Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the main component of cannabis. It is present in the resinous flower, accounting for up to 45% of the plant extract. CBD is one of over 100 cannabis plant-exclusive cannabinoids. Some others mentioned on our website are the CBN or cannabinol and the CBG or Cannabigerol.
It is a natural non-psychoactive or psychotropic compound, with enormous therapeutic potential. Researchers try to elucidate its properties and its ability to improve symptoms of various diseases, thus improving the quality of life of patients.
What CBD is for?
CBD-rich cannabis oil is used as a dietary supplement or supplement, topical remedy or pharmacological treatment for the relief of chronic pain, inflammation in inflammatory bowel or skin diseases, anxiety, depression or the severity and frequency of seizures in refractory epilepsies.
It is also used to treat symptoms of neurological or neuropsychiatric diseases such as multiple sclerosis, alzhéimer, párkinson or schizophrenia. Along with the other more studied cannabinoid, THC, has been shown to induce cancer cell death in vitro and in vivo in animal models, inhibiting tumor progression.
CBD and THC Are they the same?
Not CBD and THC are not the same. Cannabis contains more than 500 organic compounds, of which at least 113 are cannabinoids. And among these cannabinoids stand out, for their therapeutic qualities, CBD and THC. This tetrahydrocannabinol is the predominant psychotropic compound in the plant, responsible for the psychoactivity for which cannabis is known.
CBD has no psychoactive effects; THC does. But both have a very significant therapeutic value, which is enhanced when they «work» together; a synergistic effect occurs: CBD enhances certain properties of THC, such as analgesics or anticancer, while counteracting its psychoactivity.
Favicon the cannabis web CBD
Not psychoactive (no intoxication or drug).
No known side effects.
Counteracts the psychoactivity of THC.
Favicon the cannabis web THC
Psychoactive (intoxicating, causes a state of drug addiction).
Side effects such as tachycardia and anxiety.
What Benefits CBD brings?
We do not yet know all the medicinal qualities of CBD and much remains to be investigated, although so far there is evidence of properties:
analgesics;
anti-inflammatory drugs;
anxiolytics;
anti-tumour;
anticonvulsants;
antipsychotics, and
neuroprotective.
What it provides, according to clinical studies, value or therapeutic potential for the following pathologies:
Chronic pain.
Fibromyalgia.
Autoimmune inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis.
Cancer: brain tumors (gliomas), skin (melanoma and carcinoma of the skin), breast, pancreas, liver and prostate, among others; in palliative treatment, improves chemotherapy symptoms such as physical pain, nausea, vomiting and insomnia.
Anxiety, stress and depression.
Neurological disorders: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia, Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, refractory epilepsy or stroke (CVA).
Neuropsychiatric diseases: schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism.
Metabolic syndrome: obesity and diabetes.
Cardiovascular disorders.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Chronic inflammatory skin diseases: dermatitis, psoriasis and acne.
CBD: Contraindications and side effects?
CBD interacts with drugs, which can reduce or prolong its activity: it deactivates or amplifies cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP), altering the way in which a large number of compounds and pharmaceuticals are metabolized.
Check with your doctor if you are taking any medications. And be cautious if you have a history of mental illness, alcohol or drug abuse, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Many vaporizing cannabis oils (e-liquids, or electronic cigar liquids) contain propylene glycol. This chemical additive, when overheated, produces formaldehyde, a carcinogenic byproduct.
Other possible side effects include dry mouth, weakness, tiredness, headache, and dizziness.
Is it safe to take CBD?
CBD is a safe substance with no psychoactive effects.
However, take into account their interaction with drugs and the recommendations indicated in the previous point.
When to take CBD
CBD helps relieve and treat acute and chronic symptoms in:
cancer;
anxiety and depression;
psychosis, spasms and …