What is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviated acronym for Cannabidiol. It is one of the 100+ cannabinoids found in Cannabis. (Cannabinoids are a diverse group of herbal, endogenous, and synthetic compounds that bind to specific inhibitory receptors in the body. CBD has received a great deal attention amongst health professionals for its wide-ranging medical benefits and applications. While THC has been associated with psychoactive effects, CBD has shown no psychoactive effects.
Some of the conditions which might be alleviated by the use of CBD:
Epilepsy - Anxiety disorders - Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia - Nausea - Convulsion - Inflammation - Inhibiting cancer cell growth
Tumor shrinkage - Stress reduction (cellular level) - Muscle relaxation - Pain relief
Neurological disorders - Multiple Sclerosis spasms - Insomnia
Please consult the advice of a qualified professional before introducing medical cannabis into your healthcare program.
CBD BENEFITS
Research indicates good response in the following areas.
1. RELIEVES PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
Among common CBD benefits, natural pain relief tops the list for many.
2. HAS ANTIPSYCHOTIC EFFECTS
Research shows that CBD benefits include producing antipsychotic effects. It appears to have a pharmacological profile similar to that of atypical antipsychotic drugs.
3. REDUCES ANXIETY
Cannabidiol has shown to reduce anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder and researchers suggest that it may also be effective for panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
4. HELPS TO FIGHT CANCER
Several scientific reports demonstrate that CBD benefits include possessing antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic effects that inhibit cancer cell migration, adhesion and invasion.
5. RELIEVES NAUSEA
Cannabis has been used for centuries for the suppression of nausea and vomiting.
6. MAY TREAT SEIZURES AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
A 2014 survey conducted by researchers at Stanford University among parents with children diagnosed with epilepsy showed that 84% reported a reduction in their child’s seizure frequency while taking CBD cannabis. Other beneficial effects included increased alertness, better mood and improved sleep.
7. LOWERS INCIDENCE OF DIABETES
In 2013, the American Journal of Medicine published a study that highlighted the impact of marijuana use on glucose, insulin and insulin resistance among U.S. adults. The researchers found that current marijuana use was associated with 16 percent lower fasting insulin levels.
8. PROMOTES CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
A 2013 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reports that CBD protects against the vascular damage caused by a high glucose environment, inflammation or the induction of type 2 diabetes; plus, CBD proved to reduce the vascular hyperpermeability (which causes leaky gut) associated with such environments.
The chart below lists which medicinal properties are attributed to CBD as well as some of the other major cannabinoids (CBN, CBC, CBG). CBDA is the acid form of the compound.
When grown and harvested, the flowers are almost all CBDA and THCA. A treatment with a medium level heat application (280 - 300 degrees Fahrenheit) converts CBDA to CBD as well as THCA to THC.
Complete list of applications of CBD and the source of the research for each condition: ProjectCBD.org