CBD Benefits: What the Research Actually Shows

Research into cannabidiol (CBD) is still evolving. For much of the past century, legal restrictions on cannabis made large-scale scientific study difficult, but the evidence emerging of the benefits of CBD is genuinely encouraging.

Below, we outline four areas where CBD oil shows the most promise for general health and wellness: pain relief, anxiety reduction, improved sleep, and inflammation reduction.

Note: CBD is not a substitute for medical treatment. We encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider before using CBD, particularly if you are managing a health condition or taking other medications.

 

CBD for Pain Relief

CBD works with your body's endocannabinoid system, a natural network of receptors that helps regulate how your body responds to pain, stress, and inflammation. 

Research indicates that CBD may help reduce the perception of pain—without the risks associated with opioid-based medications—by influencing receptors in the brain, immune cells, sensory neurons, and the serotonin system, which regulates mood, stress, and emotional wellbeing.[1,2]

Anxiety Reduction

CBD appears to have a calming effect on the central nervous system, and anxiety is one of the most consistently studied areas. CBD is thought to work through serotonin receptors—the same pathway targeted by many conventional anti-anxiety medications, but without the dependency risk.

A 2019 clinical study found anxiety scores decreased in 79% of participants within the first month of taking CBD, with improvements holding steady over time,[3]  while a 2020 systematic review found similar indications for both anxiety and depressive symptoms.[4]

Improved Sleep

Poor sleep is often linked to anxiety, and CBD's calming properties may help break that cycle. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, CBD may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep—particularly for people whose sleep difficulties stem from anxiety or racing thoughts.

The same 2019 clinical study found that two-thirds of participants reported improved sleep scores within the first month of CBD use—though research suggests it has little effect on sleep quality in people without an underlying sleep concern.[3]

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation underlies many common conditions, from arthritis to multiple sclerosis to inflammatory bowel disease. CBD is thought to work through receptors found in immune cells, helping to reduce signalling that amplifies the body's inflammatory response.

A 2022 review found evidence of CBD's anti-inflammatory activity across a range of conditions including lung injury, neuroinflammation, colitis, and ocular inflammation. These effects may be enhanced when CBD is taken alongside other cannabis compounds—as in full-spectrum CBD products—something researchers refer to as the entourage effect.[5]

About Advance Extracts CBD Oil

Our full-spectrum CBD oils are made from organically grown hemp extract: no fillers, no artificial additives. Every batch is independently tested so you know exactly what you're getting. Learn more about CBD and our Advance CBD1000® Hemp Oil.

References

[1] Schouten M, Dalle S, Mantini D, Koppo K. Cannabidiol and brain function: current knowledge and future perspectives. Front Pharmacol. 2024;14:1328885. PMC10823027 ↗

[2] Johnson BW, Strand NH, Raynak JC, et al. Cannabinoids in Chronic Pain Management: A Review of the History, Efficacy, Applications, and Risks. Biomedicines. 2025;13(3):530. PMC11940634 ↗

[3] Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. doi:10.7812/TPP/18-041 ↗

[4] Pinto JV, Saraf G, Frysch C, et al. Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review. Can J Psychiatry. 2020;65(4):213–227. PMC7385425 ↗

[5] Anil SM, Peeri H, Koltai H. Medical Cannabis Activity Against Inflammation: Active Compounds and Modes of Action. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:908198. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.908198 ↗