Cannabidiol was first discovered by German scientists in 1940, after which it was isolated and classified into two distinct compounds: hydrocodone (which is derived from THC) and methylphenidates (which is derived from CBD). In addition, cannabidiol can also be found in a number of other herbal plants. Cannabidiol belongs to the same family of plant compounds as THC and CBD, but does not contain the same amount of THC. Consequently, it is less dangerous than the latter two.
Like other cannabinoids, CBD has numerous side effects, some of them quite serious. These include liver damage, seizures, hallucinations, anxiety, tremors, painful strokes, and respiratory failure. Many of these side effects are caused by the low concentrations of CBD present in cannabis and marijuana. In fact, the only thing that seems to improve these symptoms is the high dose of CBD that is usually prescribed for these patients.
How Does CBD Work?
So, just what does CBD do to help alleviate some of these ailments? The first effect is that it seems to block the impact of certain enzymes on inflammation. It seems to reduce the inflammatory response in multiple sclerosis patients. Chronic pain is also relieved by the administration of high doses of CBD. This is probably the reason why doctors prescribe it for muscle spasms, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The lower dose of CBD that is prescribed for inflammation is sufficient to help relieve many of these problems.
Unlike most other pharmaceuticals, CBD does not cause serious adverse side effects. Commonly seen side effects include drowsiness, loss of appetite, and dizziness. One study did report that there was a decrease in seizure activity among children on an experimental regimen of CBD. However, this study did not look at CBD’s potential effectiveness when used alone.
It’s Effective
There are also some other benefits of CBD that make it a highly desirable natural ingredient. For one, it is remarkably efficacious. One study tested CBD against three commonly used anti-inflammatory medications, all with conflicting results. However, when administered at a dosage of 60mg/day, CBD was able to eliminate all three medications’ efficacy. Moreover, CBD is a very fast entering into the bloodstream, which means it reaches the brain very quickly, and its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce some of the side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea and pain.
In addition to these benefits, there are also some studies showing that CBD can help prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. One of the ways CBD edibles help prevent these diseases is by reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with high blood pressure. Another study, using CBD as treatment for arthritis showed significant reductions in joint stiffness and pain within four weeks. There are also a number of studies showing the ability of CBD to protect human sperm from various forms of damage. This is important, as sperm is responsible for fertilization, and any damage to sperm cells can result in infertility.
The potential health benefits of CBD come from two sources: the presence of some of the most powerful antioxidants in nature, and the presence of certain other compounds. Most CBD comes from the phytochemicals and other plant chemicals called phytoestrogens, which occur naturally in some plants. These phytoestrogens bind with the estrogen hormone and cause a variety of health benefits, including anti-cancer activity. However, human studies have not proven that CBD alone is sufficient to achieve these benefits. A supplement containing at least trace amounts of CBD is probably the best choice for anyone who wants to reduce their pain and improve their overall health.