Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the derivatives of cannabis that has been widely used for its health benefits. And with the recent push to legalize it worldwide, its popularity has been growing by leaps and bounds. You can now buy CBD oils over the counter or online from companies such as The CBD Distributors. The notable quality about CBD is that, contrary to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it is a non-psychoactive substance. This makes it a safe option for those looking for the health benefits of cannabis without any mind-altering properties. Here are three of the top benefits of CBD oils, according to recent research.

Pain relief

One of the most common uses of CBD oil is to relieve pain. In fact, it was thought to be first used around 2900 BC for this very purpose. The effects of CBD have been studied scientifically for many years, but until recently, scientists did not have a conclusive answer as to why it works. Even still, the theories they have are being studied for more solid evidence. However, there doesn’t seem to be much questioning to the fact that it does, in fact, work to relieve pain.

The most recent studies conclude that CBD may relieve pain by help regulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body. This system releases endocannabinoids that bind with cannabinoids in the central nervous system, where pain is transmitted. CBD has been shown to interact with that activity, reducing inflammation and blocking some pain receptors. This is the property that makes CBD especially effective in relieving chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Heart health

CBD oil seems to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, primarily by lowering a user’s blood pressure. And because high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems, this benefit could just save your life.

A recent study included administering CBD oil to nine healthy men. They were each given either a single dose of 600 mg of CBD or a placebo. During this treatment, they were monitored closely for changes in their cardiovascular system. The men who were given CBD had lower blood pressure, lower stroke volume, and slightly increased heart rates.

Alleviation of cancer symptoms

Many studies have been conducted on the effects of CBD on cancer-related symptoms. And the main ones it seems to control are nausea, vomiting, and pain. One such study treated 177 patients with cancer pain who were not getting enough relief from pain medications. The patients either received CBD extract, THC extract, or a placebo.

The patients who received the CBD extract experienced the most significant results. They had more than a 30 percent pain reduction, whereas the placebo and THC recipients had only around a 21 percent and 23 percent change respectively. The conclusion was that “CBD extract is efficacious for relief of pain in patients with advanced cancer pain not fully relieved by strong opioids.”

Other studies done on the effects of CBD on cancer patients have shown that smoking marijuana can relieve the nausea and vomiting often caused by chemotherapy. And inhaling its vapors has been shown to help with neuropathy. But most impressively, CBD has been shown to kill certain cancer cells.

Studies are still being conducted to determine the various benefits of CBD. With the current push to legalize its use across the US and Canada, scientists are free to explore its potential uses. And while use of the substance has been documented for many centuries, its miraculous benefits are being proven today as a means to treat various health conditions.