Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has become the hot new product in dispensaries around Guelph, Kitchener, and beyond. It’s being credited with helping treat a host of medical problems — everything from epileptic seizures to anxiety to inflammation to sleeplessness.

But does it actually work?

First thing’s first… what is it? Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant components in the cannabis plant, research has started to focus on the potential benefits of the substance. CBD works by interacting with your cannabinoid receptors, known to influence things like pain, mood, and sleep. The nervous system contains cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. These reports are designed to interact with the natural Endocannabinoids, which our body naturally produces.

The bottom line

Here are 3 uses for CBD that have been tested and proven:

• Pain Relief: Marijuana has been used to treat pain as far back as 2900 B.C.! More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of marijuana, especially CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects. The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters

• Anxiety and Depression Relief: CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, leading many who live with these disorders to become interested in this natural approach. In one Brazilian study, 57 men received either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before they underwent a simulated public speaking test. The researchers found that a 300-mg dose of CBD was the most effective at significantly reducing anxiety during the test.

• Heart Health: Recent research has linked CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to higher risks of a number of health conditions, including stroke, heart attack and metabolic syndrome. Studies indicate that CBD may be able to help with high blood pressure. One recent study treated nine healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it reduced resting blood pressure, compared to a placebo. The same study also gave the men stress tests that normally increase blood pressure. Interestingly, the single dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure increase than normal in response to these tests.Researchers have suggested that the stress- and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD are responsible for its ability to help lower blood pressure!

If you’re curious to try CBD out for yourself, take a look at our curated selection! Each CBD product we carry has been hand-picked by our experienced staff and is sure to impress. Shop now!