What Are CBD’s And How Can They Improve My Health?

By Frank G. Shineman
The acronym CBD stands for the word Cannabidiol. This substance is one of at least 113 active cannabinoids. It is a major substance in the extract of the plant called Cannabis or more commonly known as Marijuana. Most of the world, when they hear that, automatically think of a dried plant substance rolled in paper or smoked in a pipe which gives a euphoric sensation to the person consuming it. But it is THC, another chemical in the plant which affects the user in that way. CBD is considered to have a wide range of medical benefits, without the side effects commonly associated with Marijuana. Particularly lacking are any effects on psychological function, the euphoria which is caused by THC.
It has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, neuroprotective and pain-killing properties. In addition it has also been shown to lower blood pressure, protect against cancers, cause drowsiness, relieve muscle spasms, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and epileptic seizures. I mean really, what’s not to like?

Five Must Know Facts about Cannabidiols or CBDs
CBDs are quickly changing the debate surrounding the use of marijuana as medicine. Medical researchers and Doctors are aware of the side effects of THC, but CBD doesn’t present that problem. On the other hand, proof of CBD’s medical benefits continues to increase, surprising many of all the potential health benefits to those around world suffering.
Here are five facts you should know about CBD’s:

1. CBD is a key ingredient of Cannabis, mentioned above as one of over 113 chemical compounds. Of these compounds CBD and THC are found in the highest concentrations, therefore the most easily recognized and studied. The levels of these two compounds can vary from plant to plant. Marijuana grown for recreational use tends to have higher levels of THC. For further research purposes, Cannabis breeders have developed selective breeding techniques. Using these techniques, they have had great success in creating varieties with high levels of CBD and almost zero levels of THC.
2. CBD is non-psychoactive. Though this factor doesn’t make it popular for recreational users, this is the type preferred by Doctors. Their research requires a type with very limited side effects. This quality gives it a preferred advantage for use as a medicine.
3. CBD has a wide range of medical benefits. According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology studies have found CBD to possess the following medical properties:
   
   Medical properties of CBD            Effects
   Anti-emetic                                        Reduces nausea and vomiting
   Anti-convulsant                                Suppresses seizure activity
   Anti-psychotic                                   Combats psychosis disorders
   Anti-inflammatory                           Combats inflammatory disorders
   Anti-oxidant                                      Combats neurodegenerative disorders
   Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancer              Combats tumor and cancer cells
   Anxiolytic/Anti- depressant           Combats anxiety and depression disordersUnfortunately, most of the evidence is as the result of animal testing because there have been only a few human trials with CBD. A pharmaceutical version of CBD called Epidiolex was developed in Great Britain by GW Pharmaceuticals. Recently they were proud to announce that clinical trials have begun. Their goal is to produce a treatment for schizophrenics and some types of epileptics. Incredible news!! An additional product they’ve manufactured is called Sativex for treating multiple sclerosis. It has been approved for use in 24 countries.As well in the States there is a team of researchers hoping to soon begin testing CBD on breast cancer therapy. They are led by Dr. Sean McAllister at the California Pacific Medical Center. Amazing!!
4. CBD reduces the negative effect of THC. Numerous studies prove that CBD acts to reduce the intoxicating effects of THC. The most common of these are memory impairment and paranoia.In addition, CBD appears to counteract the sleep inducing effects of THC. This explains that some strains of cannabis increase alertness. Neither CBD nor THC have been found to present any risk of a lethal overdose. However, it is our conclusion that there is a need to reduce the potential side effects.To accomplish this, medical users would be wiser using cannabis with higher levels of CBD.
5. CBD is still illegal. Even though CBD shows great promise as a medicine, it remains illegal in many parts of the world. CBD is classified as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States and a Schedule 2 drug in Canada.