC, which is what creates the “high” that people feel, but CBD is purely medicinal in nature. In fact, because of its medicinal value, CBD is legal in some states where cannabis itself is not.
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CBD has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, especially for conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis. The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology has shown that CBD can prevent the progress of arthritis without any adverse side effects. The FDA has even approved the drug Epidiolex, which is 99% CBD oil and prevents seizures, based on a study that showed the drug provided a 54% decrease in seizures for the participants. One of the most impressive impacts that CBD has on health is its benefits for the brain.
Your Brain on CBD
Brain Booster
CBD makes the mitochondria in your cells more efficient, which provides them with more energy. The brain is a very energy-dependant organ, so the more power in the cells, the more power in the brain. CBD also cleanses oxygen from the brain, which makes it run more like a well-oiled machine.
Protects the Brain from the Effects of Aging
As we age, our bodies collect what are known as free radicals from the foods we eat and the environment we live in. It’s unavoidable, and over time, these free radicals cause damage to our cells – especially in the brain. That same oxygen-cleansing ability of CBD that makes our brains run more efficiently also cleans out these free radicals as they build up. Preventing cell damage, prevents the effects of aging.
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Fights Degenerative Neurological Conditions
As someone who has recently been diagnosed with CTE from a 14-year career playing football, I’m most excited about CBD’s ability to slow down the damages from neurological disorders. One of the factors of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s is inflammation in the brain. CBD prevents that inflammation by supporting the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.
Emotional Stability
Another aspect of the endocannabinoid system its role in brain function. Specifically the effects of the ECS on anxiety and depression. CBD naturally increases the receptors in the brain’s ability to function properly, which combats depression and anxiety much like pharmaceutical drugs to – without the negative side effects.
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Psychological Benefits
CBD compounds have even been shown to control symptoms of mental disorders like schizophrenia. Treatment for certain forms of psychosis involving pharmaceutical drugs have dangerous side effects and aren’t effective. CBD has been shown to treat those forms of psychosis without side-effects.