Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil derived from cannabis, is a popular natural remedy for many ailments. CBD oil benefits include pain relief and relaxation without any mind-altering effects.
People make CBD oil by extracting it from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. It’s one of more than 100 chemical compoundsTrusted Source called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high that’s often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.
CBD can be found in various products online and in stores, including dietary supplements, bath soaks, drinks, and food.
We’ve partnered with Medterra to bring you this article covering six evidence-backed health benefits of CBD.
1. May relieve pain
Cannabis has been used to treat pain since 2900 B.CTrusted Source., with use originating in Chinese medicine. Researchers believe that components like CBD may be responsible for these effects.
The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating functions like pain sensation. The body produces neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors.
StudiesTrusted Source show that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by targeting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters. Preclinical evidence also suggests that it may be effective
rheumatic diseases like fibromyalgia, per research from 2021Trusted Source.
2. Could reduce symptoms related to some mental health disorders
CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for some mental health disorders leading many people who live with these conditions to become interested in this natural treatment approach.
A 2020 literature reviewTrusted Source on CBD and mood disorders found that multiple studies suggest CBD has properties that may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even psychosis.
A small 2019 studyTrusted Source also found that CBD was effective in reducing PTSD-related symptoms, including nightmares, in adults.
That said, the available research has not been sufficient for doctors to recommend CBD as an actual treatment for such conditions.
3. May alleviate certain cancer-related symptoms
CBD may help reduce some cancer-related symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain, according to research published in 2022Trusted Source.
However, more research is needed to determine whether CBD should be used more regularly in cancer symptom management.
4. May have neuroprotective properties
CBD may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders. A 2022 studyTrusted Source suggests that nabiximols (Sativex) spray containing both CBD and THC may help reduce pain and muscle spasticity in people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Research from 2017 indicated that CBD oil helped reduce seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome, but it also caused some adverse reactions.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source has approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, for the treatment of several seizure disorders and seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC is a rare genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and other body areas.
There’s also some limited evidence that CBD may also be effectiveTrusted Source in improving the symptoms of other neurological conditions, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- motor disorders like cerebral palsy
5. May benefit heart health
High blood pressure is linked to higher risks of several health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.
Research indicates that CBD may be beneficiaTrusted Sourcel for people with high blood pressure because it can influence the contractions of the heart muscle and help widen blood vessels.
For example, one study from 2020Trusted Source that included 26 healthy men found that treatment with 600 milligrams of CBD for 7 days led to significant reductions in blood pressure in the short term compared with a placebo group. However, the effect was lost after 7 days.
While these findings are encouraging, more research into the potential benefits of CBD treatment on heart health is needed.
6. Other potential benefits
CBD has been studied for its role in treating a number of health issues other than those outlined above.
Though more research is needed, CBD is thought to potentially provide the following health benefits:
What are the drawbacks of CBD oil?
CBD is considered generally safe, but it may causeTrusted Source adverse reactions like diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, and fatigue in some people.
Other side effects, including abnormal liver function test results, drowsiness, sedation, and pneumonia, have been reportedTrusted Source in childhood epilepsy research.
But these effects could stem from CBD interacting with other medications, such as clobazam, as it can interactTrusted Source with various drugs. It’s always a good idea to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about the right dosing for you and your risk of experiencing side effects.
Low quality CBD products are common in the marketplace, so it’s important to choose products that have been third-party tested for quality and purity.
Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — Written by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD — Updated on June 30, 2023