Chances are good that you have heard about the uses of CBD, or cannabidiol. However, you might be a little bit skeptical. After all, this is a supplement, not a medication, which means that, like all other natural supplements, it’s not regulated by the FDA. So, is there any actual research out there about the benefits of CBD and its uses? Actually, there is a mountain of research and substantial evidence of its benefits.
What Harvard Has to Say
When it comes to research, few sources rival the Harvard Medical School. Back in 2018, the school posted a guidethat spoke directly about the research on and evidence of CBD’s benefits, including showing its effectiveness for addressing conditions like anxiety, stress, PTSD, depression, and even insomnia. Interestingly, CBD is also useful in treating some of the most debilitating types of epilepsy.
The VA Is Conducting a Study
The Veterans Administration (VA) is currently conducting its own in-depth studyon the effectiveness and uses of CBD. This study is specific to PTSD patients and involves 136 people in a double-blind study. It will “compare veterans who receive prolonged exposure therapy plus CBD to veterans who receive prolonged exposure therapy and a placebo.” The working hypothesis is that the CBD group will experience better symptom reduction than those receiving the placebo. The study began in 2019 but will not conclude until 2023.
Interestingly, this won’t be the first study on the effects of CBD on PTSD. Another study was conducted beginning in 2016 on the effects of CBD on pediatric anxiety and PTSD. The subject, a 10-year-old girl, struggled with pharmaceuticals that did not alleviate her symptoms, but a trial of CBD oil proved very effective.
Additional Studies and Research
CBD is seeing increasing research in clinical settings. Multiple studies have been conducted over its use as an antidepressant, for instance. There is even emerging evidence that it may have neuroprotective properties, meaning that it could protect against conditions like multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
While research into CBD is ongoing, the results are becoming increasingly clear – this is one all-natural supplement that may have powerful benefits for your entire body.
