CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It is one of the active ingredients of the Cannabis Plant. CBD is not the same as THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) from Cannabis.
While CBD is derived primarily out of hemp plants while THC is derived from marijuana plants.
THC is the component of the marijuana plant which gets you “high” while CBD extracted from hemp is non-psychedelic and does not cause any hallucinations.
According to a report from the World Health Organisation, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. Till date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the administration of pure CBD.”
The legal position of Cannabidiol (CBD) is still in a state of flux. In many countries the legal status of CBD is still under discussion.
According to The Cannabis Radar: all CBD products derived from hemp and having less than 0.3% THC by dry weight are considered legal.
Does CBD Get You ‘High’?
It is very important to differentiate between CBD as a therapeutic product and the use of cannabis as a recreational drug. Using CBD does not replicate the ‘high’ that one gets from smoking cannabis.
In fact, it’s one of over 100 non-psychoactive (or non-intoxicating) chemical compounds found in cannabis. CBD feels relaxing and calming without producing any mind-altering effects.
Our bodies produce cannabinoids on their own. The human body has an endocannabinoid system responsible for creating and receiving cannabinoids. This system uses two receptors: the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The psychoactive component in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC. This intoxicating compound alters normal brain communication by affecting neurotransmitters directly.
This affects the pleasure, memory, concentration, movement, sensory and time perception centers of the brain by attaching to the CB1 receptor.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, on the other hand, does not act on CB receptors in the same way.
Evidence indicates that CBD does not attach directly to these receptors at all. Instead, it works through the endocannabinoid system indirectly to relax one’s body and reduce pain and inflammation.
Put simply, CBD does not affect the brain the way THC does.
It does not make you feel high, disoriented or forgetful.
CBD calms your mind and body by lowering cortisol levels, pain and inflammation, all without making one feel high or dazed.
Does CBD Have Any Health Benefits?
CBD is used as a treatment for:
-
- Pain and Inflammation Relief,
- Reducing Anxiety and Depression,
- Relieving Nausea and Vomiting,
- Reducing Spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis,
- Treating Epilepsy,
- Lowering Blood Pressure.
CBD as a Treatment Against Seizures
CBD has indeed been used and proven effective against a lot of illnesses.
But the strongest scientific evidence for its effectiveness is found in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes.
These syndromes like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, usually do not respond to other mainstream medicines.
Therefore CBD has extensively been experimented upon and proven useful when other medications have failed.
CBD Helps with Anxiety and Depression
CBD can be used to address stress and anxiety disorders and for the patients who endure the despair and hopelessness of sleep deprivation or insomnia.
Research shows that CBD may help with both falling asleep and improving the quality of sleep.
CBD can lower Chronic Pain
CBD also offers a possibility of treating various chronic pains.
An investigation from the European Journal of Pain revealed that CBD oil applied on the skin could assist in lower pain and inflammation arising out of Arthritis.
Another study showed the mechanism by which CBD restrains provocative and neuropathic torment, two of the most troublesome sorts of interminable agony to treat.
CBD can Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms
CBD also helps reduce symptoms like nausea, vomiting and pain related to cancer. It also helps subside the side effects related to cancer treatment.
A study looked at the effects of CBD and THC in 177 people with pain related to cancer, who did not attain relief from other pain medicine.
Every individual treated with an extract containing both CBD and THC faced a significant decrease in pain compared to those who were administered the only THC extract.
CBD also helps reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are among the most common side effects for those with cancer.
A research of 16 people undergoing chemotherapy found that an administration of an equal combination of CBD and THC reduced chemo related nausea and vomiting better than mainstream medication alone.
Some lab studies and animal experiments have even shown that CBD may have anticancer properties. For example, one lab study found that concentrated CBD induced a type of cell-death in breast cancer cells.
However, these are animal studies and experiments, so they can only suggest what might work in people. More studies in humans are essential before gathering conclusive proof of the effectiveness of CBD.
CBD Supplements and Their Efficacy
CBD supplements are proving to be effective in providing relief from chronic pains and aches.
Cannabidiol derived supplements have properties that aid in relaxation, and are a natural alternative to other medicinal drugs.
CBD topical creams have increased in popularity as they help with muscle pains, cramps, sprains and inflammation. Fab CBD Cream is helpful for athletes as they support a better workout session.
Although CBD is not a sedative, it does create a sense of relaxation by counteracting stress-hormones our bodies produce (like cortisol), which gives us that fight-or-flight response.
Results from recent studies are sufficient to suggest that Cannabidiol may provide a safe, powerful natural treatment for many health issues and can also act as an alternative to recreational drugs used to calm anxiety.
Read More:
How to cook with magic mushrooms and CBD oil?
What is CBD and why it is everywhere?
