Scientific and pharmaceutical research into the effects Cannabidiol (CBD) has on the human body has surged in recent years. According to ScienceNews, the number of funding dollars going towards CBD studies by the National Institute of Health went from zero dollars in 2014 to 16 million dollars in 2018.

 Zero funding to multi-millions of dollars in just four years? Wow, that’s impressive! 

Here at Okanagan CBD, we’re rejoicing! For those of us that have long touted the benefits and healing properties of quality CBD products, we’ve understood CBD’s value for a while. Therefore, we are delighted to see the scientific community is finally starting to catch up!

So, what is the scientific community doing to learn about CBD? Let’s take a look at some of the recent findings medical researchers have encountered through the research of CBD.

Epilepsy Treatment: Relief for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Sufferers

June 2018 saw the approval of Epidiolex, the first CBD based medication to be approved. Epidiolex is a CBD medication intended to help treat two forms of epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome, and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). 

Patients suffering from these two hard-to-treat forms of epilepsy see a reduction in seizure frequency “between 30 and 63 percent” when using Epidiolex as part of their treatment plan. Equally as remarkable, those recent findings also found that when patients did have seizures after starting Epidiolex treatment, they saw a reduction in seizure intensity and less severe post-seizure experiences.

Anxiety Disorders: CBD Offers Hope

CBD treatment for anxiety isn’t fully understood just yet, but early results are very promising. In 2015, upon review of multiple studies on CBD and its effects on anxiety symptoms, it was determined that “existing preclinical evidence” strongly supports CBD as a potential treatment for patients suffering from anxiety disorders.

What anxiety-conditions can potentially be treated with CBD? PTSD, or Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder, is on anxiety disorder that “CBD may offer therapeutic benefits.” The same study learned the side effects of CBD use are much less severe than the side effects of other treatments commonly used today. Other anxiety disorders may also be able to be treated with CBD.

Anti-Inflammatory: CBD Soothes Chronic Conditions

CBD is commonly becoming a preferred treatment to alleviate symptoms related to inflammation disorders, and science is finally starting to catch up. When our bodies work towards healing an injury or disease, the process often results in inflammation.  Inflammation conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, can be uncomfortable and painful, as well as challenging to treat. Being unable to find a reliable, consistent form of arthritis relief is why many people living with arthritis have turned to CBD.

What science is now starting to confirm is that CBD has potentially powerful anti-inflammatory properties that could be used therapeutically for various inflammation-related conditions. 

Pain Relief: CBD Shows A Gentle Option

Pain management is an on-going concern that affects most people at least once during their lifetime. Pain is real, and it can be a challenge to alleviate, regardless of the cause. Over-the-counter relief options are often not sufficient enough to manage enduring pain conditions, but, prescription drugs, like opioids, can create dangerous side effects.

Early scientific results are indicating that CBD may be an effective alternative to opioids that helps with pain management. Of course, many already rely on CBD to find relief from their chronic pain symptoms. At Okanagan CBD, we are eager to see more medical practitioners’ supporting CBD treatments and their benefits.

Liver Disease: CBD Elevates the Risk

Like with all medical treatments, there needs to be an awareness of all potential complications that could arise during treatment. While CBD is showing multiple benefits for its use, it also has a well-documented side effect that should be noted. 

Elevated risks for developing liver disease has been linked to CBD use in a study recently published in the journal Molecules. The study concluded that CBD use resulted in “clear signs of hepatoxicity” (liver disease). 

CBD in the Spotlight

While CBD remains in the spotlight, we are sure that continued efforts will be made towards the research of it. We should expect to learn exactly how it interacts with our bodies and also how the medical community can use that information to benefit their patients.

CBD research results continue to grow in 2019. As it does, we will continue to offer top-quality CBD products while we monitor incoming results and share them with you.