The Untapped Gold Mine of CBD That Virtually No One Knows About
The rising cost of healthcare has prompted more people to experiment with alternative medicines and natural remedies. One of the most prominent alternatives that have grown in popularity in recent years is cannabidiol. The cannabis market grew exponentially in the last few years, thanks to expanding evidence regarding its medicinal properties. Rampant legalization across Europe and North America has also helped popularize products made using marijuana. However, individuals remain unaware of certain aspects of these natural remedies due to less coverage. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the untapped gold mine of CBD that most people ignore.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of several phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Manufacturers can extract these compounds from marijuana and hemp. However, most prefer the industrial variant hemp because it contains higher amounts of cannabidiol. Marijuana, on the other hand, has higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is another cannabinoid found in cannabis responsible for the intoxication associated with cannabis use and consumption. However, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive and does not induce any mind-altering properties. As a result, individuals can buy the best CBD products at CBDfx, containing hemp extracts for extended periods without worrying about its side effects.
The market now offers various ingestion and consumption methods for such products. Some of the most popular ways people take in their daily dose of cannabidiol are as follows.
- Vape pens and cartridges
- Edibles infused with cannabidiol
- Oils and tinctures
- Topical creams
- Capsules and pills
Untapped Gold Mine of CBD
Cannabidiol and Cancer
One of the benefits of cannabidiol that few people are aware of is its cancer-related abilities. Products containing these hemp extracts can help individuals manage their symptoms and even inhibit the growth of tumors. Studies have highlighted the aid that such products can provide to cancer treatment by helping slow the growth of cancerous tumors. Additionally, they can enhance the uptake and boost the potency of cancer drugs to do their job efficiently. A 2019 study done on pancreatic cancer patients found that cannabinoids reduce tumor invasion and lead to cell death within such growths. These researchers also called for the scientific community to come together and experiment with different dosing regimens, formulations, and modes of action. Another study performed in the same year highlighted how such hemp extracts make glioblastoma cells susceptible to radiation while excluding healthy cells.
A long-term study conducted on men found that consistent use of cannabis can help lower the risk of bladder cancer. However, these have not established a cause-and-effect relationship as of now. Studies done in 2014 have indicated that CBD inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells and can help treat gliomas. Preclinical studies also showed that such compounds are effective treatments for metastatic breast cancer by reducing cell proliferation and invasion significantly. While these are sparse in number, such studies highlight the scope and potential of cannabidiol in combating cancer. Further research papers can help indicate the appropriate dosage and potency required for such products to serve as a potential cancer treatment. Future studies should focus on the following points to help further this line of thought.
- Effects of CBD in the presence and absence of other cannabinoids
- Safe, efficient, and effective dosing
- Effects of various administration techniques and the speed of impact
- CBD’s impact on different types of cancer
- Interaction with other chemotherapy drugs
Cannabidiol to Alleviate Symptoms
Another area where cannabidiol can make a massive impact is in helping individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Such treatment methodologies are invasive and often lead to severe side effects, including loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Studies show that products containing hemp extracts can be effective in alleviating such symptoms. As a result, such compounds can help improve the quality of life of cancer patients significantly. Extracts from cannabis can ease neuropathic pain, inflammation, and nausea. All these cause tremendous discomfort and physical problems to cancer patients undergoing treatment for it. While tetrahydrocannabinol can help improve patients’ appetites, cannabidiol can provide relaxation. The anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory abilities of such products can help patients manage their mobility issues.
The FDA recently approved Epidiolex as the first drug based on cannabidiol for treating two rare forms of pediatric epilepsy. On the other hand, they have approved two synthetic THC drugs for treating excessive chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Dronabinol is available as capsules and tinctures, whereas Nabilone is a synthetic preparation resembling tetrahydrocannabinol. Administrators in Canada and Europe have approved Nabiximols, which contain traces of THC and cannabidiol, to combat pain caused by cancer. Evidence suggests that such products can aid and complement cancer treatment by helping with the following issues.
- Stimulating patient appetite and preventing drastic weight loss
- Treatment for nausea and vomiting
- Pain relief and management
- Prevent excessive inflammation and never damage
- Relax and calm the patient
Preventative Treatment
Due to the rise in different types of cancers, researchers are trying to understand the underlying causes for such ailments. These studies highlighted that smoking cigarette, eating an unhealthy diet, and working in high-stress conditions are risk factors for cancer. Some common preventative treatments include the following.
- Maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Following a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding nicotine and tobacco
- Taking annual blood tests and check-ups
- Maintaining a healthy weight and mental prowess
However, several studies have indicated that cannabidiol can help with all these precautionary steps. For instance, cholesterol works as a significant risk factor for cancer, and individuals who consume diets high in fats are susceptible to this. A 2011 study suggested that CBD can help regulate how microglial cells perform or induce cholesterol homeostasis. Hence, such products can help individuals control their cholesterol levels. Additionally, cannabidiol is a vasodilator capable of easing blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health. Chronic inflammation can also lead to increased cell growth, and maintaining the appropriate immune response is critical to preventing cancerous growth. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol can help prevent nervous tissue, vascular and arthritis-related swelling. These compounds suppress the action of cytokines at inflammation sites, leading to reduced immune response and better internal balance.
Conclusion
While cannabis might not replace cancer treatment, further research can help highlight how it can help in the fight against such deadly diseases. Consistent use of such products over time can help alleviate several risk factors associated with cancer cell growth and propagation. However, make sure you consult a doctor before starting any CND-based regimen to prevent adverse drug reactions. What are the other untapped areas and potential that CBD holds? Help others learn more about such benefits by sharing your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
