Top 10 Benefits of CBD Oil (Backed by Research)

CBD is becoming increasingly popular across New Zealand, especially as more people explore natural alternatives to manage their health and wellbeing. Although research into CBD is still developing, early findings suggest a range of mental and physical benefits worth exploring.

Below, we’ll walk through ten of the most discussed potential benefits of CBD oil, backed by emerging research. While not conclusive, these findings offer insight into why many Kiwis are turning to CBD as part of their wellness routine.

Summary Table: Physical vs Mental Benefits of CBD

1. Pain Relief

Chronic pain affects around 1 in 6 New Zealanders. CBD has been studied for its potential to influence how the brain and immune system respond to pain signals through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Early findings suggest CBD may alter pain perception and reduce inflammation¹.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Inflammation contributes to various chronic conditions. Animal studies have shown that topical CBD reduced joint swelling and pain in rats without adverse effects². This suggests promising anti-inflammatory potential for future research.

3. Improves Digestive Health

CBD’s interaction with the ECS may help regulate digestion and ease stress-related gut conditions. Some studies suggest CBD reduces gut inflammation and supports the gut-brain axis, potentially easing symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)³.

4. Reduce Depression and Anxiety

CBD may influence serotonin receptor activity in the brain, which plays a role in mood and emotion. Preclinical studies have shown that CBD may reduce anxiety behaviours and improve stress responses⁴.

5. Improves Sleep Quality

Research indicates that CBD may help regulate sleep-wake cycles and reduce anxiety-driven sleep disturbances. In one study, 67% of participants reported improved sleep after taking CBD⁵.

6. Weight Loss

CBD may influence metabolism and fat processing. A study found that CBD promotes the conversion of white fat to brown fat, which is more metabolically active and may support weight management⁶.

7. Reduce Acne

CBD has demonstrated the potential to reduce sebum production and inflammation in the skin. In vitro studies show it can inhibit oil production in human sebocytes and has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit acne-prone skin⁷.

8. Control Seizures

The most robust research for CBD’s benefits lies in seizure control. Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, has been approved for rare forms of epilepsy after clinical trials demonstrated reduced seizure frequency⁸.

9. Eases Cancer Treatment Side Effects

CBD may help alleviate nausea, pain, and sleep issues related to cancer treatments. Studies suggest it interacts with ECS pathways to support symptom management in oncology care⁹.

10. Headache and Migraine Relief

CBD’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects may support headache and migraine prevention and relief. Research shows that cannabinoids may influence the trigeminovascular system, a pathway involved in migraine mechanisms¹⁰.

How to Use CBD Oil

CBD is available in many forms:

• Oils and tinctures (taken under the tongue)
• Gummies and capsules
• Vaporised CBD flower(inhaled)
• Topicals (creams, lotions)

Choosing the right method depends on your preferences and health needs. Sublingual tinctures are one of the most common forms due to their fast absorption. It’s always best to start with a low dose and increase gradually.

Possible Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, CBD may cause mild side effects:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Appetite changes
• Dry mouth
• Changes in bowel habits

CBD may also interact with other medications, so it’s essential to speak with your doctor before starting treatment.

Want to Try CBD? Get Professional Guidance.

Thinking about using CBD for your health? Talk to one of our experienced doctors to get personalised advice and find out if CBD is right for you.

Disclaimer: Medicinal cannabis and CBD oil are unapproved medicines in New Zealand. This article is for educational purposes only and does not imply that CBD can treat any medical condition. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

References

1. Mlost, J., et al. (2020). Cannabidiol for pain treatment: Focus on pharmacology and mechanism of action. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(22), 8870.
2. Hammell, D. C. et al. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European Journal of Pain, 20(6), 936–948.
3. Couch, D. G. et al. (2017). Cannabidiol and palmitoylethanolamide are anti-inflammatory in the acutely inflamed human colon. Clinical Science, 131(21), 2611–2626.
4. Blessing, E. M. et al. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836.
5. Shannon, S. et al. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18–041.
6. Silvestri, C. et al. (2015). Two non-psychoactive cannabinoids reduce intracellular lipid levels and inhibit hepatosteatosis. Journal of Hepatology, 62(6), 1382–1390.
7. Oláh, A. et al. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 124(9), 3713–3724.
8. Devinsky, O. et al. (2017). Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(21), 2011–2020.
9. Abrams, D. I. (2016). Integrating cannabis into clinical cancer care. Current Oncology, 23(S2), S8–S14.
10. Baron, E. P. (2018). Comprehensive review of medicinal marijuana, cannabinoids, and therapeutic implications in medicine and headache: What a long strange trip it’s been. Headache, 58(6), 1139–1176.