CBD, or
cannabidiol, is quickly changing the debate surrounding the use of cannabis as
a medicine.
(Photo: Colleen Danger/Flickr)
Most people have heard of a chemical called THC, which is the
ingredient in marijuana that gets users high. But recently, attention has
shifted to another marijuana compound called CBD. And for good reason.
Because while doctors can’t seem to look past certain side
effects of THC, CBD doesn’t seem to present that problem. On the other hand,
evidence of CBD’s vast medical potential is mounting.
Here are 5 facts that you need to know about this unique
compound:
1. CBD is a key
ingredient in cannabis
CBD is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called
cannabinoids. Of these compounds, CBD and THC are usually present in the
highest concentrations, and are therefore the most recognized and studied.
CBD and THC levels tend to vary between different strains and varieties of cannabis. For
example, by using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders have managed
to create varieties with high levels of CBD and next to zero levels of THC.
2. CBD is
non-psychoactive
Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. While this makes CBD a
poor choice for recreational users, it gives the chemical a significant
advantage as a medicine, since health professionals prefer treatments with
minimal side effects.
The reason why CBD is
non-psychoactive is due to its lack of affinity for CB1 receptors. CB1 receptors are found in high
concentrations in the brain, and are the pathways responsible for the
psychoactive effects of THC.
3. CBD has a
wide range of medical benefits
Despite a different pathway of action,
CBD seems to possess many of the same benefits of THC. According to a 2013
review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, studies
have found CBD to possess the following medical properties:
Medical Properties
of CBD
|
Effects
|
Antiemetic
|
Combats nausea and
vomiting
|
Anticonvulsant
|
Combats seizure
activity
|
Antipsychotic
|
Combats psychosis
disorders
|
Anti-inflammatory
|
Combats inflammatory
disorders
|
Anti-oxidant
|
Combats
neurodegenerative disorders
|
Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancer
|
Combats tumor and
cancer cells
|
Anxiolytic/Anti-depressant
|
Combats anxiety and
depression disorders
|
Unfortunately, most
of this evidence comes from animal studies, as very few clinical trials have
been conducted using the chemical.
4. CBD reduces
the negative effects of THC
CBD seems to offer natural protection
against the marijuana high. Numerous studies suggest CBD acts to
counter the intoxicating effects of THC, including memory impairment and
paranoia.
Both CBD and THC have been found to present no risk of lethal overdose. However,
to reduce potential side effects, medical users may be better off using
cannabis strains with higher levels of CBD.
5. CBD is still
illegal
Even though CBD shows much promise as a medicine, it remains
illegal in many parts of the world. CBD is classified as a Schedule I drug in
the U.S. and a Schedule II drug in Canada.
On the other hand, the U.S. FDA recently approved a pharmaceutical version of CBD for clinical trials in pediatric
epilepsy. The trials began earlier this year.
A patent awarded to the U.S. Health
and Human Services in 2003 (US6630507) also covers
the use of CBD as a treatment for a variety of neurodegenerative and
inflammatory disorders.
CBD or Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of the hemp plant that has shown significant health and wellness benefits – CBD promotes and supports the dietary and nutritional health of aging bodies (US Government patent # 6,630,507).
