7 Science-Backed Benefits of CBD

OG Article By Heidi Borst and Alena Hall Watch Today's LIVE Episode on YouTube, X, and Rumble

July 18, 2025

CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound sourced from the hemp plant, is catching the eye of health enthusiasts looking for natural ways to tackle pain, ease anxiety and get better sleep—without the high that comes with THC. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which made hemp production legal, CBD has made its way into mainstream conversations about health. Does it offer benefits to your overall wellness?

This article explains CBD, how it works with the body’s endocannabinoid system and the different types of CBD available to consumers. It also explores the potential health benefits of CBD—like pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep quality—as well as the side effects of CBD to see if it’s worth incorporating into your wellness journey.

Forbes Health covers CBD and cannabis products in accordance with FTC guidelines. Learn more about Forbes Health’s practices and policies regarding how we cover CBD and cannabis as a publisher.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Hemp is any part of the cannabis sativa plant containing no more than 0.3% THC. Unlike the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce mind-altering effects known as a “high.” The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, removed hemp as a federally controlled substance, legalizing its production nationwide.^[1]

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that maintain homeostasis, or balance, within the body. The ECS is crucial in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, pain sensation and immune system function.

Types of CBD

According to Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, a plant medicine formulator at Cannectd Wellness, there are several types of CBD:

• Full-spectrum CBD contains a variety of cannabinoids (including trace amounts of THC), terpenes and other compounds from the hemp plant. This combination allows for the “entourage effect,” where the components of the whole plant work together synergistically for enhanced effectiveness.

  
  

• Broad-spectrum CBD is full-spectrum CBD without THC, so it’s ideal for those who want to avoid THC but still benefit from other cannabinoids and terpenes. However, Kaplan emphasizes that some receptors may not respond effectively to CBD alone, necessitating at least a small amount of THC for optimal interaction.

  
  

• CBD isolate contains no other cannabinoids or terpenes, making it ideal for individuals who want pure CBD.

How Does CBD Work in the Body?

CBD interacts with the ECS, which consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors regulate mood, memory and pain perception, primarily in the brain. CB2 receptors influence inflammation and immune response and are located in the peripheral nervous system.

When CBD is consumed, it binds to these receptors, modulating their activity. This interaction has physiological effects, including reducing pain and inflammation, promoting relaxation and improving sleep.

CBD Benefits

CBD is supported by scientific evidence for the following benefits, though in some cases, more research is needed. Consult with your health care provider before using CBD as a treatment option.

1. Pain Relief

According to Jessica Plonchak, a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and clinical director at ChoicePoint Health, CBD modulates ECS receptors (CB1 & CB2), serotonin receptors and TRPV1 receptors, all of which are involved in sending pain signals in the body.

Research suggests that CBD may be effective in alleviating various types of pain, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer-related pain and neuropathic pain. The authors of a 2025 review published Biomolecules concluded that while CBD shows promise as a chronic pain management alternative to traditional pain medications like opioids, more research is needed.^[2]

2. Anxiety Reduction

CBD has been used to alleviate anxiety because of its soothing properties, says Hamilton Gaiani, MD, a double-board-certified psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Firepit Health. “CBD is thought to exert its [anxiety-reducing] effect by binding to the brain’s serotonin receptors,” he explains.

A small 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal found that CBD significantly decreased anxiety levels in 79% of participants.^[3] And a 2020 review in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry found that CBD may improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with mood disorders, although more research is needed.^[4]

3. Improved Sleep

CBD may also contribute to better sleep quality, particularly in individuals with insomnia caused by anxiety and trauma, says Dr. Gaiani. It’s believed that CBD’s relaxing effects on the body and mind can help promote a restful night’s sleep. A 2019 study in The Permanente Journal found that CBD improved sleep scores in patients with anxiety and poor sleep quality.^[3]

4. Reduces Inflammation

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential treatment for various inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. A 2022 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology concluded that CBD may reduce inflammation by stopping the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (a group of signaling molecules that amplify inflammation in the body), but more research is needed to understand its exact mechanism of action.^[5]

5. Seizure Management

One of the most well-documented benefits of CBD is its effectiveness in managing seizures, particularly in children and adults with epilepsy. Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, is FDA-approved for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy, in patients older than 2. According to a 2019 review in Molecules, clinical trials have demonstrated that CBD can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.^[6]

6. Cancer Symptom Relief

For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, CBD may help alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. A 2020 study in Annals of Oncology found that individuals who received a combination of CBD and THC experienced significant relief from these symptoms, with 25% experiencing no vomiting or nausea compared to 14% who received a placebo.^[7] Although the results are promising, the researchers plan to conduct further testing.

7. Helps With Neurological Disorders

CBD has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Research indicates that CBD can help reduce muscle spasms and improve mobility in MS patients. A 2022 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that CBD may protect neurons and reduce neuroinflammation, potentially benefiting those with neurodegenerative disorders.^[8]

CBD Forms

CBD products come in several forms, including:

• Edibles, such as gummies and candies

• Oils and tinctures

• Capsules and softgels

• Vapes*

“CBD oil has higher bioavailability when taken sublingually than edibles like gummies, which need to pass through the digestive tract to become effective,” says Plonchak. She says oils and tinctures act faster than gels or capsules; topicals are best for localized issues.

*Note that vapes and other smokeable formulations of CBD are not recommended due to potential harm to the lungs.

Side Effects of CBD

“CBD is generally safe for most individuals, but some may experience mild side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, or changes in appetite,” says Dr. Gaiani. Other possible side effects include:

• Diarrhea

• Trouble falling or staying asleep

• Weight loss

• Stomach pain or discomfort

• Excessive saliva/drooling

• Difficulty walking

Dr. Gaiani advises consulting a health care provider before using CBD, especially if you have preexisting medical conditions or take medications. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should not use CBD.