CBD is one of the compounds found in cannabis in high concentration. CBD rich cannabis is usually non-psychoactive. CBD has a variety of medical benefits. It is considered for medical applications because it shows minimal side effects. Everybody is therefore seeking to get the CBD rich products in order to reap benefits from them.
CBD has very desirable properties. These properties show that CBD is therapeutically useful in that it is:
- Anticonvulsant meaning it makes seizure activity inactive.
- Anti-oxidant meaning it fights neurodegenerative disorders.
- Anti-inflammatory meaning it combats inflammatory disorders.
- Anxiolytic meaning it reduces anxiety and depression.
- Antiemetic meaning it reduces nausea and vomiting.
- Anti-cancer/anti-tumoral meaning it suppresses tumor and cancer cells.
- Antipsychotic meaning it fights psychosis disorders.
BENEFITS OF CBD
Most of the benefits of CBD can be clearly portrayed by the different desirable properties of the same. Many studies have been carried out to determine the different benefits and uses of CBD.
CBD gives a great benefit as a medicine since it has minimal side effects and this is preferred by most health professional.
CBD reduces the harmful effects of THC.CBD offers a great defense against the marijuana high and thus reduces some of the harmful effects of THC like paranoia and memory impairment. CBD also counteracts the sleep inducing effects of THC and this explains why some species of cannabis are known for making one more alert.
A number of studies and reports that CBD can be suggested for use in children with drug resistant epilepsy. Over the last two decades, a number of studies have also proven that CBD has anti-seizure effect.
CBD has also been portrayed as having neuroprotective effect in cell cultures and also animal models of many neurodegenerative diseases such as:
- Alzheimer’s
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Glutamate toxicity
- Neurodegeneration
- Parkinson’s disease
Studies have found out recently that CBD has anti-tumor effects. These studies also portrayed increased death of cancer cells and also a decrease in the growth of tumor, though these findings have not been yet practiced on humans. It has been noted that these effects could be due to the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the CBD.
There have also been cases where patients with psychotic disorders have been treated with CBD and positive results obtained.
It has also been realized that CBD has the effect of reducing anxiety and stress especially when one is under pressure.
Preclinical findings also show that CBD has a therapeutic benefit as treatment of substance use disorders. CBD reduced the effects of morphine and reduced heroin seeking, though in animal models. The data which is available is not enough to draw a conclusion about this.
Generally, CBD has been noted to be potential in treating a wide range of conditions such as mentioned above, including arthritis, diabetes and schizophrenia.
METHODS OF DOSING
TINCTURE
Tinctures were the primary type of cannabis medicine. They are the alcohol extraction of whole cannabis.
The best way to use tincture is usually sublingually that is under the tongue. A patient is only required to use a number of drops by placing them under the tongue and then the medicine is rapidly absorbed into the different parts of the body. Those wishing to stop drinking alcohol are advised to use tincture instead.
FLOWERS AND CONCENTRATES
Effects of cannabinoids are dependent on:
- Dosage-depends on the amount and type of cannabinoids used.
- Self-individuals differences in the brain.
- State-this refers to the mental state of the user immediately during and after use.
Therefore, recommended dosage varies from an individual to another. The correct consumption for an individual will be based on desired effect, duration, intensity and personal preference.
The easy way of consuming cannabis is only using a vessel and a lighter. Smoking cannabis involves a process of inhaling smoke released from the concentrate or the flowers.
VAPING
Effects of vaporized cannabis are felt instantly and this makes the control of dosage easy. It is therefore recommended that the novice consumers should start with just a few inhalations from the vaporizer. The vapor is usually free from tar and carcinogens.
EDIBLES
These are cannabis infused food and drinks. The cannabinoids in the food are usually ingested through the intestinal tract and therefore this may lower or delay onset time compared to other methods of consumption. The effects of the edibles are believed to last longer and therefore for new consumers, the recommendation for a start is 1-5mg of THC. For occasional consumers, 5-10mg of THC is recommended.
