Professor Laura Stewart, a researcher at the University of Northern Colorado, has spent two decades exploring the effects of exercise on the immune system. In the past decade, her focus shifted to investigating the relationship between cannabidiol (CBD) and immune function. Stewart aims to bridge the gap between public perception and scientific evidence regarding cannabis and CBD, emphasizing the need for accurate information.
Stewart's research delves into the impact of cannabis and CBD on the immune system, focusing on exercise performance, health, and fitness. Initial studies between 2016 and 2019 compared cannabis users and non-users, revealing minimal differences in basic health measures, except for power tests, where cannabis users exhibited reduced power. Subsequent clinical trials in 2021 explored the effects of daily CBD consumption over eight weeks, indicating potential enhancements in the ability of natural killer cells to combat cancer cells.
In a recent study commissioned by a global beverage company, Stewart investigated the impact of regular CBD consumption on general health. The study, published in Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative, found that daily CBD use for eight weeks in healthy individuals did not affect physical and mental health indicators.
The culmination of nine years of research has led to the establishment of the Complementary Health and Integrative Physiology Center (CHIPC) at the University of Northern Colorado. The center, inaugurated last year, serves as a hub for further research on cannabis and other natural substances' impact on health, fostering collaboration between academia and private entities.
Stewart remains enthusiastic about the potential of cannabis, stating, "Cannabis is a very interesting plant, and we are still finding a lot more about its potential to impact mental and physical health." The ongoing commitment to research in this field reflects the evolving landscape of cannabis and CBD studies, seeking to uncover their broader implications for human well-being.
More: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-explores-effects-cannabidiol-general-health.html
