As scientists dive deeper into the therapeutic properties of the hemp and cannabis plant, our understanding of the health benefits of individual cannabinoids, such as CBD, is becoming more comprehensive.
While CBD has been linked to a diverse array of health benefits, it has also been associated with some other fascinating effects. Recent research also suggests that CBD may influence weight loss, water retention, and how the body manages hydration levels.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the two major cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. While cannabis/marijuana is often associated with THC, the cannabinoid that causes intoxicating effects, CBD is non-intoxicating, so it will not get you high. CBD does, however, have some mild psychoactive properties, which means it can subtly alter mood. In the US, CBD products that are sold over the counter are derived from Cannabis sativa L. (also known as hemp) that contains 0.3% THC or less. CBD is federally legal as mandated in the Farm Bills of 2014 and 2018
There’s mounting anecdotal evidence that CBD boasts anxiolytic, antipsychotic, anti-seizure, and neuroprotective properties. CBD may also modulate the immune system. In simple terms, this means that CBD could help treat a wide range of conditions and health problems characterized by chronic discomfort, anxiety, psychosis, or neurodegeneration.
For example, studies have found that CBD may help in the management of symptoms associated with PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and insomnia. Additionally, research suggests that CBD can help treat skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis, and it may also lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels. This humble cannabinoid even has anticoagulant properties, which means it may be helpful in dispersing blood clots caused by conditions such as deep vein thrombosis.
The precise mechanisms by which CBD works its diverse therapeutic benefits on the human body are still unclear. However, we do know that CBD exerts subtle effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system–through the network of CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. Experts have also speculated that CBD may inhibit the breakdown of the body’s endogenous (cannabinoids produced within the body) cannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. This enables the body to get more mileage out of its own endocannabinoid supply. Along with this, CBD appears to slow the breakdown of anandamide, an endocannabinoid. Often referred to as the ‘bliss molecule’, Anandamide contributes to feelings of elevated mood, wellbeing, and calm. By inhibiting its breakdown, anandamide can deliver its positive therapeutic benefits for longer.
Most importantly, CBD has a good safety profile, has been associated with few serious adverse effects, and is hard to abuse, making it ideal for therapeutic use.
Can CBD Help with Weight Loss?
As interest in CBD has exploded exponentially over the past few years, so too have clinical trials focusing on this versatile cannabinoid. When clinical studies take place, researchers keep track of any side effects that arise during the trial, in addition to the main clinical focus or primary outcome. Several clinical trials have found that CBD users have lost weight as a side effect of CBD use.
Reduced appetite
CBD research involving human participants has yielded some fascinating outcomes. One of the ‘side effects’ noted by CBD users in these trials was weight loss. There are several potential reasons why CBD users experienced weight loss, with the most likely reason a reduction in food intake. In one trial, 16% and 22% of patients treated with CBD said their appetite was reduced, in comparison to only 5% of the participants given a placebo treatment.
It’s vital to mention, however, that clinical trials often have many confounding factors, which may influence the outcome. For example, reduced appetite is fairly common in clinical trials that include individuals with cancer or HIV. The illness itself can lead to a decreased appetite, as can prescription medicines used for the disorder, such as chemotherapies, antiretrovirals, or antidepressants.
Boosted metabolism
There’s also growing evidence that CBD may help to shave off pounds by boosting metabolism. A healthy metabolism inhibits unnecessary weight gain and enables more calories to be burned while you sleep. In one animal study, rats were injected with daily intravenous CBD at doses of 1.1 mg and 2.3 mg per pound of body weight. These doses both led to significant reductions in body weight, although the higher dose had a more pronounced effect.
One hypothesis is that CBD may lead to weight loss by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the lymphoid tissue. The lymphatic system plays a critical role in the body’s metabolism, helping to efficiently transport and distribute fats around the body.
Browning white fat cells
The human body holds two kinds of fat cells: white and brown. White fat cells are the most common type and are responsible for storing energy and insulating organs. However, an excess of white fat is also linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Brown fat cells, on the other hand, help to generate heat by burning calories. Individuals within a healthy weight range usually have more brown fat cells than people who are overweight.
There are a number of ways to turn white fat cells into brown: regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and healthy exposure to cold temperatures. However, CBD may also help in browning white fat cells too.
One 2016 study found that CBD helped to convert white fat cells into brown, dispersed energy through the body by producing heat, and helped metabolize existing fat cells into molecules that could be used efficiently by the body. Although the study was carried out in test tubes (as opposed to human participants) the researchers concluded that CBD may represent an effective treatment for obesity.
Does CBD Dehydrate or Rehydrate You?
Finally, CBD can affect the body’s hydration levels in distinct ways–which can in turn influence weight loss.
Diuretic effects
Cannabis (in general) has also been linked to diuretic effects. Diuretics help the body expel water and salt, which leads to more frequent urination, which means that the bladder (and body) isn’t retaining water. While there’s currently a scarcity of research exploring the effects of CBD on water retention, full-spectrum CBD products (which contain THC, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds) may also exert diuretic effects on the body.
While it’s good news that the body isn’t bloating and retaining excess water, it’s essential for the body to remain well-hydrated to function optimally. If you’re urinating excessively while using CBD, make sure you replenish and hydrate regularly with a tall glass of water. Water can also help combat the “cottonmouth” or dry mouth feeling that can accompany cannabis or CBD use.
Skin hydration
Other fascinating research also points to evidence that CBD can help to retain moisture and hydration in the skin. A 2021 study exploring the moisturizing effects of CBD found that a topical formulation containing 1% CBD significantly increased levels of water in the skin. It appeared that CBD increased the content of aquaporin-3, a protein found in the skin that plays a critical role in moisture retention.
In other words, CBD appears to help regulate fluid retention in the body in beneficial ways. On the one hand, it moves water through the bladder, reducing bloating. On the other hand, it helps retain moisture in the skin, leading to a plump, dewy look.
High Falls Hemp offers CBD-infused body lotions designed to help ease aches and pains, promote mobility, and contribute to healthy, moisturized skin. Our lip balm is also beloved by customers for its softening, and hydrating qualities. Men’s Health Magazine declared High Falls Hemp NY’s CBD Lotion to be their CBD Lotion of the Year in 2021 for skin irritation, supporting the idea that health benefits were registered by their testers.
The High Falls Hemp Difference
CBD is a transformative plant-based compound that is transforming the therapeutic landscape. There’s no question that the coming years will see our understanding of this powerful cannabinoid and its health benefits grow.
However, with the popularity and demand for this non-intoxicating cannabinoid currently exploding, the industry is overrun with sub-standard products. Many cannabis cultivators and manufacturers sell CBD that falls short in terms of safety and efficacy. If you’re using an inferior product, you’re likely to experience inferior outcomes.
High Falls Hemp stands apart from the crowd. We carry out triple third-party purity and potency testing on our products, with the results easily accessible via the QR codes on the label. Our hemp is grown in the USA adhering to organic methods, and our products are non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty-free. Online customers on the High Falls Hemp NY’s website rate our products with 4.9 out of 5.0 stars, as verified by an independent review company.
If you’re curious about experimenting with CBD for lowering appetite, boosting metabolism, browning white fat cells, or reducing water retention, it’s critical to use a product that has been manufactured to the highest standards possible. We oversee our entire production process: from the moment the seed germinates in our iconic Hempery, to when it is carefully planted in the fertile Hudson Valley, to harvest and extraction, and finally, to the moment the finished product lands on your doorstep.
The majority of High Falls Hemp products are also full spectrum. Full-spectrum formulations contain a full profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds in the formulation. This whole-plant synergy is known as the entourage effect. Research suggests that the therapeutic effects of CBD are enhanced by the presence of the other compounds present in the plant.
For a pure and potent CBD experience, join the thousands of customers already using High Falls Hemp NY and see for yourself. High Falls Hemp NY offers a 100% money-back guarantee for first-time users if the product does not meet your expectations.