CBD Explained: 10 Things Researchers Are Studying

By Siam Green · · Updated 29 June 2026
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Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound called cannabinoid that exists in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is widely discussed among the scientific and medical communities, which study how it interacts with the body, and it does not produce the intoxicating effects associated with its sibling THC. The products containing CBD are sold in many different forms but they’re popular as oils, capsules, sprays, or lotions. It can also be added to food and drinks or to personal products such as cosmetics.

What makes CBD so popular? Now, let’s take a closer look at its benefits!

Key Takeaways

10 Benefits of CBD

  1. Chronic Pain

There is evidence suggesting that cannabidiol (CBD) may offer modest benefits for chronic pain, according to the National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) together with another 2003 study which revealed that CBD treatment was associated with a reduction in reported pain on a visual analog scale for patients suffering from chronic pain caused by multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, limb amputation, and brachial plexus injury. CBD is also often discussed in relation to neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage which typically happens when individuals have herniated discs or shingles.

  1. Seizures and Epilepsy

Researchers have studied CBD in relation to some types of seizures, like Lennox-Gastraut, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex, conditions in which patients usually face difficulties in daily activities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted the potential efficacy of CBD in managing epilepsy, and the Epidiolex CBD oral solution, a specific CBD-derived medication, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 for use in treating specific types of seizures.

However, the results of using CBD for seizure treatment depend on the person, it may help full seizure control in some patients, some only find CBD to reduce seizure frequency, and some may experience no improvement at all. Besides, cannabidiol does not address the underlying cause of the epilepsy as well.

  1. Cancer

Cannabidiol is NOT a treatment for cancer, however, scientists have recently reported that CBD has the potential to slow growth or destroy certain types of cancer cells or both. Cannabinoids may also slow growth and reduce the spread of some forms of cancer as suggested in some animal studies.

  1. Chemotherapy Side Effects

Some patients who are on chemotherapy treatment for cancer may experience undesirable effects such as nausea and vomiting, the most common side effects. Researchers have studied whether cannabidiol may influence these side effects, looking at its antiemetic, analgesic, and sleep-related properties.

  1. Anxiety and Depression

Several studies have been done associated with anxiety and the use of CBD, most studies give similar results. A 1993 study found that individuals who consumed CBD reported experiencing less anxiety when performing a public speaking test. Another study published in 2019 stated that CBD showed a better result in teenagers with social anxiety than a placebo.

Doctors often prescribe similar medications for depression and anxiety, which suggests the two may be affected by related brain processes. CBD has been studied for how it interacts with receptors in the human brain, some of which affect serotonin levels, a brain chemical that controls mood.

  1. Drug Addiction

The wide use of prescription opioids and heroin to help with acute pain can highly lead to opioid addiction. One study indicated that participants experienced a reduction in reported heroin craving after receiving a dose of CBD medication, with effects anecdotally lasting for approximately one week. In animal models, the study also suggests that cannabidiol may help decrease cravings for other addictive substances such as alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants.

  1. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. A 2019 study revealed a promising result where CBD could help suppress factors that cause Alzheimer and it might be even more effective when paired with THC, while another study from 2021 mentioned that high doses of CBD in late-stage Alzheimer’s patients boosted proteins that are essential for plaque removal in the brain.

  1. Insomnia

Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night are the symptoms of insomnia caused by an overactive stress reaction. Some users report sleeping more soundly when using cannabidiol, and researchers have studied how it may interact with the brain’s hypothalamus, which plays a role in managing sleep and in regulating the stress hormone.

  1. Cardiovascular System

According to researchers, CBD may be relevant to people with high blood pressure which links to higher risks of several heart problems, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome by widening blood vessels.

  1. Diabetes

With tests on human cells, the results suggested that CBD may influence the effects of high glucose levels, which can develop into diabetes and other health complications. Researchers have stated in further studies that CBD is being explored in relation to diabetes, diabetic complications, and plaque buildup in artery walls. Another small review found that CBD may interact with insulin-related hormone levels, an area some researchers have suggested is worth further study.

Bottom Line

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a popular cannabinoid that is being explored for its potential in the wellness industry, and researchers continue to study how it interacts with the body. It is often discussed as an option for people who are interested in cannabis without intoxicating effects. Topics that researchers have studied in relation to CBD include chronic pain, seizure frequency, and the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting.

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