In Australia, cannabinoid based medicine became legal in 2016 when the Federal Government changed legislation to allow for CBD and THC to be prescribed as medicine. However the history of CBD and cannabis as a medicine is as old as the story of modern humans.

Cannabis origins trace back to the ancient world. We find examples of cannabis in what is now Romania dating back over 5000 years.

Up until the end of the 19th century and commencement of the 20th century, cannabis formed part of the United States Pharmacopoeia (commencing for the first time in 1850).

In 1937, the US government passed the Marihuana Tax Act which made cannabis illegal.

As a result of the restriction, in 1942, Cannabis was removed from the US Pharmacopoeia. As a result of these actions, which were driven by economic benefit, research on cannabis came to an almost total halt until an Israeli Scientist named Dr Raphael Mechoulam's total synthesis of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and major contributions to the chemistry of cannabinoids and discovery of endocannabsinoid in the human body.

Today, thanks to the work of Dr Mechoulam, CBD is now widely prescribed as a natural plant based medicine.

Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive making CBD an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms.

Here are some health benefits of CBD oil that are backed by scientific evidence.

1. Can Relieve Pain

More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of marijuana, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects.

Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation.

Human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

2. Reduce Anxiety and Depression

According to the World Health Organisation, depression is the single largest contributor to disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are ranked sixth.

CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, leading many who live with these disorders to become interested in this natural approach. CBD oil has even been used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder.

CBD has also shown antidepressant-like effects in several animal studies

3. Can Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms

CBD may help reduce symptoms related to cancer and side effects related to cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting and pain.

CBD may also help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are among the most common chemotherapy-related side effects for those with cancer.

Some test-tube and animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. For example, one test-tube study found that concentrated CBD induced cell death in human breast cancer cells

4. May Reduce Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects more than 9% of the population (21

Based on recent scientific studies, CBD oil may help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce sebum production.

CBD may have beneficial effects on acne due to its anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to control the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands.

5. Neuroprotective Properties

Researchers believe that CBD’s ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems may provide benefits for those with neurological disorders.

One study found that CBD oil significantly reduced seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome, a complex childhood epilepsy disorder, compared to a placebo.

CBD has also been researched for its potential effectiveness in treating several other neurological diseases.

6. Could Benefit Heart Health

Recent research has linked CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure.

Studies indicate that CBD may be able to help with high blood pressure.

One recent study treated nine healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it reduced resting blood pressure, compared to a placebo.

Researchers have suggested that the stress- and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD are responsible for its ability to help lower blood pressure.

7. Several Other Potential Benefits

CBD has been studied for its role in treating a number of health issues other than those outlined above.

• Antipsychotic effects: Studies suggest that CBD may help people with schizophrenia and other mental disorders by reducing psychotic symptoms

• Substance abuse treatment: CBD has been shown to modify circuits in the brain related to drug addiction. In rats, CBD has been shown to reduce morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior

• Anti-tumor effects: In test-tube and animal studies, CBD has demonstrated anti-tumor effects. In animals, it has been shown to prevent the spread of breast, prostate, brain, colon and lung cancer.