Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both main ingredients in the Marijuana plant. Both CBD and THC belong to a unique class of compounds known as Cannabinoids. Whilst many strains of marijuana are known to have abundant levels of high THC, high CBD strains are less common. CBD has recently drawn a lot of attention from the medical community, who seem to prefer CBD over THC.
The High
THC is best known for being the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. CBD, however, is non – psychoactive. In other words CBD can’t get you high. Whilst this may be difficult for recreational users, this unique feature of CBD is what makes it so appealing as a medicine.
Doctors usually prefer treatments with minimal side – effects, which is a major barrier to the acceptance of Medical Marijuana. CBD has been used to treat younger children with various ailments.
Anxiety
THC is known to cause some people to feel anxious or paranoid. CBD is believed to have the opposite effect. Studies show that CBD counteracts anxiety caused by THC. Studies also show that CBD can reduce anxiety when administered on its own.
Anitpsychotic
In addition to being non – psychoactive, CBD seems to have antipsychotic properties. Researchers believe that CBD may protect marijuana users from getting too high by reducing the psychosis – like effects of THC. However, regulating the mind – altering effect of THC is not all CBD is good for. On its own, CBD is being tested as an anti – psychotic medicine for people with schizophrenia.
Sleep
One of the most common uses of marijuana is as a sleep aid. THC is believed to be responsible for most of marijuana sleep inducing effects. On the other hand, CBD acts to promote wakefulness, making CBD a poor choice as a sleep medicine. The opposite effects may explain why some strains of cannabis cause users to feel drowsy whilst others boost energy.
Legal Status
While most countries have strict laws surrounding marijuana and THC, the legal status of CBD is less clear. In the USA, CBD is illegal as it is classified as a Schedule 1 drug under Federal Law. A pharmaceutical form of CBD called Epidiolex was recently cleared by the FDA to be tested on children with severe epilepsy.
CBD is found in Hemp, which can be legally imported and sold in the USA. Some companies have used this loophole by importing high CBD hemp extracts from other countries where hemp is produced.
If you didn’t know now you do
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