Medical Marijuana has been getting a lot of press lately as more and more states pass legislation legalizing it’s use. What’s also gaining attention is the rising use of cannabinoid oil. In a recent article Dr. Mercola writes, “The cannabinoids in cannabis — cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — interact with your body by way of naturally-occurring cannabinoid receptors embedded in cell membranes throughout your body. In fact, scientists now believe the endocannabinoid system may represent the most widespread receptor system in your body. There are cannabinoid receptors in your brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, immune system and more, and both the therapeutic and psychoactive properties of marijuana occur when a cannabinoid activates a cannabinoid receptor.”

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are dozens of compounds including Cannabidiol (CBD), THC, and a host of other cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, or CBD, does not contain THC, the component most associated with getting high and doesn’t have much of a noticeable effect when isolated.

There is an increasing amount of research indicating that CBD has health benefits in a number of areas:

• Diabetes: In a study using CBD, the development of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice was prevented. Although there wasn’t a direct effect of cannabidiol on glucose levels, the treatment prevented the production of IL-12 by splenocytes. Preventing this cytokine is important because it plays a huge role in many autoimmune diseases.
• PTSD: CBD is known to produce anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects when ingested by slowing everything down and calming the user. Those with PTSD are often overcome with anxiety and stress, so patients frequently find relief by using cannabidiol.
• Anti-Cancer: CBD and other chemicals found in Cannabis have an anti-tumor effect and could be used to improve standard treatments. CBD has been shown to decrease cancer cell growth and invasion and to improve the efficacy of conventional antitumor drugs when taken in conjunction.
• Alzheimer’s: Dr. Mercola writes: In a 2014 study, researchers at the University of South Florida and Thomas Jefferson University found that low-dose THC directly impedes the buildup of beta amyloid plaque in the brain, which is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s, and unlike so many pharmaceutical drugs, it produces no toxicity.
• Parkinson’s & MS: Cannabinoid-based medicines have been proposed as clinically promising therapies in Parkinson’s disease and in Multiple Sclerosis.
• Pain Management: CBD has natural anti-inflammatory properties, without any harsh side effects. Exercising sore muscles is one of the best ways to relieve chronic pain, but when it hurts to move, exercising often gets pushed to the back burner. The relief brought on by CBD will make it easier to move and more comfortable, as the muscles begin to relax from the dosage.
• Epilepsy: As reported on CNN, Cannabidiol, which is found in marijuana plants, reduced the number of convulsive seizures in children with a severe and often fatal epilepsy disorder, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Among children taking cannabidiol, the decrease in the frequency of convulsive seizures — which involve a loss of consciousness, stiffened muscles and jerking movements — was 23 percentage points greater than the decrease in seizures among children taking a placebo.
• Sleep Disorders: According to the latest research, Cannabidiol (CBD) may be a feasible option for people who have trouble sleeping.
• Anxiety: A new study examines the neurobiology behind these illnesses and finds that controlling a molecule that activates cannabinoid receptors can reduce the symptoms of anxiety.