Cannabidiol, also known as CBD is a phytochemical. It was one of the early nineteen thirties identified as one of the essential compounds needed for healthy brain function. In fact, it is one of the highest concentrations of all known phytochemicals. It is one of the three main essential compounds of the cannabis plant. There are likely many more, as this is only one of the many varieties of cannabis.
When THC and CBD are taken separately, CBD often results in a slower onset of action and longer-lasting effects than that of THC. This difference in effect may be attributed to CBD’s lack of a neuroleptic activity. In fact, the CBD is a partial agonist, meaning it does not react with receptors like THC does. It is believed, though not supported by research, that CBD may have similar structural and chemical stability to the receptor sites that cause the high seen with THC. In this way, CBD may act just like THC in the brain.
Because CBD produces little or no side effects when used alone, it is considered a very safe drug in its natural state. Some medical specialists believe, however, that it is particularly suited to treat patients who suffer from a range of medical conditions and who also exhibit symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders. Many experts agree that CBD can be helpful in the treatment of patients with chronic pain and other debilitating medical conditions, but they caution that the drug may not be effective in the treatment of patients with specific types of anxiety disorders.
People with pre-bipolar disorder and people who are suffering from anxiety related to other problems, including obsessive-compulsive disorders, often respond well to CBD. Because CBD does not act on the THC present in marijuana, it may be less likely to produce serious side effects. However, the CBD is not believed to be less dangerous than THC when taken alone. Some studies have shown that CBD may actually be more dangerous than THC when combined with certain kinds of medications used to treat high blood pressure, epilepsy, nausea, irritability, depression, glaucoma, and many more.
When these disorders are coupled with the reported side effects produced by some pharmaceutical treatments for those disorders, it is easy to see why many researchers and medical practitioners are concerned about the combination.In addition to being non-habit forming, CBD seems to be effective in the treatment of some symptoms of these conditions.