Although CBD has been making waves in the mainstream for a few short years, we’ve actually known about the potential of this cannabinoid (and 146 others in the cannabis plant) for much, much longer. It was actually American chemist, Roger Adams, who successfully identified and isolated the CBD molecule back in the early 1940s (with THC following shortly after, and CBN a few years before). But exploration didn’t really get into full swing until the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the early 90s. This, shortly after a breakthrough study conducted by the now affectionately known ‘Father of Cannabis,’ Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who trialled the application of CBD for epilepsy, with an extraordinarily positive results, which ignited the medical research community[1].

Since then, cannabis research has exploded – more so in recent years, as more and more countries across the world legalise cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use, which has made conducting trials considerably easier. The same CBD molecule you’ll find in all of the Manuka Pharm CBD products sits at the forefront of discoveries, displaying remarkable properties and potential in tens of thousands of studies and clinical trials, which have already changed millions of lives.

It would be impossible to list all of these discoveries in one, readable article. But here are a few of the most recent (incredibly exciting!) CBD findings:

CBD may have neuroprotective qualities

Neuroprotective qualities, thought to rely on the potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of the cannabidiol[2], have been found to be so impressive in recent trials that researchers are now exploring CBD Isolate as a compound to help reduce symptoms and progression of Parkinson’s[3], and other neurodegenerative conditions.

CBD may help you quit smoking

CBD has been investigated as a tool to help manage and treat addition – most notably alcohol, tobacco and opioid addiction.

One 2013 study, published in the Addictive Behaviours journal[4], revealed that participants who used a CBD inhaler every time they experienced a craving reduced their number of cigarettes by 40%, while those with the placebo showed no difference. In 2019 the American Journal of Psychiatry observed positive effects of treating long-term heroin users with CBD in a double blind, randomised placebo controlled trial[5]. Test subjects who had a regular dose of CBD administered experienced significantly less cravings and anxiety induced by the drug cues.

Furthermore, an exciting peer review of 26 studies spanning 44 years found that test subjects treated with regular doses of CBD reduced alcohol consumption and were also less likely to relapse even when under stress[6].

CBD shows promise in reducing arthritis pain

The effect of CBD on pain has been a subject of interest for a very long time. While studies show that THC, CBG and CBDa tend to produce the most impressive pain-relieving results, CBD comes into its own when faced with pain caused by inflammation – as is the case with rheumatoid arthritis.

One trial investigating the effectiveness of using CBD to treat this particular condition followed patients using prescription CBD medication Sativex for five weeks[7]. Results showed the CBD formulation was effective in treating pain and inflammation, while also improving sleep, with little to no side effects.

Researchers have also found topical application of CBD to hold great potential for providing targeted relief[8].

One key study[9], found that regular application of a CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling, spontaneous pain, immune cell infiltration and thickening of the synovial membrane, with no evident side effects.

While further trials are needed, these preliminary findings open up very exciting possibilities.

The future of CBD use is indeed bright, as thousands of studies now point to the vast number of potential uses. As we learn more about what the CBD molecule has to give, scientists can begin to explore how we can best utilise it to improve many areas of mental and physical wellbeing.

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