Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment for a range of illnesses. Research is beginning to uncover the potential health benefits of CBD, which may include relief from pain, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved sleep and skin health. This article will explore the evidence for these benefits and the ways in which CBD can be used to unlock its potential. We will also look at the safety and legality of CBD, so that you can make an informed decision about its use.

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in cannabis plants that has numerous potential therapeutic benefits.

What are the potential therapeutic benefits of Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol may have potential therapeutic benefits such as relieving chronic pain, reducing inflammation, treating seizures and other neurological disorders, and reducing anxiety and depression.

Is Cannabidiol safe to consume?

Yes, Cannabidiol is generally considered safe to consume when taken in the recommended doses.

Are there any side effects associated with Cannabidiol?

There are possible side effects associated with Cannabidiol such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and diarrhea.

Is Cannabidiol legal?

The legal status of Cannabidiol varies from country to country. In the United States, Cannabidiol is legal in all 50 states and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What are the potential health benefits of taking cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been linked to a variety of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and even helping to improve sleep. CBD has also been shown to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, which could potentially help protect against chronic diseases.

What benefits does CBD have on the body?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis plants that has many potential health benefits. It has been found to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, reduce anxiety and depression, reduce seizures, and even help to reduce the symptoms of cancer. Furthermore, CBD can also act as an antioxidant, promoting healthy cell growth and protecting the body from free radical damage.

Back to Health A to Z. Many cannabis-based products are available to buy online, but their quality and content is not known. They may be illegal in the UK and potentially dangerous. Some products that might claim to be medical cannabis, such as CBD oil or hemp oil, are available to buy legally as food supplements from health stores. But theres no guarantee these are of good quality or provide any health benefits. Specific cannabis-based products are available on prescription as medicinal cannabis. These are only likely to benefit a very small number of patients. Very few people in England are likely to get a prescription for medical cannabis. Currently, it is only likely to be prescribed for the following conditions. It would only be considered when other treatments were not suitable or had not helped. It will not get you high, because it does not contain THC tetrahydrocannabinol , the chemical in cannabis that makes you high. Epidyolex can be prescribed by a specialist for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome both rare forms of epilepsy. Many people having chemotherapy will have periods where they feel sick or vomit. Nabilone can be prescribed to adults by a specialist to help relieve these symptoms, but only when other treatments have not helped or are not suitable. Nabilone is a medicine, taken as a capsule, that has been developed to act in a similar way to THC the chemical in cannabis that makes you high. You may have heard it described as a manmade form of cannabis. Nabiximols Sativex is a cannabis-based medicine that is sprayed into the mouth. It is licensed in the UK for adults with MS-related muscle spasticity that has not got better with other treatments. Read more from the MS Society on Sativex for treating muscle stiffness and spasms. There is some evidence medical cannabis can help certain types of pain, though this evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend it for pain relief. In some cases, however, it may be prescribed for pain as part of a clinical trial. Some cannabis-based products are available to buy over the internet without a prescription. Its likely most of these products even those called CBD oils will be illegal to possess or supply. Theres a good chance they will contain THC, and may not be safe to use. Health stores sell certain types of pure CBD. However, theres no guarantee these products will be of good quality. They tend to only contain very small amounts of CBD, so its not clear what effect they would have. The risks of using cannabis products containing THC the chemical that gets you high are not currently clear. Thats why clinical trials are needed before they can be used. Generally, the more THC the product contains, the greater these risks are. Cannabis bought illegally off the street, where the quality, ingredients and strength are not known, is the most dangerous form to use. Read about the risks of regularly smoking cannabis at Talk to Frank. Depending on the type of medical cannabis you take, its possible to develop side effects such as. If you experience any side effects from medical cannabis, report these to your medical team. You can also report them through the Yellow Card Scheme. Always discuss possible interactions with a specialist. CBD can also affect how your liver works, so doctors would need to monitor you regularly. You cannot get cannabis-based medicine from a GP it can only be prescribed by a specialist hospital doctor. The specialist will discuss with you all the other treatment options first, before considering a cannabis-based product. A prescription for medical cannabis would only be given when it was believed to be in your best interests, and when other treatments had not worked or were not suitable. Its expected this would only apply to a very small number of people in England. If the above does not apply to you, do not ask a GP for a referral for medical cannabis. The government has no intention of legalising the use of cannabis for recreational non-medical use. Possessing cannabis is illegal, whatever youre using it for. That includes medical use cannabis products, unless these have been prescribed for you. Page last reviewed 27 May Next review due 27 May Medical cannabis and cannabis oils. Can I get a prescription for medical cannabis? Currently, it is only likely to be prescribed for the following conditions children and adults with rare, severe forms of epilepsy adults with vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy people with muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis MS It would only be considered when other treatments were not suitable or had not helped. Epidyolex for children and adults with epilepsy Epidyolex is a highly purified liquid containing CBD cannabidiol. CBD is a chemical substance found in cannabis that has medical benefits. Nabilone for chemotherapy patients Many people having chemotherapy will have periods where they feel sick or vomit.