CBD also known as cannabidiol has been quickly changing the debate concerning the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Many have heard about the component in cannabis; THC, which is the chemical that creates the psychoactive effect of “being high.” Currently; however, attention has focused on another component called CBD. CBD’s do not appear to create the psychoactive effect that THC does. Proof of CBD’s medicinal benefits keep growing.
Following is a list of five facts you should know about CBD:
1. CBD is one main ingredient in marijuana
There are over sixty compounds (cannabinoids) in marijuana and CBD is one of them. CBD and THC are usually found in higher concentrations; therefore, are the most recognized and studied. CBD and THC levels usually vary amongst plant species. Weed cultivated for recreational use is known to have higher levels of THC and less CBD. By utilizing selective breeding strategies; marijuana breeders created strains with high levels of CBD and practically no THC. Despite the fact these strains are rare; they have become quite popular.
2. CBD is non-psychoactive
CBD will not cause a high as opposed to THC. Considering health professionals rather use a drug with minimal side effects; CBD offers a significant advantage. The reason CBD is not psychoactive is due to the fact that it does not act on the same pathways THC does. The pathways that are responsible for the mind-altering effects of THC are called CB1 receptors and are found in high concentrations in the brain.
A review published in Current Drug Safety in 2011, concluded that CBD “does not interfere with several psychomotor and psychological functions.” The authors stated, “several studies suggest that CBD is well tolerated and safe even at high doses.”
3. CBD has a wide range of medical benefits
As per a review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2013, studies discovered CBD to have the following medicinal properties:
Medical Properties of CBD: Effects:
Antiemetic Reduces nausea and vomiting
Anticonvulsant Suppresses seizure activity
Antipsychotic Combats psychosis disorders
Anti-inflammatory Combats inflammatory disorders
Antioxidant Combats neurodegenerative disorders
Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancer Combats tumor and cancer cells
Anxiolytic/Antidepressant Combats anxiety and depression disorders
The majority of this evidence is derived from animal testing considering few studies of the effects of CBD in human patients have been carried out. A drug company located in the UK (GW Pharmaceuticals), recently created a pharmaceutical version of CBD. They are currently funding clinical trials on CBD for treating schizophrenia as well as certain types of epilepsy. There is also currently a team of researchers at the California Pacific Medical Center, led by Dr. Sean McAllister, that hopes to begin trials on CBD as a breast cancer therapy in the near future.
4. CBD reduces the negative effects of THC
CBD appears to create a natural barrier against the marijuana high. Various studies indicate that CBD reacts by minimizing the intoxicating effect of THC, such as paranoia and forgetfulness. It seems that CBD also stops the sleepiness/ drowsiness caused by THC. This may be the reason that certain strains of marijuana are known to increase alertness. Neither CBD nor THC have ever presented a risk of lethal overdose; however the use of marijuana (for medicinal purposes) with higher levels of CBD, is a better choice in order to reduce potential side effects.
5. CBD is still illegal
CBD is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States and a Schedule II drug in Canada and remains illegal in many parts of the world although it proves to work well as a medicine. However; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a request to trial a pharmaceutical version of CBD (made by GW Pharmaceuticals) in children with rare forms of epilepsy. The drug is called Epidiolex.
As per GW Pharmaceuticals, the drug consists of “more than 98 percent CBD, trace quantities of some other cannabinoids, and zero THC.” They also make another marijuana-based drug called Sativex, which has been approved for treating multiple sclerosis in more than 24 countries. A patent awarded to the U.S. Health and Human Services in 2003 (US6630507) also covers the use of CBD as a treatment for various neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders.
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