With an increasing number of institutions recognizing the benefits that CBD oil can have on the mind and body, more and more people are jumping on the bandwagon and incorporating CBD hemp oil into their daily regimen as an alternative to traditional treatments.
Since CBD oil is a derivative of the cannabis plant, it’s understandably been met with acceptance issues among both the general public as well as the government. But more and more reputable institutions are accepting the fact that CBD oil can and does have miraculous effects on the body.
CBD – or cannabidiol – is a non-psychoactive compound that is among dozens of other known compounds in different species of the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids, in particular, are those that can either trigger or block the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body.
More specifically, cannabinoids interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS, just as the body’s naturally-produced endocannabinoids do. CBD, in particular, does not stimulate or activate these receptors, but rather indirectly interacts with them to elicit specific responses, such as pain relief, mood improvement, inflammation reduction, and so forth.
Many organizations are recognizing the medical benefits of CBD, and are even going public with their claims that CBD has powerful potential as a medical supplement that can provide the same benefits as traditional medications, without the negative side effects.
The following institutions have come out in support of CBD and continued research.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
Less than one year ago, the WHO released a report stating that they believe CBD to be safe. The report specified that CBD is not linked to any danger to public health and is not thought to be associated with the potential to cause addiction or abuse.
Further, the WHO believes and claims that CBD does have positive therapeutic applications for a number of medical conditions, including psychotic behavior, Alzheimer’s disease, or Crohn’s disease, among others. The WHO’s recent report also claims that CBD may have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and even antitumor properties, making a promising substance that people should be looking at.
The Epilepsy Foundation
Perhaps the first-known benefit of CBD oil is its ability to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures related to various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. The story of a little girl by the name of Charlotte who was successfully able to cut down on her seizures as a result of cannabis oil use is a popular one and is probably the first time that many people have even heard of CBD oil.
It should come as no surprise, then, that The Epilepsy Foundation is a proponent of CBD oil – and cannabis oil in general – to help alleviate seizures. This organization has numerous informational resources that specifically deal with medical cannabis.
A recent significant breakthrough for the institution and anyone who suffers from seizures is the approval of Epidiolex, the first marijuana-based epilepsy drug that’s been approved by the FDA. Epidiolex, which is a form of cannabidiol, will soon be legally used to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy: Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
The Epilepsy Foundation has supported the use of cannabis and its derivatives for medical purposes since 2014.
The NFL Players Association
An increasing number of NFL players – both active and retired – are turning to CBD to alleviate their pain and inflammation associated with injuries suffered on the field. They’re also using it to alleviate any negative symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury, which is common among those who suffer from repeated concussions.
Now, the NFL Players Association believes that CBD oil can and should be used among players in the league without fear of being met with any repercussions as a result. In 2016, the NFL Players Association encouraged the NFL to be less stringent on cannabis policies, and in early 2017, both groups came to an agreement to relax any repercussions on players who use CBD and will continue to research CBD products for pain management and health benefits.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
Muscular dystrophy is a debilitating disease that can cause trouble breathing and swallowing in patients, as well as extreme pain. Patients often end up in a wheelchair and have their lifespans cut short.
But CBD oil may be effective in alleviating the symptoms of muscular dystrophy; namely, the chronic pain. There are plenty of studies that have found that CBD is effective at reducing pain and inflammation. And since these are some of the more common symptoms associated with patients with muscular dystrophy, CBD oil may be an ideal supplement to add to the treatment protocol for this disease.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association recognizes these studies, as well as the powerful effect that CBD may have on patients suffering from pain associated with MD. The MDA supports continued research on muscular dystrophy and new treatments for it, including CBD.
Thanks to ongoing MDA research, a patent application has been developed to treat Duchenne’s disease, a particular category under the umbrella of muscular dystrophy. It involves the combination of CBD and other cannabinoids that can alleviate symptoms thanks to their interaction with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
The MDA has long been advocating for patients to exercise their rights to turn to alternative supplements without being met with any issues, as well as the right for patients and their physicians to come up with the best type of treatment, which may include CBD.
The American Cancer Society
Some studies have suggested that CBD oil may be effective in treating nausea associated with specific cancer treatments, including chemotherapy. CBD has also been linked to an increase in appetite among cancer patients. But what’s even more promising is the potential for CBD to slow down the growth of cancer cells and possibly even shrink tumors of specific types of cancers.
The American Cancer Society recognizes such studies and supports research on cannabis research. They’re also supporting the fight to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule II substance under to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They also advocate the right for a patient to decide what type of medical care to take.
While the organization doesn’t necessarily endorse cannabis, it does publish current research information on its website.
Final Thoughts
CBD hemp is definitely making its way up the ranks regarding an alternative to traditional medicine, and the support of major associations such as those mentioned above should help to make the study and use of CBD for various ailments much more understood and accepted.
