Almost everyone has heard of a compound called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the ingredient found in marijuana and is responsible for the high. However, recently, the attention in the medical community has shifted to another compound found in marijuana, which is named CBD. This stands for Cannabidiol and is one of the various chemical compounds called Cannabinoids. It is also one of the essential ingredients in cannabis and is actually revolutionizing the world of modern medicine. Just like THC, CBD also interacts with the neurons in the brain that transmits nerve impulses making you feel, breathe and think.
CBD doesn’t interact with all the neurons in the brain; it interacts with specific ones i.e. the ones that can accept cannabinoid molecules. THC does the same, but the problem is that it fits inside these neurons perfectly and turns them on, which causes people to get high. CBD molecules, on the other hand, do fit inside the neurons, but not so perfectly to turn them on. Therefore, CBD doesn’t cause a high in its users and there is little or no chance of people becoming addicted to it. Not only that, but CBD also activates other receptors that THC cannot like the serotonin receptor, adenosine receptor and the vanilloid receptor.
Activating the serotonin receptor enables CBD to influence the brain activity thereby reducing nausea, blood sugar levels, depression and a host of other neurological and biological issues. Through the adenosine receptor, CBD is able to reduce feelings of anxiety amongst people. As far as the vanilloid receptor is concerned, activating it can alleviate inflammation and pain. Due to the health benefits it can provide, CBD can be found in a variety of forms such as tinctures, oils, vaporizers and edibles. People can opt for a form that seems most convenient and reasonable to them.
Other than that, here are some great facts you should know about this unique compound:
CBD is a vital ingredient in Cannabis
Cannabis comprises of more than 113 compounds and CBD is one of them and it belongs to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. Of all the compounds, THC and CBD are most recognized because they are found in the highest concentrations. However, their levels can vary in different plants. When marijuana is grown for recreational purposes, it has a higher level of THC as compared to CBD, but high-concentrations of CBD can also be found in some strains.
CBD can offer a world of medical benefits
Even though THC and CBD tend to impact different pathways in the body, some of the benefits they can provide are quite similar. CBD has various properties that enable it to have a plethora of effects. Some common ones include:
- It can suppress seizure activity due to its anticonvulsant properties.
- Has psychoactive properties that can be useful for combating psychosis disorders.
- Can be helpful in dealing with neurodegenerative disorders because of its antioxidant properties.
- The analgesic properties of CBD make it great for alleviating pain and pain-related disorders.
- It can also be handy for reducing vomiting and nausea because of antiemetic properties.
- The anti-cancer and anti-tumoral properties of CBD allow it to fight cancer and tumor cells.
- Inflammatory disorders can also be treated with CBD as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
- The antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of the compound can be great for dealing with depression and anxiety disorders.
CBD is non-psychoactive
As compared to THC, you will not experience a high when you take CBD. There is no denying that the marijuana high can be enjoyable, but it can also have a lot of side effects, which is not a good thing in the long run. The reason CBD has been declared as non-psychoactive is because it doesn’t work on the same receptors as THC. The mind-altering effects of THC only come into effect due to the CB1 receptors, which are in high concentration in the brain.
CBD can control the negative effects of THC
Cannabidiol is able to combat the high caused by THC quite naturally. It has been seen that the intoxicating effects caused by THC can be reduced by CBD such as paranoia and memory impairment. Those who have used both THC and CBD for medicinal purposes have clearly stated that CBD is a much better option because it doesn’t have that many side effects. However, this doesn’t apply to higher concentrations of CBD. Also, there is no risk of lethal overdose with CBD.
CBD can work with other compounds
One of the most interesting facts about CBD is that it can interact with other compounds found in marijuana like terpenes and THC. When these compounds work together, they can offer people with more benefits that on their own. CBD can tone down the negative impacts of other marijuana compounds and boost your health.
Some marijuana strains are high in CBD
Marijuana growers have used the process of selective breeding to create strains that are high in CBD. Some of these strains are high in THC and CBD both whereas others don’t contain THC at all. Charlotte’s Web is the most famous CBD-rich strain. Stanley brothers set it up in Colorado. They referred it as ‘hippie’s disappointment’ originally. But the non-psychoactive strain later got its name the honor of a young girl, Charlotte Figi. The strain was used by her parents for combating her severe seizures that she suffered due to Dravet Syndrome.
Different CBD products are available nowadays
CBD has earned itself a reputation of being a good, safe and non-psychoactive treatment of a variety of health problems. This is one of the top reasons why different kinds of CBD products are now available in the market and they include topicals, edibles, oils as well as vaporizer liquids for e-cigarettes and vaping. CBD oil is pure and is the concentrated extract direct from the cannabis plant and are taken orally. You can also find edible products that contain CBD. Topical products that are rich in CBD can be helpful for skin and can also reduce pain. E-liquids are in use for vaporizing CBD.
While some of these products may come from marijuana, most come from industrial-grade hemp. Therefore, many refer them as Hemp CBD or CBD Hemp Oil.
CBD influences your sleep-wake cycle
Cannabidiol has a ‘biphasic effect’ on your sleeping cycle. Essentially, this means that its impact can vary according to the dosage taken. Small doses of CBD increase wakefulness whereas large doses have a sedating effect. Typically, 160 mg per day is a large dose and can lead to more sleeping time. However, doses that are 15 mg or less can have stimulating effects and leave you more awake. In addition, THC has sleep-inducing effects and CBD can have same effects. This explains why some Cannabis strains increase alertness.
CBD for pets
A very strange and widely unknown fact about CBD is that it is also give to your furry friends. It is a better option as compared to THC because it has a fewer number of side effects. A number of pet owners feel uncomfortable in giving their pet something that creates a high, but they can give cannabidiol without worrying because it doesn’t. There are several CBD products that are for pets and target some health concerns like epilepsy, anxiety, skin problems and joint pain.
CBD still remains illegal
Yes, this is also a fact. Despite the popular health benefits that come with this compound, it remains illegal in a large part of the world. Even though it shows a lot of promise as a medicine, CBD is still a Schedule I drug in the United States and a Schedule II drug in Canada. US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) made it clear on December 14th, 2016 that any extract of marijuana will be a Schedule I drug under federal law. This includes CBD oil as well as other CBD-rich products.
However, there is also a good news. Recently, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a request for conducting a trial of a pharmaceutical version of CBD in kids who are suffering from a rare form of epilepsy. While it is illegal in most areas, there are some states in the US. These trials have legalized the recreation and/or medicinal use of marijuana. People easily sell and buy CBD products in these areas. You do not need a prescription for ordering these products online.
All these facts indicate that CBD can have a plethora of benefits. Positive impacts not just on the human body, but also on the brain. It can be useful for treatment of different diseases and health issues and combat the pain. However, it is crucial to take the right dosage in order to see results.
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