Study: Could Taking CBD Increase Life Expectancy?

In the last 10 years, extensive scientific research has reported that the compound Cannabidiol (or CBD) found within hemp plants has the potential to help treat an extensive range of ailments, disorders and illnesses. Some studies have highlighted the beneficial applications for the use of CBD products, where doses and duration of use have varied across these studies.

ICE Headshop have been offering premium CBD oils and other CBD products for wellbeing purposes for over 10 years and we always keep up to date with current industry standards, as well as legislation. Here, we take a look at CBD and a recent study that has got people asking, ‘could taking CBD increase life expectancy?’

What was the purpose of the study?

The purpose of the study by Canopy Growth and Spectrum Therapeutics, which released its results in November 2020, was to determine the effects of CBD on acute and lifelong toxicity, ageing and lifespan, as measured by mortality of the species C. elegans. C. elegans are a type of worm that are often used for clinical drug trials due to their transparency throughout their 2-3 weeks of life. The genetic make-up of humans is remarkably similar; this study provides reliable data on CBDs interaction within living organisms that are 60-80% genetically similar to us. As data for human studies may not be available for many years, this is a study of huge interest in the community.

What did the study find?

• The research paper provided to us by by Canadian ‘Canopy Growth’ corporation and their medical department Spectrum Therapeutics concludes that “these results serve as the only CBD lifelong exposure data in an in vivo model to date” - in layman's terms ‘this is the only data provided from a study on living organisms.’
• The researchers go on to say that “while further research into the lifelong use of CBD should be carried out in mammalian models, the C. elegans model indicates a lack of long-term toxicity at physiological relevant concentrations.”

The results of this study suggest that life-long exposure to CBD increased the lifespan of the organisms by up to 18%. Moreover researchers analysed motility (the ability to move independently) of the organisms that demonstrated a significant increase in late stage life activity by up to 206% with the use of cannabidiol.

What do these findings say about CBD?

Put simply, what the study concludes is that lifelong usage of CBD products like oils, edibles and many others is safe even in high doses. The study further implies that CBD has the potential to increase life-span and quality of life in later stages.

Could CBD also impact quality of life in addition to life expectancy?

Cannabidiol has a wealth of applications, it is diverse and can be adapted to suit any kind of lifestyle. It has been reported that it helps relieve symptoms of painful or chronic conditions, as well as its many other applications, including:

• PTSD
• Parkinson’s
• Epilepsy
• Acne and other painful skin conditions
• Arthritis
• Insomnia

Considering these conditions (and many others) are detrimental to both physical and mental wellbeing, it goes without saying that any relief provided by CBD from these conditions is welcomed. In the study conducted by Canopy Growth and Spectrum Therapeutics it is observed that not only was life expectancy increased but also late-life mobility or activity increased. Whichever way CBD works for you and however you apply it to your lifestyle, it’s increasingly thought to improve lives, on an individual basis and in ways that can’t necessarily be achieved through the use of commonly used medicines like opioids. Where quality of life is imperative, CBD may offer unique benefits that can be tailored to suit your individual needs and provide you relief in order to achieve a greater quality of life.

Further information on CBD

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD is one of over 113 currently identified active cannabinoids found within cannabis plants. Cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system that is found throughout our bodies. It can be found in our brain, central and peripheral nervous systems and is responsible for regulation of things like (but not limited to):

• Cognitive function
• Metabolism
• Pain sensation
• Mood
• Appetite

CBD is widely used in many countries around the globe and its ease of use and variety of applications makes it a top choice for those seeking a natural solution for many types of ailments, conditions, and even things like sports recovery or cosmetic uses. While much stigma has surrounded cannabis and cannabis related products since it was made illegal in 1920, ongoing research into the benefits of cannabis and worldwide availability of information via things like the internet and social media have seen attitudes shift dramatically. The ongoing research into the medicinal value of cannabis and the boom of information available is really turning heads. Many countries worldwide are becoming advocates of cannabis products for medicinal use and we are even seeing much legalisation and regulation the world over. For more information about the law surrounding cannabis and CBD, read our history of cannabis law article.

Shop with ICE Headshop

Here at ICE Headshop we work alongside the CBD industry to provide you with high quality, lab tested CBD products from reputable manufacturers and distributors. Our team has years of expert industry knowledge and we are at hand to help with any questions regarding our products and can guide you to finding the right products for you. Please don't hesitate to get in touch. Email: [email protected] (24/7/365) Phone: Mon-Fri, 10am - 4.00pm Phone orders: 01626 903101 General enquiries: 01626 903102