Today, cannabidiol is applied in the treatment of a variety of symptoms despite being controversial in medical circles. There remains a sheer amount of confusion and debate as to its effects on the human body.
Cannabidiol, also referred to as CBD, has several health benefits, as well as some risks. Surprisingly, the product is legal in several states, some of which have not legalized marijuana. In June 2018, the FDA approved the prescription use of Epidiolex – a pure form of CBD used in epilepsy treatment.
What Are CBD Oils?
It is a compound better known as cannabinoids present in cannabis. Researchers today have mainly focused on the therapeutic use of CBD. As of now, we know that it has a variety of uses.
Is CBD Weed?
One of the best known compounds of cannabis is THC. Marijuana contains both CBD and THC compounds, both of which have different effects. THC brings about the mind-altering high when smoked or cooked. This arises from its breakdown when exposed to heat.
However, CBD is much different. Unlike THC, it is less active and does not alter the mental process. It does not result in significant body changes, and research suggests it has medical benefits.
Where Does It Arise From?
The least processed form of CBD is hemp. Hemp has most of the CBD that people use medicinally. Marijuana and hemp both arise from the same plant family, cannabis sativa. However, do not mistake the two to be similar.
Over the years, marijuana farmers have bred their plants to contain high levels of THC among other compounds of interest. Hemp farmers have hardly interfered with the plant through modifications. This is why they are the sole preferred source of CBD oil.
So How Does It Work?
All cannabinoids affect the body receptors. Their effects are attributed to the body receptors called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, mainly in the brain. The CB1 receptors within the brain focus on coordination, pain, movement, emotions, appetite, thinking, memories and others functions.
THC acts by attaching to these receptors. CB2 receptors are essential in the body’s immune system as they affect pain and inflammation. Researchers once believed that CBD was directly attached to CB2 receptors. However, this has been debunked.
Benefits of CBD
Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Ability
A natural remedy for relieving pain, it is better to use CBD rather than over-the-counter drugs. Research proves its ability to reduce cases of chronic pain in lab mice and rats. The researchers suggest that non-psychoactive compounds such as CBD are the new treatment plan for chronic pain.
Drug-Related Withdrawals
Research shows that it can be useful to people recovering from drug addiction. Smokers who inhaled CBD smoked fewer cigarettes without experiencing a powerful urge for nicotine. Another study recently published reveals how it can be beneficial for previous opioid addiction users.
Epilepsy
In 2018, the FDA has approved the use of CBD in the treatment of epilepsy. The DS and LGS are hard to control when using other types of medication.