A Doctor of Nursing Practice weighs in on cannabidiol
Despite numerous scientific studies that show how cannabis and the cannabidiol (CBD) compound can provide relief for a number of ailments, there are still those who refuse to accept the proof. Those can continue to live in denial and miss out on the many positive benefits of the natural plant, but they will continue to be part of a dwindling minority. As the evidence of CBD’s power mounts, the chief science officer of Ananda Hemp weighs in on the truth behind the powerful cannabinoid.
Alex Capano is a Doctor of Nursing Practice with years of experience researching cannabis. When asked about whether or not CBD can help to combat anxiety, she stated, “…[P]reclinical and animal models support CBD as a viable therapy for anxiety, and multiple human case studies add to the evidence. Rosebud’s product is full-spectrum, so 17 mg likely packs a more potent punch than isolate CBD due to the entourage effect (the theory that the whole plant extract is more effective than CBD alone). Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people use CBD, and it is certainly safer than many prescription anxiety medications.”
For taking care of the skin, Capano suggests, “Human studies on CBD and skin issues do not exist yet, but biochemistry suggests it could play a beneficial role. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD appears to decrease production of oil that clogs pores and help boost cell turnover, which encourages youthful skin and prevents fine lines and acne.”
If you’re considering CBD for muscle soreness, Capano points out that it could provide some relief. She states, “There’s no science to support CBD’s effects in a bath soak, but we do know that transdermal application of CBD is effective. Some of the CBD ‘bath bombs’ I’ve seen on the market cause skepticism, as CBD is not naturally water soluble, meaning it would not readily absorb into the skin this way; it feels gimmicky. [Y7 x Nice Paper’s After Flow CBD Bath Soak], however, is refreshingly oil-based, which would promote true absorption of CBD into the body.”
For those that suffer from insomnia, CBD can definitely provide relief. The expert points out, “Sleep is one of the most common reasons people use CBD, which makes sense, as drowsiness is the most common side-effect of CBD use. A 2018 study evaluated 409 participants and demonstrated that CBD can help alleviate insomnia.”
One of the most common reasons for taking CBD is for pain, and Capano recognizes that there is proof that it works. She states, “Most of the human studies on CBD and pain focus on chronic pain instead of acute muscle aches, but many of these studies reported improvements in muscle stiffness as a secondary measure. There is evidence in animal studies that CBD alleviates muscle pain, though, and we know that CBD is an anti-inflammatory agent.”
The scientific evidence supporting CBD’s benefits exist and the proof continues to pile up. Naysayers can continue to deny the truth, but everyone else will live better lives.