What is CBD?

Cannabidiol or CBD, is a cannabis compound that offers several notable medical benefits. CBD is just one of the 85 active cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant, but it makes up about 40% of the total plant extract. It is popular among those who do not want psychoactive responses or the feeling of buzz, normally associated with THC. In fact, CBD can inhibit the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. For decades, ironically, cannabis growers have preferred to create varieties with less CBD and more THC. Now that there is a new appreciation for the benefits of CBD, growers are developing richer strains of this substance.

Cannabis strains with relatively more CBD can help treat a variety of medical symptoms, including:
Chronic pain
Inflammation
Anxiety
Muscle spasms

Consequently, clinical studies and scientific research highlight the ability of CBD to treat, at least to some extent, certain neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis and alcohol abuse. For example, Canada approved CBD for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in 2005 (http://medicalmarijuana.ca/learning center/conditions/multiple- sclerosis)

CBD is the second most common cannabinoid in cannabis and the most common in hemp plants. CBD can generally represent from 0.1 to 12% of the content of all cannabinoids in the plant. CBD-rich cannabis (4% or more) provides powerful therapeutic benefits without the euphoria or lethargy that gives many varieties with a lot of THC. CBD and THC are believed to have a synergistic effect: this means that when both are present, efficacy increases compared to when they work separately. While THC is widely known for its psychoactive properties, cannabidiol is best known for its ability to counteract anxiety, tachycardia (the rapid heartbeat), hunger and sedation caused by THC and its ability to control severe forms of epilepsy.

Here are some medical properties of CBD, according to a 2013 study published by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

CBD was once considered a minor cannabinoid, as it was in the shadow of THC. What we know now is that this natural chemical is beneficial and versatile like THC in coping with many difficult-to-manage diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, epilepsy, antibiotic-resistant infections, alcoholism, Post-traumatic stress disorders (DPTS) and neurological disorders. CBD acts as a strong anxiolytic (reduces anxiety), is an anticonvulsant, an antiemetic (reduces nausea), has anti-inflammatory action, is an excellent antioxidant (it is better than vitamins C and E), has antipsychotic and antidepressant properties. One of the most interesting aspects of CBD is its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and neuro-protective properties, which gives great hope in the treatment of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and all neurodegenerative diseases. Cannabidiol also helps regulate blood pressure and is cytotoxic for breast cancer and other types of cancer cells, while protecting healthy cells.

The researchers also sought to understand the impact of CBD on some antibiotic-resistant infections, also analyzing its antioxidant qualities. In addition, cannabidiol is a possible proactive treatment, that is implemented not only in the acute phases but also in the absence of symptoms and for long periods, which benefits the neurological system.

There are many products on the market today that are high in CBD and low in THC, so they offer health benefits without getting high so they can be perfect for daytime use. Marijuana is not just a matter of fact, there are many active ingredients and their properties are used to create safe and natural medicines.