It is no new news that CBD is all the rage these days. With all the therapeutic properties it contains, this single cannabis compound has created havoc in the healthcare industry. The market size of CBD (cannabidiol) was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2020 and is likely to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% from the year 2021 to 2028. This data clearly indicates the future of CBD. Now, those of you with little or no knowledge about cannabis may wonder why this chemical compound is so much in demand. Well, there’s a lot that goes behind its popularity. In this article, we will be talking about CBD, its potential effects, and the factors influencing its demand in the market.
What is CBD?
CBD, scientifically recognized as Cannabidiol, is the naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant. Usually extracted either from Cannabis Sativa or hemp plants, it’s one of the most prevalent compounds found in cannabis and enjoys a huge demand due to its therapeutic potential. Well, it’s used both for recreational and medicinal purposes which has also paved the way for its active scientific research.
Another major cannabinoid other than CBD is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant which is well-known for providing the ‘high’ feeling. Products containing the combination of both CBD and THC are considered to be much effective in the management of different health conditions. One can easily get their hands on CBD products with a $20 medical card without panicking about the legal ramifications.
What Are the Health Benefits of CBD?
CBD is all the rage these days and its immense contribution in the healthcare sector cannot be neglected. Though there’s limited data on CBD and its long-term potential, there is some anecdotal evidence that suggests that cannabidiol can be a great therapeutic agent helping a wide range of patients with different debilitating medical conditions.
One of the studies conducted on CBD and neurological disorders resulted in following conclusions:
- CBD is found to be anticonvulsant in many acute animal models and there’s limited research available on the chronic animal models to claim its long-term effects.
- CBD does offer neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Though CBD is considered to be well-tolerated in humans, there’s limited research on CBD for the treatment of human epilepsy.
Below are some of the most common medical benefits that have been cited by different patients:
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain relief has to be the most common benefit of marijuana, as per the reports of patients. In addition, there are patients who are replacing traditional pain medications with marijuana products. Along with this, there have been various scientific studies that suggest CBD to be a great therapeutic agent in the treatment of chronic pain.
CBD oil and CBD edibles are known to be the two most effective methods to have quick pain-relief. Thanks to the legalization of CBD in most of the US states, people with chronic pain complaints can easily buy CBD or THC( less than 0.3) infused products.
Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health disorders affecting millions of people all across the globe. Marijuana is said to have anxiolytic properties that help a patient relax which in turn results in a better sleeping pattern, reducing the symptoms of anxiety.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness.There are patients who report that using marijuana for a specific period of time can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). Though patients report that marijuana has a positive influence in managing glaucoma, the scientific community believes that the research in this area is still insufficient to claim the effects.
Other health Benefits of Cannabis:
- Helps reduce the symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Can be a great mood booster
- Influences appetite
- Help treats several neurological disorders such as Dementia, Tourette Syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, etc.
- Promotes sleep
- Helps manage the side-effects of cancer treatments such as nausea and vomiting.
Best Way to Consume CBD
Well, there are different ways of cannabis consumption. Speaking of CBD particularly, products such as CBD oils, CBD edibles, CBD topicals, etc are quite common and easily-available in the market. CBD oil and edibles are considered to be the most effective when it comes to effects and time-duration.Gummies are widely used by patients to get relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc.
Now, it is to be understood here that cannabis is a complex plant with a complex nature. It might suit one person and might not work at all for another person. It depends on various factors including the method of consumption. If CBD oil is used for experiencing immediate effects, gummies are taken for their convenience and long-lasting effects.
Are There Any Risks?
Though CBD contains a bunch of therapeutic properties, an excessive consumption of the chemical compound can lead to some short-term side-effects.Though not everybody is likely to experience the side-effects, here are some of the common risks associated with marijuana consumption:
- Dry Mouth
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in concentration
- Anxiety
- Short-term memory loss
- Change in blood pressure
- Change in heart rate
If anyone has any doubts whether they should take cannabis or not, consulting a medical expert would always be the safest option.
