By Ezra Julia
If you are not familiar with CBD products, they are products that contain Cannabidiol, a component of cannabis. Cannabidiol is an important phytochemical found in many 1940’s cannabis strains. It is among the nineteen identified active cannabinoids in whole cannabis plants, and constitutes up to 40% of the total plant’s organic material. It has been used for more than half a century to treat ailments associated with neurological and immune system disorders. It is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials for patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions like cancer, MS ( Multiple Sclerosis), epilepsy and more. It has shown promise in treating these diseases, but it is not yet approved by the FDA for use as a treatment for those who cannot access conventional medicine.
The reason why it is being investigated for its potential uses in treating neurologic conditions is due to the fact that cannabidiol acts in a manner similar to THC or other psychoactive substances. Both of them can affect a person’s perception of time, mood and alertness. However, CBC is believed to have fewer side effects than THC. It also has less impact on a person’s performance at work or school. There have been no long term studies performed using CBD for anxiety disorders, although preliminary data on two CBD based anxiety drugs, airsubstatin and propranolol, have been presented at a CBD pharmaceutical conference in Toronto, Canada. More research is needed to evaluate these two drugs’ efficacy and safety profile in people with neurological disorders.
In addition, there are other reasons why CBD products could have medical use. There are reports that the non-cannabis components in CBD oils, such as cannabidiol, could be useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other nervous system disorders. However, CBD is neither a hypnotic nor does it possess medicinal uses. The FDA has not approved CBD for use in the treatment of cancer or other serious diseases.
Studies conducted on animals reveal that cannabidiol has similar chemical effects as that of THC. This could mean that CBD may act in a way similar to THC, which has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and enter the central nervous system, and has been found to interact with neuropathic pain. Some experts believe that CBD is more potent than THC, and could therefore be used as an alternative to cannabis. However, this remains to be seen.
