These days, cannabis is being increasingly used for health and wellness purposes.
The stigma associated with cannabis continues to weaken, as more and more people realize the potentially therapeutic effects of cannabis and hemp-derived compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD). In fact, a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll discovered that an overwhelming majority of people who incorporate cannabis products into their regimens do so to improve their health and target specific symptoms. Given the therapeutic effects of CBD and its benefits on both the physical and mental aspects of health, this cannabinoid has taken its rightful place in the world of holistic health and wellness.
According to the poll, 91% of adults aged 21 and over who’ve ever consumed cannabis did so for their health. More specifically, those polled added cannabis to their routines to address the following issues:
- 52% for relaxation purposes
- 49% for better sleep
- 44% to reduce stress
- 41% to reduce anxiety
Three-quarters of those surveyed said they prefer natural-derived products instead of synthetic pharmaceuticals to alleviate uncomfortable and painful symptoms, and 62% said they’d rather turn to cannabis specifically for their medical issues.
The CBD industry has certainly boomed over recent years. According to Global Market Insights, the CBD market size accounted for $12.8 billion USD in 2021 and is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate of 21.7% CAGR between 2022 and 2028.
But CBD is not so much a booming cannabis industry but a thriving and growing component of the holistic health and wellness sphere. As an increasing number of states continue to legalize medical cannabis, health care practitioners in the traditional medical realm are feeling more comfortable adding it to a conventional treatment plan for their patients.
The following are among the plethora of CBD benefits for health and wellness:
Pain relief: CBD interacts with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) affecting their activity and reducing inflammation and pain. Studies back this therapeutic potential of CBD, including a recent published study accounting that 74% of multiple sclerosis patients reported at least a 30% improvement after being treated with a CBD-based product. [1]
Reduce anxiety: More than 40 million adults in the US suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. CBD may help alleviate a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by communicating with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter to send signals to brain cells that lower anxiety. [2]
Improve sleep: Roughly 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep issues, which can negatively impact overall health. CBD may help improve rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder, daytime fatigue and disrupted sleep caused by PTSD. [3]
References:
[1] U.K. Zettl, et al., “Evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of THC-CBD oromucosal spray in symptom management of patients with spasticity due to multiple sclerosis“, Ther Adv Neurol Disord., (2016) ; 9(1): 9–30. [Journal impact factor = 6.57] [Times cited = 60][2] Yarar, E. et al., “Role and Function of Endocannabinoid System in Major Depressive Disease”, Med Cannabis Cannabinoids, (2021); 4(1): 1–12. [Journal impact factor = 4.786] [Times cited = 4]
[3] Babson, K.A, et al. , “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature”, Curr Psychiatry Rep, April 2017; 19(4):23. [Journal impact factor = 3.864] [Times cited = 369]
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