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A Case for Cannabidiol

A Case for Cannabidiol

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October 1, 2017 By John Reed Leave a Comment

The emergence of high cannabidiol (CBD)-marijuana strains and CBD-rich medicinal products over the last 20 years has led to an explosion in the medicinal use of cannabis. CBD is an abundant non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis that is thought to convey many of its medicinal benefits. While medicinal use of cannabis has been reported for centuries, it’s only recently been appreciated that CBD is responsible for many of its medicinal benefits. Pre-clinical and human clinical trials have demonstrated CBD’s ability to successfully treat a spectrum of disorders, lending credibility to amassing anecdotal reports . Importantly, CBD carries no addiction risk and has a low-side effect profile. This substantially enhances CBD’s medicinal utility and is helping CBD forge its way into modern medicine. Emerging evidence even identifies CBD as a tool to combat addiction and the opioid epidemic. These are exciting times for those seeking more efficacious and safe treatment options.

CBD has a high-safety profile

Until the late 90’s, CBD was largely disregarded by cultivators who sought to increase the concentration of Δ9-THC (i.e., the most abundant psychoactive phytocannabinoid) to meet the demands of recreational users looking to get stoned. A study of nearly 39,000 cannabis samples found that the average Δ9-THC potency jumped from 4% in 1995 to 12% in 20141. Four strains in the 2016 Cannabis Cup even topped the 30% Δ9-THC mark. People can now get higher than ever.
But with the increase in Δ9-THC potency, CBD levels in recreational strains have decreased to record lows. Since CBD can counteract Δ9-THC’s effects on brain function, the rapid escalation in the Δ9-THC:CBD ratio from 14 in 1995 to 80 in 2014 has led us to uncharted territory for understanding recreational cannabis’ acute and long-term safety profile.

Cannabis’ medicinal utility hinges on its safety profile, known as the therapeutic index (TI). The TI is the range between the effective dose (the dose used to treat a particular ailment) and the toxic dose (the dose that causes harm). Therefore, drugs that have a high TI are deemed “safe”. The TI for cannabis ranges depending on several factors including age of the user and chemical composition of the product/strain. The TI increases with age and a higher CBD: Δ9-THC ratio.
Δ9-THC exposure early in development is associated with numerous deleterious outcomes. Rodent studies have revealed that Δ9-THC is a developmental neurotoxin, and just a single exposure to Δ9-THC can induce long-term behavioral abnormalities2. Late adolescent exposure to Δ9-THC can also potentiate the development of schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice3. These animal studies support decades of human research showing that adolescent cannabis exposure increases risk of developing psychiatric illnesses including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia4.

Scientists are just beginning to reveal the cross-generational effects of Δ9-THC exposure. They are finding that your consumption of high- Δ9-THC strains doesn’t just affect you, but will affect your unborn children5. For instance, Δ9-THC exposure in adolescent rats increases addiction-like behavior in their offspring by altering genetic expression in the brain’s reward circuitry6. These studies highlight the relatively low-TI of Δ9-THC, especially in children and young adults.
In adults, Δ9-THC has a higher TI. Δ9-THC may be used to reduce nausea, provide pain relief, and as an appetite stimulant for patients on chemotherapy. But a single moderate dose of 10mg THC can induce anxiety and psychosis7, and long-term use is associated impaired executive function and memory8. So despite positive recreational effects of Δ9-THC, there is risk for adverse consequences.

CBD, on the other hand, has a higher TI in both children and adults. Several recent studies investigated CBD’s treatment potential in children with epilepsy and failed to detect significant side-effects9,10. While greater frequency of diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue was observed in the CBD-treated group, it’s important to note that these patients remained on their anti-epileptic medications for the extent of the trial. Because CBD is known to impact the metabolism of these other drugs, it’s unclear if CBD produced those side effects or if they resulted from an interaction with their additional medications.

CBD’s safety profile in adults has been more extensively tested, and these studies reveal a particularly high TI (summarized in 11). A single 600mg dose of CBD was not associated with any of the adverse effects of Δ9-THC described above7. In fact, even doses up to 1500mg/kg failed to induce significant adverse effects. For those seeking a long-term treatment strategy, chronic administration of 300mg CBD for over 4 months is well-tolerated and not associated with any toxic effects12.
Despite the increased side-effect risk of Δ9-THC consumption, many users still seek its medicinal benefits. Notably, CBD can increase Δ9-THC’s TI by counteracting its adverse effects. For instance, CBD reduces Δ9-THC’s anxiety-provoking effects in rodents13 and humans14,15, and strongly attenuates psychotic symptoms induced by Δ9-THC14,16. These studies reflect CBD impedance of Δ9-THC action at CB1 receptors, the target by which Δ9-THC exerts its psychoactive effects, either by reducing CB1 receptor activity17 or through direct antagonism18. Therefore, the addition of CBD to a Δ9-THC preparation reduces risk of adverse effects.

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CBD treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders

Medicinal cannabis use has roots in ancient Chinese medical texts, in which writings discuss the use of hemp in medical practice and its use in “painless surgery”. The mention of hemp in ancient Chinese texts and lore suggests that CBD, which has higher potency in hemp than Δ9-THC, was responsible for many of the observed benefits associated with hemp. Today, we recognize the vast scope of CBD’s medicinal potential.

To date, there are 131 listed human clinical trials investigating CBD on various disorders (clinicaltrials.gov). For instance, studies are currently underway to assess CBD’s efficacy in treating autism, anxiety, schizophrenia, irritable bowel syndrome, over-eating, and opioid abuse (among many others). The broad scope of these CBD clinical trials highlights the escalating recognition that CBD has medicinal value in treating disorders that are otherwise poorly controlled by available medications. Furthermore, CBD’s low side-effect profile, as discussed above, makes CBD a promising therapeutic tool for treating these disorders and maintaining long-term compliance, especially in children. A subset of disorders in which CBD has positive medicinal indications are discussed below.

Epilepsy

Perhaps the most well-studied medicinal use of CBD is in treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy. According to the World Health Organization, there are 50 million people currently living with epilepsy, and 1 out of every 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. 20% of epilepsies cannot be controlled with traditional anti-epileptic medications. These “treatment-resistant” forms of epilepsy are usually caused by genetic mutations and seizures that begin in childhood and are often characterized by frequent seizures, and cognitive and behavioral deficits.

For reasons relating to cannabis’ Schedule I status under the Controlled Substance Act, cannabis, and particularly CBD, is not considered a first-line treatment. Children first exhaust an extensive regiment of anti-epileptic medications before their caregivers attempt cannabis. Only recently have physicians began to appreciate the anti-epileptic utility of cannabis. Recent clinical trials have revealed that twice daily oral doses of CBD (Epidolex, GW Pharmaceuticals), totaling 20mg/kg to 50mg/kg CBD, reduces seizure frequency in children with treatment-resistant epilepsies9,10. Children treated with CBD had a 39% median reduction in seizure frequency compared to 13% among the placebo-control group. Further, 62% of parents responded that CBD improved their child’s overall well-being compared to 35% in the placebo group10. CBD’s anti-epileptic effect, confirmed in these clinical trials, provide some relief for patients and their caregivers, but also legitimizes CBD’s use in the medical community.

Anxiety disorders

CBD is commonly used to treat anxiety. Pre-clinical studies in rats illustrate CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety in acutely stressful events. For example, rats given the option to explore an environment with both protected or exposed areas spend the majority of their time in the protected areas and sacrifice their desire to explore the exposed areas. CBD, however, increases the amount of time rats spend in the exposed areas19. This is a common example of a pre-clinical assessment that models anxiety-like behavior in humans, and consistently, CBD is found to reduce anxiety.

As an example in humans, those with generalized social anxiety disorder have difficulty interacting in daily life away from their home and engaging in public speaking. In a study of patients with social anxiety disorder, oral consumption of CBD (600mg, dissolved in corn oil) reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and overall discomfort associated with public speaking compared to a control group20. CBD’s anxiolytic effect on social anxiety illustrates its effectiveness in additional forms of anxiety including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder21 (note: PTSD and OCD are no longer classified as anxiety disorders in the recent DSM-V, but excessive anxiety underlies symptoms of these disorders).

Importantly, CBD’s anxiolytic effects follow an inverted-U response19, in which there’s an optimal dose range for treating anxiety. CBD doses above this range lose their anxiolytic quality. So when using CBD to treat anxiety, if it initially fails to have an effect, the best strategy would be to first reduce the CBD dose. If after that point it is still ineffective, then try a higher dose.

Psychosis

Heavy cannabis use during adolescence is a risk factor for developing schizophrenia4. However in adulthood, CBD may be the best treatment22. While positive symptoms in schizophrenia (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) are usually responsive to traditional antipsychotic medications, negative symptoms (e.g., apathy, low affect, impaired cognition) are more difficult to treat. In one clinical trial comparing the effect of oral CBD (600mg/day) to amisulpride, a traditional antipsychotic, both drugs improved negative symptoms, but CBD (3x daily 200mg CBD capsules) had a superior side-effect profile than amisulpride23. CBD has also been demonstrated to enhance the ability of antipsychotic medication to reduce positive symptoms when used as an adjunctive therapy, and there’s evidence from case studies that CBD effectively reduces symptoms in treatment-resistant forms of schizophrenia24.
Psychosis is also common in Parkinson’s disease. A small open-label clinical trial found that CBD reduced psychosis without negatively impacting the disease’s motor impairments25. A subsequent investigation found that CBD, in oral capsules of 300mg/day but not 75mg/day, increased the quality of life in Parkinson’s patients. It’s unclear, however, if this is due to a reduction in psychotic symptoms or through CBD’s anxiolytic/antidepressant effects26. Together, these results highlight CBD’s potential as an effective treatment of psychosis with a lower side-effect profile than traditional antipsychotic medications.
The wide range of CBD’s medicinal effects reflects its multiple brain and body targets27. CBD’s antiepileptic, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects may stem from its ability to enhance inhibitory GABAergic signaling and serotonergic signaling. These neural mechanisms are similar to the actions of benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), respectively, which are commonly prescribed pharmacological treatment for anxiety, depression, and epilepsy. CBD’s enhancement of the brain’s endogenous cannabinoid, 2-AG23, and partial agonism of dopamine D2 receptors28, the target of antipsychotic medications, likely contribute to its antipsychotic effects.

Pain

CBD has long been known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory action29. Compared to the abundant phytocannabinoids Δ9-THC and cannabinol, CBD is the most effective at reducing peripherally-induced pain and inflammation30. There’s evidence for CBD’s analgesic (i.e., pain-reducing) effects on both inflammation-induced pain and neuropathic pain. For instance, arthritis is a form of chronic inflammatory-derived pain that affects over 20% of Americans older than 18. Arthritis-like pain can be created in the laboratory with exposure to a topical solution known as Freund’s adjuvant which enhances local inflammation and induces pain. Researchers found that topical CBD gel (i.e., applied to the skin) reduces pain by inhibiting the inflammation and swelling induced by Freund’s adjuvant31. In addition to topical CBD, oral consumption of CBD (2.5-20mg/kg) has also been shown to reduce inflammatory pain caused by Freund’s adjuvant32. There are therefore multiple administration routes by which CBD can reduce inflammation-derived pain.

CBD also has promise for treating neuropathic pain, which may be caused by a host of factors including nerve constriction, diabetes, and chemotherapy. In rats, CBD (20mg/kg) reduced pain caused by sciatica32, a form of neuropathic pain resulting from constriction of the sciatic nerve that causes radiating pain down the legs and back. Neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy drugs is a common challenge in cancer treatment that further diminishes quality of life for cancer patients. Intriguingly, CBD (10-20mg/kg) reduced chronic pain caused by chemotherapy drugs in mice33,34. Further, the combination of CBD and the chemotherapy drug, Paclitaxel, reduced the viability of breast cancer tumor cells more than either drug alone34. These studies highlight CBD’s analgesic qualities in addition to its anticancer effects35,36.

Emerging potential for CBD in combating opioid addiction

The scope of CBD’s treatment potential is vast. Because of its low side-effect profile, CBD may be the optimal therapeutic strategy for many patients regardless if they’re on traditional medications or are trying to combat treatment-resistant disorders. Still, an increasing number of potentially promising CBD indications are being revealed. One promising future direction is its ability to combat opioid addiction.

The current opioid epidemic is killing us. Of the 55,000 lethal drug overdoses each year, 33,000 are from opioids. 20,000 of these overdoses result from prescription opioids, and most of the remaining are from heroin. Over 60% of these lethal overdoses are deemed “accidental”, highlighting the loss-of-control associated with opioid use. One of the best tools to combat the opioid epidemic may be cannabis and CBD.

Addiction is characterized not just by intoxication from drug use, but long-lasting disturbances in cognitive performance and emotional states that lead to craving and relapse. Thus, reducing craving and propensity for relapse would substantially aid an addict’s ability to overcome addiction. Anxiety is enhanced in addiction and peaked during periods of withdrawal, leading to further drug taking and relapse. Reducing anxiety in addiction would be a powerful step in curbing drug seeking. Fortunately, one of the most consistent and reproducible effects of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety21, thus highlighting its potential to reduce risk of drug relapse.

Indeed, there’s evidence from pre-clinical studies that CBD can reduce the risk of heroin relapse. In one study37, rats were trained to press a lever for heroin. The rats learned that they would receive an IV infusion of heroin (via an implanted catheter) only when they pressed the lever in the presence of a cage light. In this case, the cage light served as a cue for heroin availability. As you can imagine, when the light was on, they’d press away. It’s similar to an addict approaching an alley where they’re used to shooting up, and if a light is on above the door, they know that someone has heroin inside. When the light is on, they approach the door and receive heroin.

Two weeks later, the researchers put the rats back in the same chamber in which they received heroin. When the light would turn on, the rats would, again, press away to receive heroin. One group of rats, however, received CBD (5mg/kg) the day before being placed back in the chamber. When the light went on, the rats that received CBD made far fewer lever press attempts to get heroin than those in the control group. It’s as if a heroin user who consumed CBD would be more likely to pass by the alleyway without getting heroin, even if the light was on above the door. The authors conclude that this reduction in cue-induced heroin seeking stemmed from CBD’s ability to normalize changes in the brain’s reward circuitry that result from repeated heroin use. This study suggests that CBD may protect against opioid relapse following a period of abstinence.

Another recent report found that CBD (10mg/kg) reduced the conditioned place preference for morphine in mice38. To conceptualize the significance of this finding, imagine coming out of surgery and being given morphine to combat the pain. Not only does the morphine combat the pain, but it activates the brain’s reward center. Over time you crave the morphine, both for its pain-relieving effects and the pleasure it induces. You eventually leave the hospital but continue to crave the opioid kick. Instead of morphine, you take prescription pain meds like Oxycontin or Percocet. The pain from the surgery should have largely subsided, but you feel crummy if you don’t take your pain meds. So you seek more. Maybe your doctor prescribes another round, maybe they don’t. It turns out that heroin is cheaper, and stronger anyway. As tolerance to the drugs sets in, you find yourself needing to take increasing amounts of the pain medications just to feel normal. With increased consumption, your risk of overdose increases, especially as you seek stronger drugs and new environments to consume them.
Now imagine that instead of receiving just morphine in the hospital after your surgery, you received morphine in addition to CBD. What the pre-clinical studies suggest is that the combination of two will make you less motivated to seek opioids once you leave the hospital because you didn’t find its use as rewarding as if you would have taken morphine alone (note: because of morphine’s Schedule II status under the Controlled Substance Act, it’s logistically easier and more accessible to study than heroin or cannabis. Because of morphine’s similarity to heroin, it’s effects are often generalized to most opioid drugs). Since CBD alone also has pain-relieving effects, the combination can also have synergistic effects to strongly reduce pain39 while reducing the drive to continue future opioid use.

Concluding remarks

While many of CBD’s medicinal benefits are well-accepted in the cannabis community, there is still skepticism among the medical professionals. The accumulation of positive clinical trials is helping, but progress remains sluggish. CBD and other cannabinoids are rarely considered first-line treatment options, in part due to the relative dearth of clinical evidence. This reflects the research burdens imposed by cannabis’ Schedule I status, which makes it excessively burdensome to conduct cannabis research (and yes, that includes CBD-only research). By definition, a Schedule I drug has no medicinal benefit. This makes it especially challenging to convince a funding agency to award money to study the medicinal value of CBD. However, the tides may be turning. In 2015 the National Institute of Health allotted $21.2 million towards medicinal cannabis research. As more research funding is allocated towards pre-clinical and clinical trials of CBD and other cannabinoids, a more comprehensive understanding of their medicinal value will be recognized and appreciated. Slowly, CBD may be included in routine clinical practice, but this will likely require the removal of cannabis’ Schedule I status. Until the shift in public policy (and federal law), many patients who are unaware of CBD’s medicinal utility, or do not have access, may unfortunately sacrifice their most efficacious and safe treatment option. But for those in-the-know, your local dispensary may be the optimal pharmacy.

1 ElSohly, M. A. et al. Changes in Cannabis Potency Over the Last 2 Decades (1995-2014): Analysis of Current Data in the United States. Biol Psychiatry 79, 613-619, doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.01.004 (2016).
2 Philippot, G., Nyberg, F., Gordh, T., Fredriksson, A. & Viberg, H. Short-term exposure and long-term consequences of neonatal exposure to Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and ibuprofen in mice. Behav Brain Res 307, 137-144, doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.001 (2016).
3 Rodriguez, G. et al. Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) administration after neonatal exposure to phencyclidine potentiates schizophrenia-related behavioral phenotypes in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 159, 6-11, doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2017.06.010 (2017).
4 Chadwick, B., Miller, M. L. & Hurd, Y. L. Cannabis Use during Adolescent Development: Susceptibility to Psychiatric Illness. Front Psychiatry 4, 129, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00129 (2013).
5 Szutorisz, H., Egervari, G., Sperry, J., Carter, J. M. & Hurd, Y. L. Cross-generational THC exposure alters the developmental sensitivity of ventral and dorsal striatal gene expression in male and female offspring. Neurotoxicol Teratol 58, 107-114, doi:10.1016/j.ntt.2016.05.005 (2016).
6 Szutorisz, H. et al. Parental THC exposure leads to compulsive heroin-seeking and altered striatal synaptic plasticity in the subsequent generation. Neuropsychopharmacology 39, 1315-1323, doi:10.1038/npp.2013.352 (2014).
7 Martin-Santos, R. et al. Acute Effects of a Single, Oral dose of d9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) Administration in Healthy Volunteers. Current Pharmaceutical Design 18, 4966-4979, doi:10.2174/138161212802884780 (2012).
8 Crean, R. D., Crane, N. A. & Mason, B. J. An evidence based review of acute and long-term effects of cannabis use on executive cognitive functions. J Addict Med 5, 1-8, doi:10.1097/ADM.0b013e31820c23fa (2011).
9 Devinsky, O. et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial. The Lancet Neurology 15, 270-278, doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(15)00379-8 (2016).
10 Devinsky, O. et al. Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. N Engl J Med 376, 2011-2020, doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1611618 (2017).
11 Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R.H.C., Crippa, J.A.S., & Zuardi, A.W. Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis Sativa Constitent Curr Drug Saf 6, 237-249 (2011).
12 Cunha, J. M. et al. Chronic Administration of Cannabidiol to Healthy Volunteers and Epileptic Patients. Pharmacology 21, 175-185, doi:10.1159/000137430 (1980).
13 Todd, S. M. & Arnold, J. C. Neural correlates of interactions between cannabidiol and Delta(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol in mice: implications for medical cannabis. Br J Pharmacol 173, 53-65, doi:10.1111/bph.13333 (2016).
14 Morgan, C. J. et al. Sub-chronic impact of cannabinoids in street cannabis on cognition, psychotic-like symptoms and psychological well-being. Psychol Med 42, 391-400, doi:10.1017/S0033291711001322 (2012).
15 Zuardi, A. W., Shirakawa, I., Finkelfarb, E., & Karniol, I.G. Action of cannabidiol on the anxiety and other effects produced by delta-9-THC in normal subjects. Psychopharmacology 76, 245-250 (1982).
16 Bhattacharyya, S. et al. Opposite effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on human brain function and psychopathology. Neuropsychopharmacology 35, 764-774, doi:10.1038/npp.2009.184 (2010).
17 Laprairie, R. B., Bagher, A. M., Kelly, M. E. & Denovan-Wright, E. M. Cannabidiol is a negative allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Br J Pharmacol 172, 4790-4805, doi:10.1111/bph.13250 (2015).
18 Thomas, A. et al. Cannabidiol displays unexpectedly high potency as an antagonist of CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists in vitro. Br J Pharmacol 150, 613-623, doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707133 (2007).
19 Guimarães, F. S., Chiaretti, T. M., Graeff, F. G. & Zuardi, A. W. Antianxiety effect of cannabidiol in the elevated plus-maze. Psychopharmacology 100, 558-559, doi:10.1007/bf02244012 (1990).
20 Bergamaschi, M. M. et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naive social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology 36, 1219-1226, doi:10.1038/npp.2011.6 (2011).
21 Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M.M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C.R. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics 12, 825-836, doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1 (2015).
22 Ruggiero, R. N. et al. Cannabinoids and Vanilloids in Schizophrenia: Neurophysiological Evidence and Directions for Basic Research. Front Pharmacol 8, 399, doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00399 (2017).
23 Leweke, F. M. et al. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2, e94, doi:10.1038/tp.2012.15 (2012).
24 Fasinu, P. S., Phillips, S., ElSohly, M. A. & Walker, L. A. Current Status and Prospects for Cannabidiol Preparations as New Therapeutic Agents. Pharmacotherapy 36, 781-796, doi:10.1002/phar.1780 (2016).
25 Zuardi, A. W., Crippa, J.A.S., Hallak, J.E.C., Pinto, J.P., Chagas, M.H.N, Rodrigues, G.G.R., Dursun, S.M., & Tumas, V. Cannabidiol for the treatment of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease Journal of Psychopharmacology 23, 979-983 (2009).
26 Chagas, M. H. et al. Effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease: an exploratory double-blind trial. J Psychopharmacol 28, 1088-1098, doi:10.1177/0269881114550355 (2014).
27 Pertwee, R. G. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. Br J Pharmacol 153, 199-215, doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707442 (2008).
28 Seeman, P. Cannabidiol is a partial agonist at dopamine D2High receptors, predicting its antipsychotic clinical dose. Transl Psychiatry 6, e920, doi:10.1038/tp.2016.195 (2016).
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30 Formukong, E. A., Evans, A.T., & Evans, F.J. Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of constituents of Cannabis sativa L. Inflammation 12, 361-371 (1988).
31 Hammell, D. C. et al. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain 20, 936-948, doi:10.1002/ejp.818 (2016).
32 Costa, B., Trovato, A. E., Comelli, F., Giagnoni, G. & Colleoni, M. The non-psychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an orally effective therapeutic agent in rat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Eur J Pharmacol 556, 75-83, doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.11.006 (2007).
33 King, K. M. et al. Single and combined effects of Delta9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Br J Pharmacol 174, 2832-2841, doi:10.1111/bph.13887 (2017).
34 Ward, S. J. et al. Cannabidiol inhibits paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain through 5-HT(1A) receptors without diminishing nervous system function or chemotherapy efficacy. Br J Pharmacol 171, 636-645, doi:10.1111/bph.12439 (2014).
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36 Elbaz, M. et al. Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and inhibition of EGF/EGFR pathway: novel anti-tumor mechanisms of Cannabidiol in breast cancer. Mol Oncol 9, 906-919, doi:10.1016/j.molonc.2014.12.010 (2015).
37 Ren, Y., Whittard, J., Higuera-Matas, A., Morris, C. V. & Hurd, Y. L. Cannabidiol, a nonpsychotropic component of cannabis, inhibits cue-induced heroin seeking and normalizes discrete mesolimbic neuronal disturbances. J Neurosci 29, 14764-14769, doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4291-09.2009 (2009).
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Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol) Tagged With: Cannabidiol, CBD, CBD Oil, CBD vs THC

CBD VS THC: Which product is the best and for what?

CBD VS THC: Which product is the best and for what?

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August 24, 2017 By John Reed Leave a Comment

Medical cannabis may scare those who want to use this plant. Furthermore, with all these emerging scientific studies and news around, there are so many different products available. How can someone choose the best one? Here you will find a condense review about the history of this plant, as well as a comparison of CBD and THC products and a short guide for their use.

THC and CBD: a synergistic relationship

Although cannabis is being used for almost two centuries, it was only in the few past decades that science has started taking important steps towards the understanding of the properties of one of the oldest medicinal plants used by humans. While investigating the different varieties of the cannabis plant, specialists were able to find almost 500 compounds in it, with around 113 of these belonging to a family called cannabinoids.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most known and studied of this group of compounds and they present certain therapeutic properties which must be emphasized so that, not only the investigators and patients but also the regulators and investors could better understand their therapeutic effects.

THC is the responsible Cannabinoid for the psychoactive ‘trip” that a user experiences while using cannabis casually and therefore is also the cause for the most conflicts around the plant’s medical use. On the other hand, its buddy CBD is the second in abundance substance of the cannabis chemical composition but, in contrast to THC, it shows very low psychoactive properties, thus not being considered as a narcotic. Due to its calming and uplifting properties, this cannabinoid has the power to fight pain and inflammation while neutralizing THC’s psychoactive effects just above zero. Indeed, we can claim that CBD and THC naturally balance one another: the more CBD you have in your body, the less THC effects you will experience.

In a nutshell, the biggest question from a cannabinoid scope is “which is the best to relieve pain: THC or CBD?

The best answer to this question is … both. It is common to hear that both high-THC and high-CBD strains successfully ease away pain but the best pain management might come from strains with large amounts of both of these two cannabinoids.

This contradiction between the two cannabinoids has emerged as the most significant difference – and constitutes also the biggest argument! While THC is a generally uplifting substance, CBD has a calming effect on patients, suggesting that both are highly valuable for medicine.

Below you will find a guide about the benefits of both THC and CBD.

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A short guide through CBD and THC components

Many of us have in mind the following question: is CBD used more than THC for medical purposes? The answer is yes. As THC has substantial instant and long term cognitive side effects, this component is classified as an illegal drug in many countries. Some of the most characteristic effects are: impaired thinking and reasoning; reduced ability to plan and organize; altered decision-making and reduced control over impulses.

Despite the fact that THC has been considered the ugly duck in this relationship, several medical studies have started pointing out some very important benefits of this compound that should also be taken into account. Here you are some of them:

  1. Pain Relief: This is one of the most common reasons that medical cannabis is used and as it turns out, THC is the responsible cannabinoid for this effect.
  2. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): New studies confirm that oral doses of THC can help relieve some PTSD symptoms including flashbacks, agitation and nightmares. Interestingly, the psychoactive properties are also associated with temporary impairments of memory.
  3. Nausea and Vomiting: Since the 1980s THC has been available in the form of pills for treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. In fact, the first THC-based medication approved by the FDA for this purpose was a pill that contains a synthetic THC called Marinol.
  4. Appetite Stimulant: Together with its potential to reduce nausea, THC can also work as a potent appetite stimulant both in healthy and sick individuals. Some researches show that THC can also stimulate weight gain in patients diagnosed with anorexia.
  5. Asthma: A scientific study dated back into the 70s confirmed THC’s ability to improve breathing in asthmatics.
  6. Glaucoma: Another recognized benefit of THC is related to its potential to reduce eye pressure in patients with glaucoma. Indeed scientists tried to develop a way to administer THC in eye drops but this idea was quickly rejected due to the fact that THC is not soluble in water. However, the American Glaucoma Society maintains the position that the effects of cannabis plant are too short (only 3-4 hours) which makes the option of this treatment not worth-following.
  7. Sleep Aid: Some people are aware about the sleep-inducing effect of cannabis and the experiments show that THC is mostly responsible for that. It has been noticed that it can contribute to the reduction of sleep interruptions in those who suffer from a common sleep disorder, known as apnea.

Overall, consuming THC could be useful not only to treat pain, nausea, sleep apnea and stress disorders but also to combat the symptoms or the side effects of chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, AIDS, or spinal injuries. Of course, it would be wiser to use it carefully, in controlled doses or even better after consulting our physician, so as to avoid the unpleasant side-effects.

On the other hand, CBD’s action is making strong CBD strains a common choice for the patients who have cancer, epilepsy, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, migraines and arthritis. Plus, this component is also considered:

  1. Anti-inflammatory: Commonly used against inflammation and pain.
  2. Anticonvulsant: Suppresses seizure activity.
  3. Antiemetic: Reduces nausea and vomiting.
  4. Antipsychotic: Helps in several forms of psychosis.
  5. 5. Anti-oxidant: Protects against neurodegenerative diseases.
  6. Anti-depressant: Helps in fighting anxiety and depression.
  7. Anti-tumoral: Combats tumor and cancer cells.
  8. Neuro-protective: May protect neurons in the brain

 

Some of most common THC and CBD products

As you may have noticed, there are plenty certified cannabinoid products that are not associated with the black market. Cannabis producers and many companies are trying to create unique products that correspond to the needs of either patients or common users. Below you can get an insight about some of the cannabis best-sellers:

  1. Medical Cannabis Oil: This is probably one of the most therapeutic cannabis products in the market and basically it is the essential oil of the cannabis plant. The medicinal components of the herb are concentrated in resin glands on the outside of the plant. Medical cannabis oil is produced by using some type of solvent in order to extract the oils from the plant material creating a highly concentrated product. There are several types of medical cannabis oils available:
    • Full-extract oils made from high content THC plants: These oils will produce a psychoactive effect and are often used by patients with severe medical conditions like cancer, fibromyalgia or Parkinson’s disease.
    • Full-extract oils made from high-content CBD plants: They are considered non-psychoactive and an excellent product for daytime pain or even stress management. Full extract CBD oils can be used by a wide variety of patients with depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease or head trauma.
    • One-to-one extracts: These extracts are made from strains with a fairly equal ratio of THC:CBD and they are a good choice for some diseases like: multiple sclerosis gastrointestinal disorder, migraines, cramps and spasms.
    • Raw cannabis oil: Raw cannabis oil is extracted without using heat and is not considered psychoactive. Rather, the active compounds of the herb exist in their acidic form. This product is used for those who want to get some of the anti-inflammatory benefits of the herb without getting high.
  2. Patches: They come in a variety of cannabinoid profiles and concentrations, including CBD and THC, and allow patients to feel the cannabinoid effect for up to 12 hours. The users must be aware of the fact that these patches enhance an already existing situation. For example, if they are very active they will get even more active. This is due to the fact that these patches are topical products which contain carrier agents that help beneficial cannabinoids pass through the blood brain barrier easier. People tend to like patches because they feel a continuous high accompanied by a mild sense of euphoria.
  3. Lotions: Lotions, balms and oils are a simple way to administer topical cannabis. They are quickly absorbed through the skin, thus relieving pain, soreness, and inflammation. These products are not considered psychoactive, which make them one choice for the patients who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the cerebral euphoria associated with these substances.
  4. Bath Salts: These products are especially used for relaxation or for treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Normally they are infused with extracted THC strains, thus they are also used to relieve muscle pain and tension.
  5. Acne Treatment: Acne is one of the most common skin conditions over the world. Research has shown that THC can increase the oil levels in the skin therefore, contributing to acne treatment in certain individuals. On the other hand CBD has a different effect, reducing the size of skin imperfections while improving skin elasticity. High-quality CBD oil can also help patients balance their immune system, reduce quelling redness, and alleviate skin irritation.
  6. Vapor oil pens: Vapor pens are very popular within medical cannabis’ patients or other users, because they are easily portable and convenient. Furthermore, according to studies vape oil pens cause less respiratory problems comparing to marijuana joints. However, for those with some serious diseases, a vapor pen might not give as much relief as full extract cannabis oil.
  7. Lubricants: THC-infused lubricants can easily penetrate the vulva due to their sensibility. Thanks to that, female users can expect to feel a warm, relaxed sensation in the area.
  8. Toothpaste: A New York-based company, AXIM Biotechnologies, has developed a line of cannabis-infused toothpaste and mouthwash. This is really promising for those who suffer from chronic tooth pain or other dental problems because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. CBD is also a bone stimulant which means that it could potentially help restore damage caused by cavities.

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol) Tagged With: CBD, CBD Health Benefits, CBD vs THC

5 Ways in Which CBD Can Help Seniors

5 Ways in Which CBD Can Help Seniors

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August 21, 2017 By John Reed Leave a Comment

The cannabis plant with its different components (cannabinoids as they are scientifically known) has been proven to carry a plethora of medicinal benefits. In late years, we have come to know which exactly of these cannabinoids is responsible for most of these benefits. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis that we attribute most of the medicinal uses of marijuana to. A huge number of diseases are now being prescribed CBD extracts for pain relief and other forms of treatment, and people who regularly use CBD-rich strains of marijuana have been reporting less vulnerability to several diseases and ailments. There is one demographic segment that was late to catch up on the uses of CBD: seniors. Although seniors have lately started to increasingly realize how beneficial CBD could be to their many forms of pain, the many benefits that substance has to offer them went unnoticed for a long time. That is quite bizarre too, seeing as how seniors more than perhaps any other groups have a lot to gain from CBD treatment.

So, how can CBD help seniors? Here is a list of 5 major health difficulties that seniors often experience and that CBD has proven capable of remedying.

Reduction of pain and inflammation

CBD was found a long time ago to cause relief for pains caused by arthritis, neuropathy, spasticity, Crohn’s disease, ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as numerous types of cancer. Moreover, the recurrent headaches and migraines experienced by most seniors can also be prevented using CBD.

Sufferers of diseases like atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injuries, as well as injuries suffered after medical operations, are now being prescribed CBD for its anti-inflammatory and pain-killing effects. We can also add Hepatitis C and lupus to the list of diseases prevalent among seniors and whose patients benefit from CBD’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative benefits.

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Bones

A common symptom of aging is the decrease in bone density, which is followed by a proneness to get osteoporosis which in turn makes seniors vulnerable to bone fractures. Women over 50 are even more vulnerable than men in this regard due to the crackdown on bone tissues that comes with menopause. That makes CBD crucial for seniors in both a preventive and a curative sense. CBD was found to halt the damage of bone tissues. Not only that, it was even discovered to trigger the renewal of these tissues as well as bone growth. These effects combined lead to the increase of bone density that the elderly very much need. Moreover, CBD extracts work perfectly to counter muscle and bone pains.

Sleep Difficulties

Many seniors experience difficulties falling asleep, sleeping for long hours, or generally maintaining healthy sleep patterns. The hazardous effect of that on seniors is that inconsistent sleep paired with age stimulate neurodegenerative diseases like glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, along with many other possible diseases. The benefits of CBD in this regard are manifold. Firstly, unlike pharmaceutical sleep aids, CBD actually enhances alertness and wakefulness throughout the day. However, CBD works as a sleeping aid only when consumed early in the day. It was reported to enable sleep for longer hours which makes it suitable for someone suffering insomnia. CBD also treats some of the most common causes of insomnia like stress and anxiety, therefore hitting the ailment at its roots. Anxiety and distress are highly common among seniors and might be intensified by their physical pain. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, CBD is a much safer alternative to pharmaceutical drugs in general and sleep aid in particular. This takes us to the next point.

The Reduction of Pharmaceutical Drug Consumption

It is no longer news that excessive use of pharmaceutical drugs can be quite destructive to a person’s body. This is something that especially seniors can testify to. Because old people are prescribed countless amounts of pharmaceuticals for the various age-related diseases they endure, many of them end up in a loop of drugs that cause them side effects that they are prescribed new drugs to treat and so on. By using CBD to treat the ailments mentioned above as well as many others that they suffer, a lot of seniors have lately been able to lay off, or at least reduce, their consumption of dangerous pharmaceutical drugs.

There are many reasons why replacing pharmaceutical drugs with CBD products leaves patients way better off. First of all, CBD (or any other marijuana-based substance for that matter) cannot be addictive. Unlike many pharmaceutical drugs, especially those used to treat psychological difficulties or insomnia, the withdrawal symptoms of CBD are as mild as those of quitting caffeine. Second, CBD has little to no side effects, which anyone who has any experience with long-term use of pharmaceuticals knows is not the case with the latter. A person weighing 140 pounds would require north of 4 pounds of marijuana to be consumed all in one day to reach the point of toxicity, according to a recent study.

Appetite Enhancement

Many seniors tend to experience appetite loss as they grow in age, which can lead to mental and psychological issues, their tissues growing more delicate and consequently weak, as well as weight loss with all its hazardous consequences. Marijuana has been known for long to be an appetite stimulant. That applies particularly to its CBD component. However, CBD’s appetite-related effects are not confined to increasing appetite. It generally brings about healthier nutritional behavior, meaning that albeit an appetite stimulant, it does not cause excessive food consumption. The American Journal of Epidemiology recently found in one of its studies that obesity occurred one-third less frequently among regular marijuana consumers (at least three times a week) in comparison to those who have never consumed the plant at all.

Are there safe ways for seniors to use CBD?

Because smoking CBD-rich marijuana strains is probably not the best method for seniors to consume CBD, dispensaries have lately been producing alternatives that are safer for seniors to use. That includes oil, edibles like CBD-infused gummy bears, and tinctures that they could place under their tongues.

 

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol) Tagged With: CBD, CBD Can Help Seniors, CBD Health

5 Significant Diseases That CBD Can Treat

5 Significant Diseases That CBD Can Treat

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July 31, 2017 By John Reed Leave a Comment

For centuries, the use of marijuana has proven in different parts of the world to be capable of remedying many disease-inflicted pains. A lot of research has been done in the past few decades to verify these claims. We came to know the component most responsible for these effects, and it is Cannabidiol(CBD). And while some effects were found unrelated to the use of CBD or marijuana in general, many studies have confirmed its medicinal effects and they are countless.

Here is a list of the most significant 5 diseases that CBD can help treat:

Multiple Sclerosis

First off, this is a breakdown of this neurodegenerative autoimmune disorder. MS attacks the patient’s brain, optic nerve and spinal cord. What it does is cause the immune system to misread neurons as dangerous attackers. That prompts the body’s immune cells to fight any neurons they detect. That results in the brain’s disability to send basic signals to the body. That is, of course, since the brain does that via those neurons that the immune system starts attacking. Because of the damage that the body brings upon itself, a scar tissue starts to emerge.

Millions of people around the world suffer from this disease, but up until now it is incurable. All of the treatments aim to merely ease the symptoms’ effect on the patient by hindering the disease’s advancement and prompting the body to recover quicker from the attacks. All around the world now, there are countries where cannabis has gained legitimacy as a preferable alternative to conventional MS medications, either through direct consumption of the plant, or through CBD oil or any other extract of it.

Cannabis components work on treating almost every symptom of the disease’s activity inside the body. Most importantly, it protects the patient’s brain from it. The non-psychoactive cannabis component, CBD, works as an anti-inflammatory. It counters the effects of the pro-inflammatory proteins that the patient’s brain releases which are called cytokine. These proteins cause excessive inflammation in the patient’s brain when they are released following the activation of the immune system. By deactivating the immune system, CBD is able to effectively calm it down and stop it from attacking the central nervous system.

CBD also eases the pains that occur with the creation of the scar tissue we mentioned above. The breakdown of the swelled/irritated tissues is often tormenting to patients. That is where CBD comes into play. It has a well-proven analgesic effect. It also helps ease the spasticity that affects the muscles of 20% of MS patients. Uncontrollable muscle twitching is another symptom that occurs when the nerve cells responsible for movement are damaged by inflammation, and CBD counters that, too. CBD also eases digestion, helps MS patients fall asleep (something they often face difficulty with), remedies their recurrent depression, and protects their eye from the blurry vision MS often causes by causing inflammation to optic nerve.

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Cancer

It is not news anymore that several marijuana components were found to have therapeutic benefits for cancer patients. The prospects of this use for cannabis have been discussed since the 60s and perhaps even earlier. The degrees of this treatment are debatable, however. According to some studies, some components of cannabis are capable of outright curing the disease. Other studies say that the plant only offers pain relief and a slowdown of the disease’s progression. Up until now, the latter assumption is more credible. In all cases, thousands or even millions of cancer patients around the world have benefited from the therapeutic effects of cannabis.

The first of these effects is countering the nausea and excessive vomiting that affect cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It also relieves cancer patients of the same neuropathic pain that we mentioned before that MS patients suffer from, which is the pain that is caused by nerve damage. Lately, several studies have suggested that the intake of cannabinoids like CBD halts the growth of, and sometimes kills, some types of cancer cells. Over and above that, it causes pain relief for cancer patients and allows them to sleep with more ease.

Epilepsy

This is perhaps one of the earliest known medical uses for cannabis. There has evidence of its use to treat epilepsies in some ancient civilizations like in China and Persia. The validity of these uses has been proven by many modern studies and anecdotes.

One that caught attention was the study published last May in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the study, 120 children and teenagers (aged from two to 18) suffering from Dravet syndrome (a serious form of epilepsy that is developed during childhood and is incurable) had the effect of liquid CBD tested on them. They were split into two teams in order to test the CBD’s effect against that of a placebo. The result in the CBD-treated group was an average of six seizures per month, down from their regular 12. The placebo-treated group, on the other hand, only came down from 15 to 14 per month. After the 14 weeks of the study, three of the participants even ceased getting seizures altogether. The problem laid in its side effects during the study like nausea, sleepiness and liver difficulties. However, they were thought to be caused by the interaction of the CBD with the other medications the participants were taking, and not because of the substance itself.

There is an abundance of anecdotal evidence on the effectiveness of CBD with epilepsy. One of the most famous cases was the story of Charlotte from Colorado back that gained massive media recognition back in 2013. The girl (seven years old at the time) had been suffering from Dravet syndrome since she was two. After five years of desperate attempts with conventional medication to no avail, they had failed to stop their daughter’s deadly seizures. They tried CBD-concentrated cannabis oil and after a few weeks the difference was noticeable. They girl’s seizures start falling in frequency until they almost came to a complete halt, with only minimal recurrences every once in a while.

Anxiety

Among the diseases CBD has also proven a long time ago to be a source of relief for is anxiety. There are 40 million Americans from 18 years old and above who suffer from anxiety. While many people still take psychological illness lightly, the repercussions of severe anxiety can be huge. CBD has the ability to counteract many forms of anxiety, from panic disorders to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among other things. The reason many patients of these disorders have switched to CBD for treatment is that it does not have half the side effects of pharmaceutical alternatives like Prozac or Zoloft.

For example, what selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft do is stop the brain from reabsorbing the serotonin, which leaves higher levels of serotonin available. This means that more serotonin can be sent by brain signals to the rest of the body, enhancing the person’s mood. CBD has been proven in a number of studies to have the capability of stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain, thus boosting the frequency of serotonin signals. It was also found to help the hippocampus (a part of the brain that was discovered to be smaller among sufferers of anxiety and depression) in the regeneration of neurons. That regeneration helps heal the deficiency causing the anxiety and therefore gradually can cure the disorder.

An endless amount of group studies were made on anxiety patients whose results verify what the lab studies show us. Also, there are infinite testimonials from anxiety patients who were able to successfully treat themselves for different symptoms of anxiety like insomnia, reduced appetite, etc., using CBD extracts.

Heart Disease

CBD was discovered to be the cannabis component responsible for limiting the damage of cells and for the neuroprotective and cardiovascular effects cannabis has on heart patients. It was also found to have preventive benefits if preemptively taken before a heart attack strikes. These benefits included the reduction of cell death, and inhibiting oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation among other things. It also helped in the preservation of the left ventricle.

Heart strokes are known to cause brain damage upon their occurrence that in turn causes excitotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress. Post-stroke treatment with CBD has proven capable of remedying these damages.

Is that All?

As a matter of fact, that is not even close. The medicinal uses for CBD are numerous and listing them can go indefinitely. However, these are the most important among the list.   For a complete list of available CBD products today.

Reference links:

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq#section/_5

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/marijuana-and-cancer.html

https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/24/15684556/cannabis-marijuana-cannabidiol-health-epilepsy-dravet-seizure-epidiolex-drugs

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/07/health/charlotte-child-medical-marijuana/index.html

https://www.cannabisreports.com/cannabis-studies/cannabidiol-induces-rapid-acting-antidepressant-like-effects-and-enhances-cortical-5-htglutamate-neurotransmission-role-of-5-ht1a-receptors

http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/cardiovascular-disease-medical-marijuana-research/

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol) Tagged With: 5 diseases cured by CBD, 5 Significant Diseases That CBD Can Treat, Cancer, CBD, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis

CBD products: Cannabidiol products currently available in the market

CBD products: Cannabidiol products currently available in the market

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July 24, 2017 By John Reed 1 Comment

What is Cannabidiol?

Plants have a metabolism like we do. In their cells they produce several substances that either help them grow or protect them from different predators, such as animals, insects, bacteria etc. These substances are called metabolites. Some metabolites like carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, that help the plants grow are called primary metabolites. Others, which derive from the primary ones, like alkaloids, phenolics, essential oils etc. are chemicals that help the plants defend themselves and are called secondary metabolites. For example, the β-carotene that gives carrots their orange color or the anthocyanins that give tomatoes and flowers their different colors are typical secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites are usually produced in specific plant cells either in tiny quantities making it very difficult for us to isolate them or in bigger ones.

Canabidiol (CBD, see fig. 1) is a secondary metabolite of both hemp and Marijuana plants that is mainly found in the seeds, stalk and flowers of the plant and comprises up to 40% of the plant’s extract thus, it is very easy for us to isolate it in big quantities from the plants. Moreover, CBD can also be synthesized and produced in the laboratory. However, the synthetic CBD is a highly regulated substance and its possession is allowed only for specific purposes.  According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CBD has a great potential as a new drug and there are many scientific studies and companies that perform research on it in order to develop new therapies for several diseases. Thus, CBD cannot be considered as a dietary supplement, although there are still available products indicating CBD as dietary supplement.

Figure 1: Cannabidiol chemical structure1.

Figure 1: Cannabidiol chemical structure1.

How CBD works in your body?

There is no evidence for the moment showing that CBD produces euphoria or intoxication2-4. CBD, like other cannabinoids also have their effect mainly by interacting with specific receptors of our brain and body cells. Two well-known receptors that CBD interacts with are: the CB1 receptor, found on neurons and glial cells in various parts of the brain, and the CB2 receptor, found mainly in the body’s immune system cells. However, CBD has very low affinity for both of these receptors and when it binds at them it produces little to no effect. CBD also has affinity at certain Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels, which are implicated in many diseases. There is also growing evidence that CBD acts on other brain signaling systems, and that these actions may be important contributors to its therapeutic effects5. For instance, CBD blocks the activity of several receptors, such as TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4 and TRPA1 which are highly active in pain states in many diseases. CBD is also an antagonist of the TRPM8 receptor, which heavily implicated in allodynia, a really intense kind of pain. Finally, CBD also targets key neural signaling receptors such as 5-HT1a and 5-HT3a, which are useful targets for diseases such as epilepsy and numerous anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, although there are many studies and several clinical trials that show the potential therapeutic effects of CBD, there is no evidence for its mechanism of action.

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Medicinal properties of CBD

            Since the FDA has recognized CBD as a new potential drug, there are many scientific studies and clinical trials going on in order new therapies to be discovered for several diseases. Until now it has been shown that CBD has the following medicinal properties:

  1. Anti-cancer/anti-proliferating
  2. Treatment and/or prevention of skin diseases like psoriasis
  3. Analgesic (pain treatment/relief)
  4. Anti-convulsive (anti-epileptic)
  5. Anti-bacterial
  6. Blood-sugar balancing
  7. Stress/anxiety relief
  8. Anti-emetic
  9. Anti-inflammatory
  10. Gastrointestinal relief
  11. Neuroprotective
  12. non-psychoactive

Safety of CBD

As mentioned above Cannabidiol is a drug. Thus, it is possibly safe when taken orally or sprayed under the tongue appropriately in adults, while following the appropriate dose. Cannabidiol doses of up to 300 mg daily have been taken by mouth safely for up to 6 months. Higher doses of 1200-1500 mg daily have been taken by mouth safely for up to 4 weeks. Cannabidiol sprays that are applied under the tongue have been used in doses of 2.5 mg for up to 2 weeks8.

Comparing to other drugs used for the treatment of similar diseases as the ones mentioned above, CBD has less severe side effects.  The most commonly reported ones include dry mouth, low blood pressure, light headedness, and drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhea and changes of appetite or weight.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: As there is not enough reliable information about the safety of cannabidiol consumption during pregnancy or breast feeding, better stay on the safe side and avoid its use.

Parkinson’s disease: According to some studies taking high doses of cannabidiol might make muscle movement and tremors worse in people with Parkinson’s disease.

CBD products

There are numerous CBD products in the market, starting from whole plant extracts but also in the form of oils, balms, pastes, tinctures, salves, gels, creams and lotions, patches, capsules, transdermal formulations, even chewing gum. However, not all of them are safe or approved from the FDA. Thus, be careful of what you order and for which condition you would like to use it. In case you are interested to treat a disease, better contact your doctor and get advice from him before purchasing a CBD product.

Hemp oil

It is mostly produced from pressed hemp seeds and is commonly used for wellness and body care products as it contains high amounts of terpenes, vitamins, fatty acids, trace minerals, and other natural cannabinoid compounds.

Creams and lotions

There is a lot of research going on for the development of cannabidiol based creams and lotions. These products are intended to be used not only for wellness purposes, but also for the treatment of several skin diseases like psoriasis.

Balms

These products are usually made from cannabidiol extracted from the stems of hemp plants. Companies claim that this is another way of getting your daily CBD and other important cannabinoids good for health.

Water soluble CBD

CBD brothers9 have created a water soluble, drinkable CBD in order to ensure that the active ingredients are quickly and fully absorbed. This product contains healthy levels of CBD, CBC, CBN and CBG together with Curcumin, Echinacea, Vitamin E, Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, Limonene, Linalool. They claim that this product can deliver vital enhancement.

Capsules and tablets

There are so many different CBD capsules in the market. Most of them are non-psychoactive proposed for taking your daily CBD, but there are also others intended for the treatment of chronic pain, cancer, anxiety, diabetes, epilepsy, sleep disorders, arthritis and several other medical conditions or even for quitting smoking! For your safety, it is important to follow the recommended dose and buy them from a verified seller. Interestingly, there are CBD capsules in the market also for your little friends (cats or dogs). They are supposed to benefit your pet’s body by enhancing its mobility, joints, gastrointestinal tract, neurology as well as its general demeanor and comfort. 

Chewing gum

AXIM Biotech, a U.S. based company and world leader in cannabinoid research,  has developed a form of chewing gum from hemp, to treat pain and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). The name of the drug is CanChew Gum ™ and contains 5 mg of cannabidiol (CBD) and 5 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Patches

They are an easy, controllable and accurate way of CBD delivery. It is better adhere them to any veinous part of the skin for discreet, all day (or night) usage.

Transdermal formulations

Most of the products are intended for the pain management and some of them are an accompaniment to the patches. However, there are also claims that they may treat nausea and emesis, convulsions, muscle spasms, inflammation, depression, and cachexia.

Cannabidiol has a huge potential for the treatment of numerous diseases, such as cancer, chronic pain, stress, epilepsy, diabetes, psoriasis etc. or it could just be used for enhancing your general health or mood. However, as it is considered a drug, you should always take care of consuming a proper dose and use it cautiously.

References

  1. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/cannabidiol#section=Top
  2. Martin-Santos et al. Acute effects of a single, oral dose of d9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) administration in healthy volunteers. Curr Pharm Des. 2012;18(32):4966-79
  3. Fusar-Poli et al. Distinct Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Neural Activation During Emotional Processing. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009;66(1):95-105
  4. Winton-Brown et al. Modulation of Auditory and Visual Processing by Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol: an fMRI Study. 2011 Jun;36(7):1340-8
  5. Borgelt et al. The pharmacologic and clinical effects of medical cannabis. Pharmacotherapy 33 (2): 195–209 (2013)
  6. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1439.html#Safety
  7. Iffland K and Grotenhermen F Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol – A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) 2016
  8. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1439.html#Safety
  9. http://cbdbrothers.com/

 

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol) Tagged With: Cannabidiol, CBD, CBD Products, Medicinal properties of CBD, Safety of CBD

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