Cannabidiol came out to the world in a big way. It is transforming from a little-known molecule, to a potential breakthrough nutritional component and treatment. Today, many enthusiasts have realized that this miracle compound can stop spasms, calm anxiety, and soothe those in chronic pain.
Cannabidiol – What is it?
Cannabidiol is one of the most invigorating cannabinoids — chemical compounds found in marijuana. Also known as CBD, it is just one of more than 400 compounds found naturally in the plant in high concentrations. Found in the flowers, stalks and seeds of the cannabis plant, it can be easily extracted from the plant. It’s also possible to produce cannabidiol synthetically in a lab.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD is an antipsychotic and how it exactly works is unclear at this time. Studies show that CBD seems to stop the breaking down in the brain of a chemical that affects mental function, mood, pain and anxiety.
Understanding this complicated compound is quite difficult. This is because it’s polypharmacological, meaning that it affects affect multiple different aspects of your body at one time. It’s therefore critical to know how these different changes interact, and this can only be discovered through research.
What is CBD used to treat?
The therapeutic value of CBD is almost unbelievable. For decades, outdated laws have banned a plant that produces what may become one of the most important medicines for modern disease.
CBD works positively on a range of illnesses. Here are a few of the common reasons patients use this compound:
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Motor disorders
- Nicotine addiction
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Osteoporosis
Additionally, cannabidiol has been found to have significant antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, and keeps the cells in your brain healthy as well as reducing any damage to them.
Cannabidiol has been found effective in treating major health conditions like anxiety and depression, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders. It is also significantly effective in the treatment of refractory epilepsy—especially in children with Dravet syndrome, also helps in reducing the likelihood of seizures.
CBD may even reduce the spread of some types of cancer cells, as well as have a protective effect against some cancers, particularly those of the lung, breast and colon.
The Future of Cannabidiol
CBD is a powerful medicine on its own, the discovery of this component has opened major doors in biochemical and psychiatric medicine. Until we address the legal and political barriers that prevent us from exploring cannabis as medicine, our opened doors will remain unexplored.
While cannabidiol is not yet FDA approved for any condition, many studies have shown promising results for a variety of indications. Additionally, through anecdotal evidence, many people have used CBD products on their own in an effort to treat various medical issues.
The positive results that some people with terminal illness like childhood epilepsy have been seeing from CBD-rich cannabis extracts are giving so many parents what they have been lacking for so long—hope.
The benefits of this new potential health aid is worth exploring. Have a look at this infographic: