5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CBD’S
Most people have heard of THC due to the intoxicating effects it has on the users. Recently, another main compound in marijuana has been gaining attention – CBD’s. For those who haven’t heard of them, here’s a few facts about this special compound:
1. CBD is a key ingredient in Cannabis.
CBD is one of over 60 compounds that belong to a class of molecules called Cannabinoids. THC & CBD have the highest concentration present in the plant.
The levels vary among the types of plants. Plants with higher levels of THC are more popular among recreational users.
Due to selective breeding, breeders have been able to create varieties with high levels of CBD’s and nearly zero levels of THC. Although these breeds of Cannabis are rare, they are becoming more popular.
2. CBD’s are non-psychoactive.
CBD does not cause a high. This difference between THC gives it a significant advantage as a medicine.
According to this pubmed article, CBD does not act on the same pathways as THC. A 2001 review published in Current Drug Safety, concludes that “CBD’s does not interfere with several psychomotor and psychological functions”. Secondly, several studies suggest that CBD’s is “well tolerated and safe even at high doses.”
3. Several Medical Benefits
Even though THC and CBD act differently in the body, they have similar health benefits. According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, studies have found CBD to have these benefits:
(graph: leafscience.com)
4. CBD’s reduce some negative effects of THC
Numerous studies suggest that CBD reduces the some effects of THC, such as memory impairment and paranoia. It also appears to counteractthe sleep-inducing effects of THC as well.
5. CBD’S have been shown to help with seizures.
A survey by Stanford researchers of 19 severely epileptic children found that 84% experienced substantial seizure reductions from CBD-enriched cannabis.
Also, a report done by pubmed suggests this:
“The authors report on a survey which explored the use of cannabidiol-enriched cannabis in a small number of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Sixteen (84%) of the 19 parents reported a reduction in their child’s seizure frequency while taking cannabidiol-enriched cannabis. Of these, two (11%) reported complete seizure freedom, eight (42%) reported a greater than 80% reduction in seizure frequency, and six (32%) reported a 25-60% seizure reduction. Other beneficial effects included increased alertness, better mood, and improved sleep. Side effects included drowsiness and fatigue. The authors conclude that safety and tolerability data for cannabidiol-enriched cannabis use among children are not available and objective measurements of a standardized preparation of pure cannabidiol is needed to determine whether it is safe, well tolerated, and efficacious at controlling seizures in this pediatric population with difficult-to-treat seizures.”
[ Sources: leafscience.com, canorml.org, cureepilepsy.org ]