More and more people are acknowledging that CBD might be the right medication for them.

Here are seven reasons that CBD is a great alternative medicine for a variety of medical issues:

1. CBD is non-psychoactive

As the stigma surrounding cannabis lessens, many people are interested in its medicinal benefits but aren’t necessarily interested in using it recreationally or wanting to get high. CBD does not contain the psychoactive properties that THC contains and therefore can be used for number of medical reasons without the high.

Being non-psychoactive also makes CBD a great alternative medication for children and pets who experience pain or have other illnesses that can be treated with CBD.

2. CBD Reduces inflammation and chronic pain

Most illnesses or ailments are associated are accompanied by some kind of pain or inflammation. CBD works with the endocannabinoid system which controls both pain and inflammation and is able to work with the receptors associated with those symptoms.

3. CBD hinders the growth of cancer cells

One of the most exciting and promising characteristics about CBD is its apparent ability to reduce the growth of many types of cancers. CBD excited the receptors responsible for producing pharmacological effects in the body’s immune system and central nervous system which inhibits the growth of cancerous cells.

CBD is also being used to decrease the size of tumors and to help with side-effects related to cancer.

4. CBD lowers blood sugar levels

Despite the fact that so many people associate “the munchies” with marijuana, studies from as recently as 2013 have shown the opposite—cannabis users are actually less likely to develop diabetes and that it can help to regulate their weight.

More research is needed to know whether or not CBD can be useful for patients with diabetes but studies have shown its ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

5. CBD can reduce anxiety and depression

According to the World Health Organization, depression is the largest contributor worldwide to disability, with anxiety ranking sixth.

Typically, these illnesses are treated with pharmaceutical drugs which can result in harmful side-effects like headaches, drowsiness and insomnia. These drugs also commonly lead to substance abuse.

CBD medication however, has shown a lot of promise in recent studies for alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In a recent study, 24 people with social anxiety disorder received either a placebo or 600 mg of CBD before a public speaking test. Compared to the group that was given the placebo, the group that had taken CBD had significantly less anxiety, discomfort and cognitive impairment during their performance.

Several animal studies have also shown the antidepressant effects of CBD.

6. CBD can be used to treat substance abuse

Studies have shown that CBD has the ability to modify brain circuits that are related to drug addiction. Lab studies have shown that CBD can reduce heroin-seeking behavior and morphine dependency. It’s also been shown that in states where medical marijuana is made available, that there are far fewer overdoses from opioids and prescription medications.

7. CBD may be able to reduce acne breakouts

For those who suffer from acne and occasional breakouts, CBD may soon be what the dermatologist orders. The anti-inflammatory properties in CBD help to reduce the look of acne and will also reduce the production of sebum.