What does CBD do, and why has this non-intoxicating compound from the cannabis plant captured such attention in health circles? We asked medical experts to examine the evidence behind CBD’s potential therapeutic applications and what the research actually tells us.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is different from THC – the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. CBD doesn’t produce a ‘high’, and some believe it may offer genuine health benefits. The World Health Organisation considers CBD generally safe in its pure form, although this doesn’t mean it’s suitable for everyone.

Evidence supports CBD’s effectiveness for certain severe childhood epilepsy conditions, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This research has led to licensed medical treatments, though these remain strictly regulated and available only through specialist healthcare providers.

Early studies suggest CBD might help with various other conditions. Some research indicates it may reduce certain types of chronic pain, particularly that associated with fibromyalgia. There’s also preliminary evidence suggesting CBD could support cardiovascular health by potentially reducing blood pressure, although more human studies are needed to confirm these effects. Additionally, small-scale studies have explored CBD’s potential for managing anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

However, it’s crucial to understand that much of this research is still in its early stages. The evidence varies considerably between different conditions, and many studies have used small sample sizes or animal models rather than large-scale human trials.

What does CBD actually do to your body, how strong is the evidence for its various applications, and what should you know about potential risks? We’ll examine these questions while providing practical guidance for anyone considering CBD as part of their wellness routine.

How does CBD work in the body?

CBD operates through multiple biological pathways rather than targeting a single receptor system. This multi-target approach helps explain why CBD appears to have such diverse effects across different health conditions.

CBD’s interaction with brain and nervous system

The human brain contains numerous receptors that CBD can influence, particularly those involved in mood regulation and stress response. CBD functions as an agonist of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, which plays a crucial role in managing anxiety and stress responses. CBD also increases the activity of inhibitory GABAA receptors, potentially contributing to its calming effects.

Research shows CBD creates what scientists describe as “dose-dependent polarisation” along the brain’s rostral-caudal axis. This pattern of brain activation may help explain why CBD can reduce autonomic arousal during emotional and physical stress, which could account for its reported benefits in anxiety conditions.

Understanding the endocannabinoid system

The body has a natural system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps regulate essential functions – what researchers describe as helping us “eat, sleep, relax, protect, and forget”. This biological network includes cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), naturally produced cannabinoids, and enzymes responsible for their creation and breakdown.

CB1 receptors are found throughout the central nervous system, where they influence movement, coordination, emotion, and pain perception. CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system, affecting inflammation, gut health, and pain responses.

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t directly activate these receptors. Instead, it works indirectly by elevating levels of your body’s own natural cannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG). CBD achieves this by inhibiting enzymes that would normally break these compounds down, thereby prolonging their beneficial effects.

CBD’s effects on pain and inflammation

CBD’s potential for pain relief stems from its interaction with several different pathways. CBD acts as a TRPV1 agonist, a receptor involved in pain signalling. When activated, these receptors become desensitised and enter a refractory period during which sensory neurons stop responding to painful stimuli.

CBD also appears to reduce inflammation through multiple mechanisms. It decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits T cell proliferation, and reduces migration of immune cells. Additionally, CBD suppresses NF-κB-mediated transcription—a key pathway in inflammatory responses.

This combination of effects on both pain signals and underlying inflammation may explain CBD’s reported benefits for conditions like arthritis and neuropathic pain, although more research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.

What is CBD oil used for?

Clinical evidence supports CBD’s effectiveness for several specific health conditions, although the strength of evidence varies considerably between different applications.

1. Chronic pain and arthritis

Research suggests CBD may offer meaningful relief for chronic pain sufferers. One survey of arthritis patients found that 83% reported improvements in pain after CBD use. The overall cohort demonstrated a 44% reduction in pain scores following CBD treatment.

Physical function also improved for 66% of arthritis users. Many patients subsequently reduced their reliance on other medications—31.1% decreased anti-inflammatory use, 18.2% reduced paracetamol, and 8.6% lowered opioid consumption. Whilst mild side effects occurred in 41% of users, only 2% reported severe adverse reactions.

However, it’s important to note that much of this research relies on self-reported outcomes rather than controlled clinical trials.

2. Anxiety and mood disorders

CBD’s interaction with serotonin receptors underpins its potential for mood disorders. As a partial agonist of serotonin receptors, CBD may help regulate anxiety and depression. Clinical settings have shown that 86% of respondents reported feeling better after CBD treatment.

One study found CBD increased extinction learning, which could benefit anxiety disorder treatment. Another small-scale trial showed CBD reduced social anxiety, albeit with some sedative effects. Early research suggests CBD’s properties might provide mood-stabilising benefits similar to established treatments.

Nevertheless, these studies have typically used very small sample sizes, and more extensive research is needed to establish definitive benefits.

3. Epilepsy and seizure disorders

Strong evidence supports CBD’s effectiveness for specific types of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. This research has led to licensed medical treatments available through specialist healthcare providers.

Clinical trials have demonstrated significant seizure reduction, with one study finding a median 36.5% decrease in motor seizures during treatment. This represents some of the most robust evidence currently available for CBD’s therapeutic applications.

4. Sleep disorders

Sleep improvements with CBD appear to be dose-dependent. Higher doses (160mg daily) increased sleep time and decreased nightly arousals in insomnia patients. Conversely, lower doses produced stimulating effects.

Studies indicate 66% of users experienced better sleep quality with CBD. Some research suggests CBD helps with specific sleep behaviours in Parkinson’s disease patients, whilst others found it particularly effective when sleep disturbances stem from anxiety or chronic pain.

If you’re considering CBD for any health condition, you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Is CBD oil safe for everyone?

Although CBD shows promise for various health conditions, potential side effects and safety considerations mean it’s not suitable for everyone. Understanding these risks helps ensure safe use if you decide to

Pictured: The Botanical Garden CBD Patches.

Common side effects you might experience

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but some users do experience mild side effects. The most frequently reported include dry mouth, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, and diarrhoea. Sleepiness and fatigue tend to occur more often at higher doses or when CBD is combined with other sedating medications.

Dry mouth happens because CBD affects saliva production through the endocannabinoid system. Reduced appetite and gastrointestinal issues also affect a notable proportion of users. These effects are usually mild and often diminish as your body adjusts to the supplement.

Important medication interactions

If you’re taking any prescription medications, you should speak to your GP before using CBD. This is particularly important because CBD can interfere with how your body processes certain drugs.

CBD affects liver enzymes in a similar way to grapefruit, potentially increasing blood levels of medications including blood thinners like warfarin, anti-seizure drugs such as clobazam and valproate, antidepressants, and thyroid medications like levothyroxine. This interaction could make these medications more potent than intended.

Daily use and dosage limits

The Food Standards Agency recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 10mg of CBD daily. This limit was recently reduced from 70mg after research suggested that long-term use might potentially cause liver damage or thyroid issues.

CBD is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers unless under strict medical supervision. This is because we don’t yet have sufficient research on CBD’s long-term effects in these populations.

What happens with higher doses?

Research shows that people can generally tolerate relatively high CBD doses—studies have used up to 1,500mg daily safely for periods of up to 13 weeks. However, higher doses may cause abnormalities in liver-related blood tests, similar to what can happen with acetaminophen.

Excessive doses can also intensify drowsiness, particularly when combined with alcohol or other substances that cause sedation. For this reason, it’s wise to start with lower doses and increase gradually if needed.

If you’re considering using CBD oil, you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to do so. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Getting started with CBD safely

If you’re considering CBD, you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you to do so. This is particularly important if you’re taking any medications, have pre-existing health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Understanding different CBD products

CBD products come in three main types, each with different compositions:

• CBD isolate: Contains pure CBD with no other cannabis compounds
• Broad-spectrum CBD: Includes multiple cannabinoids but removes THC
• Full-spectrum CBD: Contains various cannabinoids including trace amounts of THC (under 0.2% in the UK)

Some people prefer full-spectrum products believing they provide an “entourage effect” from multiple compounds working together, while others choose isolate to avoid any THC content entirely.

What to look for when buying CBD

Quality varies significantly between CBD products. Look for companies that provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from independent third-party laboratories. This document verifies that the product contains the CBD amounts stated on the label and confirms it’s free from pesticides, heavy metals, and harmful residues.

Pay careful attention to product labels. Many prominently display total CBD content in milligrams, but the serving size determines how much CBD you actually consume per dose. The Food Standards Agency recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 10mg of CBD daily.

Finding the right amount

Most experts suggest starting with a low dose and increasing gradually. However, given the Food Standards Agency’s 10mg daily limit, it’s advisable to begin with even smaller amounts – perhaps 2-5mg daily – and monitor how you respond.

Your ideal amount depends on various factors including body weight, metabolism, and the reason you’re considering CBD. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why professional guidance can be valuable.

CBD legality in the UK

CBD is legal in the UK provided it contains no more than 0.2% THC and comes from approved industrial hemp strains. However, the regulatory landscape continues to change, and products must comply with specific licensing requirements.

It’s worth noting that most CBD products available in health shops are classified as food supplements rather than medicines. This means they aren’t subject to the same rigorous testing and regulation as licensed medications, which can affect both quality and consistency.

Always purchase from reputable suppliers and check that products comply with current UK regulations before buying.

Now read:

CBD oil offers a non-intoxicating alternative for those interested in cannabis-derived health solutions. The evidence supporting its use varies considerably between different conditions, with the strongest research focusing on severe childhood epilepsy syndromes.

Research shows promise for several other applications, including chronic pain management and anxiety disorders, though much of this work remains in early stages. What’s clear is that CBD affects multiple bodily systems, which may explain its diverse range of potential applications.

If you’re considering CBD oil, you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to do so. This is particularly important if you are taking any medications, have pre-existing health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Quality varies significantly between different CBD products available on the market. Look for third-party testing certificates and be wary of products making unsubstantiated health claims. Start with lower doses and monitor your response carefully.

The regulatory landscape around CBD continues to develop. Whilst CBD oil is legal in the UK when it contains less than 0.2% THC, regulations differ across countries and regions.

Although the research into CBD’s therapeutic potential continues to expand, it’s worth remembering that we still have much to learn about this compound’s long-term effects and optimal uses.

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All health content is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider.

Have you tried CBD oil and if so, did you find it beneficial? Let us know in the comments below.