Cannabidiol (CBD) Explained
To date, more than 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant.
Up until a few years ago, the only one that got any attention was tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Over the past few years, however, another cannabinoid has increasingly gained attention for its therapeutic benefit.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been particularly effective in the treatment of
chronic pain, Crohn's, diabetes, arthritis, anxiety, and other
conditions that have been historically difficult to treat.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a component of the cannabis plant with enormous healing potential. According to Project CBD, "Scientists refer to CBD as a 'promiscuous' compound because it offers therapeutic benefits in many different ways...tapping into how we function physiologically and biologically on a deep level."
Specifically, CBD acts on the Endocannabinoid System, a recently discovered biochemical communication system in the human body that plays an important role in regulating our physiology, mood, and everyday experience.
Endocannabinoid receptors respond to cannabinoid compounds that our own bodies make, and they respond to similar compounds in cannabis.
What can CBD treat?
Extensive preclinical research and some clinical studies have shown that CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-tumoral, and neuroprotective qualities.
Recently, it was discovered that cannabidiol can change gene expression and remove beta amyloid plaque, the hallmark of Alzheimer's, from brain cells.
What About THC?
As CBD has become more popular, THC is often looked at as the black sheep of the cannabinoid family. Many describe CBD as the "good" healing cannabinoid, and THC as the "bad" psychoactive or "high" cannabinoid. But this is patently untrue. In fact, CBD and THC appear to work best together.
For example, CBD is believed to boost THC's painkilling and anticancer properties. CBD can also lessen the side effects of too much THC like anxiety and rapid heartbeat. CBD and THC both stimulate neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells, in adult mammals, which may prove helpful for stroke and Parkinson's patients.
Scientists call this the "entourage effect" where the sum is greater than it parts.
How Do I Figure Out the Right Ratio of CBD:THC?
There's no single ratio that's right for everyone or every condition. You'll want to find the balance of CBD and THC that works you.
A person's sensitivity to THC is the most important factor in finding the right ratio and dosage. Lots of people like the "high" from cannabis; but others find it uncomfortable. CBD can lessen the intoxication of THC, so, a greater ratio of CBD-to-THC means less of a high. Care By Design offers several ratios of CBD:THC so you can adjust or eliminate psychoactive effects as you prefer.
In a recent survey of Care By Design patients, patients with mood disorders like anxiety and depression reported the greatest benefit from CBD-dominant products (18:1). Whereas patients with cancer, pain and sleep issues reported more benefit from a balanced ratio of CBD:THC like the 4:1 or 2:1 gel capsules and sprays.
Some patients report that they use different Care By Design ratios at different times of the day, using more CBD in the day, more THC at night.
Cautions
Medical cannabis and CBD, in particular, are a very safe, but patients taking other medications should check with their doctor about drug interactions.
CBD is a more potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 than the grapefruit compound Bergapten, so ask your doctor if grapefruit interacts with your medication. If it does, then CBD probably does, too. Your doctor may need to monitor blood levels of prescription medications and make adjustments.
At BPG, we always stress the importance of making sure that your products are safe to consume. Care By Design products are all natural, lab-tested and formulated, and contain no harmful ingredients!
If you know someone who could benefit from CBD, please share this article with them! Our mission has always been to educate as many people as we can about the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant while helping people find relief in it.
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