Besides THC, Cannabidiol (CBD) is cannabis’s other most studied and well-known cannabinoid. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive; consuming pure CBD does not produce the same “high” feeling that THC does. CBD was discovered in 1940 and is just one of hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Today, there is extensive information about CBD – this is only Part I of the summary.

CBD MEDICAL BENEFITS

Recently, CBD has become a popular topic among scientists and consumers alike due to its therapeutic attributes. As always, much more research must be done before findings can be considered conclusive, but the research that is available provides substantial evidence for CBD as a medically beneficial substance. As more and more patients seek to avoid negative side effects of pharmaceutical medicine, CBD becomes an increasingly attractive option either to treat the disease’s symptoms or to treat the primary treatment’s negative side effects.

CBD has been used to treat the symptoms of various types of neurological disorders (Parkinson’s, MS, epilepsy, etc.) As with any other medication, results of CBD usage will vary from patient to patient, but there is both substantial scientific evidence and anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD can lessen the severity and frequency of symptoms in patients with these types of neurological disorders.

CBD has also been linked to improved symptoms in patients with neuropsychiatric illness (anxiety, depression, PTSD, alcoholism), various types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and many more. For more findings on the medical effectiveness of cannabis, please visit our Condition Reports, which are updated weekly.

CBD SIDE EFFECTS

Again, research is still being conducted on both the benefits and adverse effects of CBD. However, as of now, CBD is typically considered to be a safe substance for both humans and animals. Because CBD is not a psychoactive chemical like THC, the short-term adverse effects are usually less severe. These may include dry mouth, fatigue, and light-headedness. The long-term adverse effects of CBD are still relatively unknown. In most scientific studies, the use of CBD does not worsen a patient’s already existing symptoms, but other studies show that CBD may inhibit the effectiveness of other medicines.

MYTHS ABOUT CBD

Because there is so much recent discussion surrounding CBD and its medical benefits, the name “CBD” itself has become somewhat of a buzzword in popular culture. The name is plastered on billboards and storefront signs, all purporting to sell high-quality, doctor-recommended CBD products. It is important to remember that because the CBD industry is quite new (only legal since the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act), there are few regulations that dictate the manufacturing process. Make sure you know where the hemp plant was grown and the method by which the vendor extracts the CBD. CBD can be beneficial to many, but it is all too common to end up buying what is essentially snake oil. As well, CBD products claiming to be dietary supplements or pain relievers are not FDA-approved, so these labels may or may not be accurate.

The medical benefits of CBD are quite promising, but it is important to remember that we still need more research. Not every patient or person will have the same positive experience that they heard about on the news.