Much of the buzz about CBD is focused in three main areas:
Inflammation, Neuroprotection, Immune Support
Inflammation is at the root of many disease processes in the body and can be a major cause of pain.Â
Recent studies suggest that CBD may have a use in treating a number of diseases and disorders known to involve activation of the immune system and oxidative stress as a contributor to disease progression. These include rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes types I & II, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, ischemia-reperfusion injury, depression, and neuropathic pain.
George W. Booz
Free Radic Biol Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 Sep 1.
Published in final edited form as: Free Radic Biol Med. 2011 Sep 1; 51(5): 1054–1061. Published online 2011 Jan 14. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.01.007
PMCID: PMC3085542
 Brain health and nerve function are tied to numerous functions of the body. Neuroprotection refers to mental/emotional functions, neuropathic pain, as well as neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease.Â
CBD research in animal models and humans has shown numerous therapeutic properties for brain function and protection, both by its effect on the Endocannabinoid system directly and by influencing endogenous cannabinoids. Broadly, CBD has demonstrated anxiolytic, antidepressant, neuroprotective ant-iinflammatory, and immunomodulatory benefits. CBD decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines, influences microglial cells to return to a ramified state, preserves cerebral circulation during ischemic events, and reduces vascular changes and neuroinflammation. CBD is of particular interest due to its wide-ranging capabilities and lack of side effects in a variety of neurological conditions and diseases.
CBD appears to stimulate synaptic plasticity and facilitates neurogenesis that may explain its positive effects on attenuating psychotic, anxiety, and depressive behaviors.Â
Camposa AC, Fogac MV, Sonegoa AB, GuimarĂŁesa FS. Cannabidiol, neuroprotection and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Res. 2016;112:119–27. [PubMed]Â
–Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids
Joseph Maroon, Jeff Bost
Surg Neurol Int. 2018; 9: 91. Published online 2018 Apr 26. doi: 10.4103/sni.sni_45_18
PMCID: PMC5938896
Immune function is critical to maintaining optimal health. Immune modulation is the calming of an overactive immune response like you might see in an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, or the boosting of a weakened immune system like you might see with cancer or diabetes type II.
Endocannabinoids exhibit complex regulatory effects on the immune system. Endocannabnoids and their congeners can thus be considered as potent immunomodulators.Â
Endocannabinoids and immune regulation
Rupal Pandey, Khalida Mousawy, Mitzi Nagarkatti, Prakash Nagarkatti
Pharmacol Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2011 Feb 24.
Published in final edited form as: Pharmacol Res. 2009 Aug; 60(2): 85–92. Published online 2009 Apr 7. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2009.03.019
PMCID: PMC3044336
CBD has become a popular treatment for many ailments. Although there is still much to learn about its potential medical applications, clinical trials are currently underway for:
