CBD Oil is a compound found in cannabis (marijuana) that does not cause the “high” usually associated with another compound in marijuana, THC.  CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana.  A cannabinoid is a chemical which activates naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors in the body. Scientific research has been (and is being) conducted which has shown the many health benefits of CBD. 

Due the high demand by medical users, growers of both medical marijuana and industrial hemp have started to cultivate plants strains that are CBD-rich instead of the previously desired high THC varieties.

CBD has actually even been shown to counteract some of the side effects of THC, such as the “munchies.” Like THC increases the appetite, CBD suppresses it.  At some point in the future, CBD may even be incorporated into a weight-loss drug.  One exception to the appetite-suppression properties exhibited by CBD is in those with anxiety or stress that makes it difficult for them to eat because due to its sedative effect the CBD aids in calming the anxiety, helping to get rid of the sick feelings in their stomach or chest that is preventing them from eating normally.

CBD oil has also been shown to be anti-inflammatory and animal studies in mice have shown that it reduced inflammation associated with a version of rheumatoid arthritis.  CBD could be used for treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.  Another study with mice showed that when given a dose of CBD immediately following a heart attack the infarct size was reduced by more than 60%.  Additionally, another study using mice showed the ability of CBD to block the development of diabetes.  Several other animal studies have been done showing CBD Oil can prevent metastasis of breast cancer cells. A small scale study done in Brazil showed that adding CBD to the anticonvulsants used by epilepsy patients reduced or stopped the seizures they experienced.  More animal research studies and eventually human clinical trials will need to be completed before mainstream medicine accepts CBD oil as a viable medicine, but judging by the increased demand by patients these will be coming in the not so distant future. C