10 Surprising Benefits of Cannabinoids

Did You Know The Benefits of Cannabinoids?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 surprising benefits of cannabinoids that you may not have known about. Whether you’re interested in trying cannabinoids for the first time or are already a fan, this post will provide valuable information about these compounds’ therapeutic potential.

Cannabinoids have gained a lot of attention in recent years due to their potential therapeutic benefits. Cannabinoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce various effects.

In modern medicine, cannabinoids are used to treat a range of medical conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety and epilepsy. While most people associate cannabinoids with getting high, these compounds have many potential health benefits that may surprise you.

Let’s dive in!

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in the body. According to a 2011 article by Ethan B. Russo in the British Journal of Pharmacology, cannabinoids are “a group of terpenophenolic compounds” that are produced by the cannabis plant [1]. There are more than 100 known cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are the most well-known and studied [2]. Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes, such as mood, appetite, pain, and inflammation [3].

The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis is THC, which causes the “high” associated with cannabis use. CBD, however, does not have psychoactive effects and is recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that play a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, sleep, and pain.

When cannabinoids are consumed, they bind to the receptors in the ECS, producing various effects. For example, THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which produces a high, while CBD binds to CB2 receptors in the immune system, which may help to reduce inflammation.

In summary, cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects.

Cannabinoids and Pain Relief

Researchers have discovered that cannabinoids possess pain-relieving properties, indicating that they could be a viable substitute for conventional painkillers. The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates various functions, including pain perception. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD interact with the ECS and help reduce pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

A study published in the Journal of Pain Research showed that using a CBD-based topical gel significantly reduced joint swelling and pain in patients with arthritis.[4] Another study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD effectively reduced pain and improved sleep quality in patients with chronic pain conditions.[5]

One of the benefits of cannabinoids over traditional painkillers is that they have fewer side effects. For example, opioids commonly used for pain relief can cause addiction, constipation, and respiratory depression. In contrast, cannabinoids are generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects.

Several studies have compared the effectiveness of cannabinoids to traditional painkillers, with some finding that cannabinoids are more effective in reducing pain.[6]  For example, a 2018 study found that a combination of THC and CBD was more effective in reducing pain in people with advanced cancer than traditional opioids.

Cannabinoids and Sleep

Cannabinoids have also shown promise in improving sleep quality. The endocannabinoid system is known to regulate sleep, and cannabinoids can interact with this system to promote better sleep.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, reduced the time it took for participants to fall asleep and increased the amount of time spent in deep sleep.[7] Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, improved sleep in participants with insomnia.[9]

However, it is important to note that while cannabinoids may have potential as sleep aids, there are also concerns about their side effects, such as daytime drowsiness and impaired cognitive function. Additionally, research on the long-term effects of using cannabinoids for sleep is limited.

Cannabinoids and Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and many turn to prescription drugs to manage their symptoms. However, research suggests that cannabinoids may also be an effective treatment for anxiety.[10]

Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC have been found to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood and stress responses. Studies have shown that CBD, in particular, may reduce anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain.

One study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that CBD reduced anxiety symptoms in people with social anxiety disorder during a public speaking task[11]. Another study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD reduced anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder.[12]

While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabinoids on anxiety, these early studies suggest that they may be a promising alternative to traditional anxiety medications.

Cannabinoids and Skin Health

Cannabinoids have shown promising results in improving various skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, CBD demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the inflammation associated with acne[13]. Another study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science in 2007 found that the use of cannabinoids can reduce itching and inflammation associated with psoriasis and dermatitis.[14]

Moreover, cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation also found that CBD can regulate the production of sebum, which can help prevent acne.[15]

Several studies have compared the effectiveness of cannabinoids to traditional skincare products, with some finding that cannabinoids are more effective in improving skin health. For example, a 2019 study found that a topical CBD-infused cream was effective in reducing skin inflammation in people with psoriasis.

It’s important to note that while there is promising research on the use of cannabinoids for skin health, more studies are needed to fully understand their effectiveness and potential side effects.

Cannabinoids and Digestive Health

Cannabinoids have been found to have potential benefits for digestive health. Research has shown that the endocannabinoid system significantly regulates gastrointestinal motility and inflammation [16]. Cannabinoids such as CBD have been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially providing relief for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [17].

In addition, cannabinoids have also been found to stimulate appetite and relieve nausea [18]. Studies have shown that medical cannabis can provide effective relief for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting [19].

Cannabinoids and Neurological Disorders

Cannabinoids have shown potential in the treatment of various neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. CBD, in particular, has been extensively studied for its neuroprotective properties and ability to reduce brain inflammation. A review of studies found that CBD may have antipsychotic effects and could be useful in treating schizophrenia [20]. In addition, a clinical trial found that a CBD-based oral spray reduced spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis [21]. Several studies have compared the effectiveness of cannabinoids to traditional treatments for neurological disorders, with some finding that cannabinoids are more effective in improving neurological function. For example, a 2019 study found that CBD effectively improved sleep and reduced pain in people with multiple sclerosis.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential of cannabinoids in treating neurological disorders. Some studies have found that THC may have negative effects on cognitive function [22]. As such, it is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider before using cannabinoids for neurological conditions.