Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical that is found in huge quantities in Cannabis Sativa famously known as marijuana or hemp- marijuana being slightly different from hemp. This chemical was discovered in 1940 when it was extracted from the plant along with 113 other cannabinoids. It is found in the plant along with another chemical named delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which creates the ‘high’ feeling when used. However, CBD is proven to have different positive effects. It is predominantly popular due to how it treats anxiety, pain, dystonia, Parkinson’s, and other diseases. Hemp is legal in many countries as it has less than 0.3% THC and is commonly used to extract CBD.
How Does It Work?
The human body has two types of cannabinoid receptors and its own cannabinoids. One of these receptors is for inflammation and pain. It was initially thought that CBD binds itself with this receptor preventing the body from sensing pain or inflammation, but later proved that CBD just makes the body use more of its own cannabinoids.
What Is It Used For?
Pain Relief And Anti-inflammatory
There are many medicines available to soothe pain and inflammation but are not preferred due to their artificial nature and harmful side effects. CBD reviews and reports on CBD say that it is a more natural substitute for such medicines.
Epilepsy
It has been noticed that a product of CBD, Epidiolex, reduces seizures in adults and children. It is prescribed to those who suffer from seizers caused by Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Anxiety
People with anxiety are mostly advised by doctors to not have cannabis, as THC will react in the body causing suffocation and increase anxiety. But, CBD has been effective in reducing anxiety which is often a part of
- post-traumatic stress
- general and social anxiety
- panic disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
Diabetes
In Type 1 diabetes, the disease prompts the immune system to attack the pancreas leading to inflammation there. This anti-inflammatory property of CBD was revealed to be effective here as per a study conducted in 2016.
Cancer
A review book published that the spreading of cancer can be reduced using CBD by reducing their growth rate and facilitating the destruction of the cancer cells.
Multiple Sclerosis
A combination of THC and CBD has been used to improve pain, muscle tightness, and frequency of urination in those suffering from Multiple sclerosis.