These days it seems like hemp-derived CBD is touted as a tool for just about any ailment. But surely this singe cannabinoid can’t do it all. So what are the benefits of CBD?

We’ve heard (and experienced) countless personal anecdotes about the benefits of CBD or cannabinol. But before you can understand the benefits of CBD, it's important to understand how it interacts with our body via the endocannabinoid system or ECS.

First discovered in the early 1990s, the ECS is a cellular-level network responsible for keeping our bodies in homeostasis. In other words, it helps us stay balanced across all major mental and physical functions, including pain, sleep, mood, stress, and even digestion.

If it sounds like the ECS has a big job, that’s because it does. But, as with every internal system, the ECS can get thrown out of whack.

The ECS has two main parts: cannabinoids and cannabinoids receptors. The two interact like a lock-and-key system, with cannabinoids binding to receptors and triggering widespread physiological effects.

Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids that bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors1 in the ECS. But still, sometimes we develop deficiencies2. Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids that come from plants like hemp) can pick up some of the slack.*

While more research is still needed to understand the role CBD plays in our ECS, there is early insight into the process. As Mignon Walker, M.D., director of SLIP Emotional Resistance Building explains, “CBD’s overall impact is to restore balance and reduce inflammation.*"

Medical cannabis expert and double-board certified doctor, Dave Gordon, M.D., agrees that CBD’s ability to influence the ECS is what makes it such a versatile tool. “CBD is an extremely valuable therapy, and we can think of its benefits in different ways,” he says. 

“CBD addresses the root causes of why we get sick,” Gordon goes on to explain. “For example, too much inflammation is part of the root causes of nearly every single chronic condition, and CBD helps reduce too much inflammation, thus potentially helping so many different individuals and issues. CBD helps balance an overactive nervous system, which again is a key root cause of so many different issues, like anxiety, depression, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, and trauma responses just to name a few.”*

While cannabinoid receptors are found in almost every organ of the body, their presence in the central nervous system3 and musculoskeletal system4 is relevant to the discussion of pain (and joint) concerns.

Another area of focus for CBD research has been around its impact on mental health. “In the brain, whole product CBD has improved a range of anxiety related issues, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and post traumatic stress. However, studies have been small and short term,” says Walker.

Several clinical trials have found CBD to be a helpful tool in combating feelings of anxiety8. This has been seen most in people with social anxiety disorder (SAD)9 and PTSD.10 “During somatic therapy sessions, I sometimes have patients take CBD to reduce their fear response, and facilitate working through difficult memories,” Walker adds.

Read the reviews for just about any CBD product out there, and you’ll find the most common positive feedback is from people who saw improvements in their sleep. “Many people use CBD to help improve the quality of their sleep while not risking dependence,” Walker agrees.*

In addition to the anecdotal reports, a 2019 case study found that 66% of patients who added 25 to 75 mg of CBD to their bedtime routine saw an improvement in their sleep within the first month13. This result is likely tied to the way CBD interacts with our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). CBD is thought to direct our brains to activate our PNS14, signaling to our bodies that it's safe to enter a state of calm.* 

“Current studies investigate the impact of CBD on various heart conditions, including inflammatory and functional issues involving the heart,” says Walker. One such study suggests CBD could be a promising treatment for cardiovascular diseases15, like heart failure.* 

A 2016 review found cannabinoids to be an effective treatment for irritable bowel disease and gut issues16 triggered by stress. However, the majority of the studies to date have been on mice so, again, more human research is needed to further understand CBD’s role in gut health. 

CBD alone won’t get you high

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. If you only opt for CBD isolate—which doesn't contain any other parts of the hemp plant—then yuo won't need to worry about any intoxicating effects.

However full-spectrum hemp CBD products can have up to 0.3% THC per pound by dry weight. Within the federal legal limit, this trace amount of THC should not produce psychoactive effects in low doses. 

But we'll be honest: There are some slippery slopes when it comes to full-spectrum hemp CBD products. Technicalities about dry weight have allowed some brands to get around THC limitations, with up to 5mg of CBD per serving.

While technically legal in most states, this is certainly enough to cause impairment.

CBD can’t cure disease. 

Keep a skeptical eye out for brands that claim CBD products can cure or treat specific diseases. Certain conditions may benefit from hemp CBD.* Still, additional human-based research needs to be done before we fully understand the capabilities of CBD.*

CBD is not one-size-fits-all. 

The CBD market is chock-full of brands claiming to be high-quality. While CBD is legal,17 it’s still unregulated by the FDA. Because of this, you’ll need to do your due diligence to ensure the product matches the packaging. 

Luckily, there are a few markers of a trustworthy CBD brand. Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia, shares her tips for weeding out the bad (hemp) seeds:

“Make sure your CBD product is made by a company that discloses the source of their hemp, has no more than 0.3% THC according to the COA (certificate of analysis), and can provide proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab,” advises Bonney. 

She adds, “In functional medicine, we're focused on keeping our bodies free of toxins, so also ensure that your CBD product is [meets limits for] heavy metals, pesticides, and mold. This information can also be found on the COA.”

Whenever possible, prioritize brands that farm or source organic hemp. The most reputable certification to look for is USDA certified organic. However, there are brands that use organic farming practices without the official USDA stamp of approval. 

Cannabinoid researchers have a ways to go in determining the known benefits of CBD. Still, current data is encouraging and experts believe CBD is a product worth paying attention to. Because the industry is unregulated, it’s imperative that you do your homework when shopping for a hemp CBD product. We have plenty of high-quality recommendations from transparent brands that use third-party testing. Whether you’re seeking a CBD gummy, oil tincture, capsule, or balm, we’ve got you covered.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.