IS CBD A MEDICINE

IS CBD A MEDICINE?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an inherent compound found in the cannabis plant. It is highly concentrated in hemp, a strain of cannabis plant. CBD is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, depressive, and anti-oxidative. These unique features make it useful as a medicine. This article delves into what CBD is and its use as a medicine.

CBD is the most operative compound found in cannabis. It can either be obtained directly from hemp or made artificially. Large amounts of CBD are found in hemp, a variety of Cannabis Sativa. It has unique properties that make it more useful in medicine. CBD can treat epilepsy and diabetes. It also acts as a depressant, muscle relaxant, and as antioxidant. When CBD is combined with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it gives the best performance in treating disorders. The medicinal use of CBD is supported by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other studies; patients should not fear it when treated with it.

WHAT IS CBD?          

CBD is a phrase for cannabidiol. It is derived from hemp, a species of cannabis containing higher concentrations, and uses as a medicine. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most operative compound found in marijuana. It can either be obtained directly from hemp or made artificially. Higher concentrations of CBD are extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis Sativa that also contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relative, and anti-oxidative. These properties have resulted in much research on CBD. CBD is infused with drugs to treat analgesic and inflammatory disorders. In recent years, CBD has become popular because it treats epilepsy, diabetes, anxiety, and other disorders. This shows that CBD. It has chemo-protective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, making it more important in medicine. De Meijer et al. (2009) argued that CBD is the most active cannabinoid in cannabis occupying more than 40% of the entire hemp extract. This extract shows several reactions with the endocannabinoid system of the body. However, research is still underway to determine the actual medical effects of CBD. Consumers claim that CBD affects the brain, but this differs from one consumer to another. The effects of CBD are also different from those of THC. CBD is mixed with other ingredients to produce CBD products; it is legal to sell these products in the United States of America since the law allows it. Foods and drinks are also being flavored using CBD extract. CBD is also a remedy for unhealthy skin by applying CBD oils and balms. Dietary CBD foods in the market contain different levels of CBD; always check the concentration before buying them.

USES OF CBD AS A MEDICINE

Studies are being done to determine the exact health benefits of CBD. Meanwhile, we can look at what researchers have found. It is clear that CBD is a certified cure for epilepsy; earlier studies have also shown reliable medical uses of CBD, as discussed below.

TREATMENT OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

The calming property of CBD is the base for this effect. Although research is needed, one of the articles delved into the relationship between CBD and anxiety disorders. This brought an argument that CBD affects anxiety depending on an individual’s level. The degree of anxiety of several men was tried; it was found that those that used a medium amount of CBD had meaningfully decreased anxiety compared to those that used a very low or high amount of CBD, and higher anxiety was found in them. Gáll et al. (2020) explained that consumption of CBD by rodents acted as a depressant, though this should be tested using human beings.

TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed Epidiolex, a CBD drug, to cure epilepsy. The two forms of epilepsy were Dravet and Lennox syndromes. Several other well-researched studies support the decision of the FDA. When Epidiolex is consumed with other drugs, the level of epilepsy in a patient decreases.

DECREASE OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

When PTSD patients are administered CBD under supervision, PTSD manifestations are likely to reduce. Scientists claim that CBD can better treat PTSD; it reduces anxiety. Hindocha et al. (2015) stated that a combination of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) delivers the best performance. The two compounds support one another for the sake of performing their role. However, THC has several side effects.

TREATMENT OF OPIOID ADDICTION

An opioid is a drug inherently found in the opium plant. They reduce pain in the brain through blockage of pain impulses between the body and the brain; this is effective when combined with other drugs. Apart from pain treatment, opioid stimulates happiness. Drowsiness and difficulty breathing are some side effects of using opioids. CBD reduces anxiety and restlessness in opioid users. This shows that CBD is a solution for people addicted to opioids through detailed research should be done.

ALLEVIATION OF ALS SYMPTOMS

ALS is a short form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a disease responsible for decreased brain and spinal cord performance, leading to brain and spinal muscles malfunctioning. The cause of ALS is still unknown, but it is claimed to be inherited. Its treatment is still known, but a mixture of THC and CBD has improved; some patients claimed this after using it.

EASING DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS

Levens et al. (2009) confirmed that CBD decreases the amount of glucose in the body. High glucose levels are responsible for diabetes. The ability of the body to resist insulin is also made easy hence easier administration of diabetic drugs. More research on CBD can offer many benefits for the treatment of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

CBD can be used to treat disorders such as epilepsy, diabetes, muscle pain, inflammation, and depression, though this is not scientifically proven. CBD has shown promising abilities for use as a medicine. Medical possibilities of CBD have led to its popularity and the expansion of CBD-drug processing industries. The unique feature of CBD to treat epilepsy broke the record; epileptic patients can now see the essence of living. Besides the use of CBD as medicine, it can also be used in producing CBD products like balms and oils. Misuse CBD drugs can lead to more complicated disorders; hence, much care is needed.

REFERENCES

De Meijer, E. P. M., Hammond, K. M., & Micheler, M. (2009). The Inheritance Of Chemical Phenotype In Cannabis Sativa L.(III): Variation In Cannabichromene Proportion. Euphytica, 165(2), 293-311.

Gáll, Z., Farkas, S., Albert, Á., Ferencz, E., Vancea, S., Urkon, M., & Kolcsár, M. (2020). Effects Of Chronic Cannabidiol Treatment In The Rat Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model Of Depression. Biomolecules, 10(5), 801.

Hindocha, C., Freeman, T. P., Schafer, G., Gardener, C., Das, R. K., Morgan, C. J., & Curran, H. V. (2015). Acute Effects Of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol And Their Combination On Facial Emotion Recognition: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study In Cannabis Users. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 25(3), 325-334.

Levens, E. D., Potlog-Nahari, C., Armstrong, A. Y., Wesley, R., Premkumar, A., Blithe, D. L., … & Nieman, L. K. (2008). CDB-2914 For Uterine Leiomyomata Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstetrics And Gynecology, 111(5), 1129

Ieva Kubiliute

Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

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