Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of drug derived from the Cannabis plants or otherwise popularly known as Marijuana. Hence, Cannabidiol is popularly known as “Medical marijuana.” Although derived from Cannabis, cannabidiol is not considered to be a narcotic drug. In countries like the United States of America, they are even approved by the Department of Food and Drug Administration in order to treat childhood epilepsy. Neither are they found under the prohibited list of drugs by the United Nations.
Since the year 1940, this had been entirely distinguished from cannabis plants. Later on, in the 1960s, researchers came up with their own composition.
In cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol is found, which is primarily responsible for the hallucination caused after consuming the drug. However, CBD or cannabidiol is not psychoactive as tetrahydrocannabinol. Hence, it is safe to be used as a medicine or treatment.
Cannabidiol as a medicine:
In the year 2016, some researches indicated that Cannabidiol could be used to treat neurological problems.
CBD has been suggested to treat childhood epilepsy – to be precise, two particular and rare forms of epilepsy known as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These are corroborated by medical reviews published in recent years.
Further, there is also a claim that cannabidiol helps to cure various other neurological disorders. But it is not substantial enough yet to be established as clinical practice.
The drug does contain side effects like fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, etc.
Cannabidiol is believed to have antipsychotic effects. It contains chemicals that reduce anxiety, depression, and pain due to the prevention of breakdown of a certain chemical that leads to the above-mentioned results. Meanwhile, an increase in the level of CBD reduces symptoms associated with medical conditions like Schizophrenia and Parkinson’s.
This drug in the form of Nasal spray is used in many countries to treat multiple sclerosis. However, the evidence is quite inconsistent. Some other research studies suggest that the drug when sprayed under the tongue can improve pain and muscle tightness.
Apart from the aforementioned uses, there are many more uses which have not been proved yet but are still in the research stage. It is known to cure insomnia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, Huntington disease, etc. Besides these, it also helps the user to quit smoking and reduce social anxiety.
However, while using CBD as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, one must understand that excess dosage might worsen the symptoms like muscle movement and the tremors which ultimately worsen the Parkinson’s.
There is not enough evidence to prove if it is safe to be consumed by women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding. Hence, it is better to avoid these during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Bottom line:
Marijuana is a narcotic drug that is considered illegal in many places. But CBD, an essence extracted from the plant can cure pain, relieve from depression, and treat epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. It depends on how it is put to use. Proper use can reap benefits while improper use without medical supervision can lead to worsening of the already existing symptoms.
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