What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of at least 85 cannabinoids found in cannabis and industrial hemp. It is a major constituent of the plant, and represents up to 40% in its extracts. It is the decarboxylated form of CBDa (the ‘a’ means acid). Cannabidiol is considered to have a broader scope of medical applications than THC. Cannabidiol has displayed sedative effects in animal tests. Other research indicates that CBD increases alertness. CBD has been shown to reduce growth of aggressive human breast cancer cells in vitro, and to reduce their invasiveness.
Cannabinoids within the cannabis plant can interact with the human endo-cannabinoid system using the cannabinoid receptor found throughout our bodies. Some cannabinoids bind more selectively to certain receptors and are more specific for desired medical usage.
Cannabinoids within the cannabis plant can interact with the human endo-cannabinoid system using the cannabinoid receptor found throughout our bodies. Some cannabinoids bind more selectively to certain receptors and are more specific for desired medical usage.
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Hemp is among the oldest industries on the planet, going back more than 10,000 years to the beginnings of pottery. The Columbia History of the World states that the oldest relic of human industry is a bit of hemp fabric dating back to approximately 8,000 BC.
The discovery of a few CBD-rich strains in California in late 2009 occurred shortly after the release of the so-called “Ogden memo” from the U.S. Justice Department, which hinted at the possibility of a more permissive federal policy with respect to medical marijuana. This memo triggered a surge of entrepreneurial activity in states where the therapeutic use of cannabis was legal. Despite the huge potential market for less psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabis, the introduction of CBD-rich medicine at the dispensary level was rather slow.
The discovery of a few CBD-rich strains in California in late 2009 occurred shortly after the release of the so-called “Ogden memo” from the U.S. Justice Department, which hinted at the possibility of a more permissive federal policy with respect to medical marijuana. This memo triggered a surge of entrepreneurial activity in states where the therapeutic use of cannabis was legal. Despite the huge potential market for less psychoactive and non-psychoactive cannabis, the introduction of CBD-rich medicine at the dispensary level was rather slow.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
A few dispensaries became early adopters, but dispensary owners in general were reluctant to stock CBD-rich strains given that their customers were typically seeking THC-dominant marijuana that provides mild euphoria and relaxation. The general public, including most medical marijuana users, hadn’t yet heard about CBD, and growers didn’t want to devote garden space to plants for which there was no established market. A couple of outdoor growing seasons would pass before significant amounts of CBD-rich cannabis became available for patients and product-makers.
Today CBD-rich remedies are available in many forms: herb, edibles, ointments, tinctures, extracts, and capsules. In some states where cannabis is legal to use for therapeutic purposes, certified patients can access measured, dose-specific CBD-rich oil concentrates.
CBD is a naturally occurring compound that is legal in all 50 states. It does NOT get you "high". THC is the active ingredient in "marijuana" that gets people "high". There are negligible amounts of THC in products that legally provide therapeutic amounts of CBD.
Today CBD-rich remedies are available in many forms: herb, edibles, ointments, tinctures, extracts, and capsules. In some states where cannabis is legal to use for therapeutic purposes, certified patients can access measured, dose-specific CBD-rich oil concentrates.
CBD is a naturally occurring compound that is legal in all 50 states. It does NOT get you "high". THC is the active ingredient in "marijuana" that gets people "high". There are negligible amounts of THC in products that legally provide therapeutic amounts of CBD.
Some Potential Medical Benefits of CBD:
- CBD has been found to be anti-spasmodic and antiepileptic, which could be beneficial for those who suffer from epilepsy, Dravet’s Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), ALS, among others.
- At high doses (more than several hundred mg) CBD can be a sedative, and also helps insomniacs stay asleep longer. In low doses, CBD has been found to be alerting.
- CBD is effective as an anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety (anxiolytic) and relieving for nausea (anti-emetic)
- CBD is a powerful pain reliever (analgesic)
- CBD has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth (anti-carcinogenic).
- CBD helps the immune system function more efficiently.
- CBD is a neuroprotectant and a powerful antioxidant. It has applications in treatment for Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, cerebral ischemia as well as brain and nerve damage from strokes.
- CBD is an anti-psychotic and recent research has indicated it is effective in treatment of schizophrenia.
- CBD could be effective in easing symptoms of a wide range of difficult-to-control conditions, including: rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, alcoholism, PTSD, epilepsy, MS, antibiotic-resistant infections and neurological disorders, to name a few.
- CBD as been found to be effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD), Crohn’s Disease, or Ulcertative Colitis.
- CBD has shown some inclination to being beneficial for those with autism
