Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main phytocannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa plant, along with THC. The pharmacological targets of Cannabidiol are multiple. CBD has a very low affinity for the CB1 receptor, which explains why it is not "a cannabis mimetic" and does not exhibit the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD has a pleiotropic action, in particular on serotonin receptors (5HT1A), on dopamine D2 receptors, on GABA receptors, on the TRP channel or transient receptor potential, as well as on glutamatergic systems, which could explain some neurological and psychoactive effects. As such, its action at the level of the brain (via these cerebral receptors) makes it a psychoactive product in its own right .
Isolated in 1963, cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is gradually becoming one of the most widely used natural alternatives for treating a wide range of common ailments.
Until recently, it was the psychoactive component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that received the most attention due to its medicinal benefits and ability to produce mind-altering effects. Today, as medical cannabis gains traction across the country, researchers are discovering the amazing properties of new cannabinoids .
Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid with different effects. Due to its many medical benefits , CBD is used to treat a number of common conditions, including chronic pain , inflammation , seizures , insomnia , spasms , multiple sclerosis, and mental disorders such as as anxiety or even depression .
As a topical agent, CBD oil can be applied directly to certain areas of the body as an effective means of relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and relieving inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and psoriasis. ' eczema .
As CBD oil is non-psychoactive , its use does not create a mind-altering effect unlike THC.
In the human body, CBD, like all cannabinoids, will interact with the endocannabinoid system, disseminated through the human body.
It exerts an action via the CB1 receptors (mostly present in the brain and the central nervous system) for which it has only a weak antagonistic affinity. Thus, it notably has the ability to attenuate certain effects of THC (which has a strong affinity for the CB1 receptor).
It is also an inverse agonist of CB2 receptors (essentially present in the peripheral nervous system and in the organs of the immune system), for which it has a high affinity, which gives it homeostasis control properties .
Even though CBD is most commonly used for pain relief , research has shown it to be beneficial for relief, cramps, headaches, and psoriasis. The effects of CBD can increase natural levels of pain-relieving endocannabinoids, decrease inflammatory responses, and desensitize pain receptors .
CBD is an effective painkiller and anti-inflammatory . It reduces the symptoms of acute and chronic pain, or those induced by heavy treatment, without the habituation effect of certain existing drugs.
Additionally, it is useful for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease . CBD also has antioxidant properties deemed effective against inflammation of the skin.
In the various studies carried out, a decrease in pain can be observed, especially in people suffering from cancer or arthritis.
CBD has indeed relaxing and soothing properties , and reduces stress . It is given in particular anxiolytic effects because it provides many benefits to people suffering from post-traumatic stress.
CBD also has positive effects on mood as well as sedative properties to improve sleep . It is also endowed with an antipsychotic action potential which helps patients suffering from schizophrenia , bipolar disorder , depression or other mental disorders. Additionally, unlike other antipsychotic drugs, CBD is devoid of side effects .
Regarding the anxiolytic effects, several studies, mainly carried out on animals, suggest that CBD reduces stress and anxiety in both their behavioral and physiological aspects. It would even seem that anxiolytic effects are observable when taking small doses of CBD, namely less than 5 mg per kilo. Clinical studies with human subjects support this and suggest that CBD is, in fact, effective in reducing anxiety .
More specifically, CBD prevents the growth of tumors by limiting the migration of cancer cells, thus preventing the appearance of metastases. It also activates apoptosis, (ie a process by which cells trigger their self-destruction). It would thus be effective against various tumoral diseases and cancers. Additionally, through neuroprotective effects, CBD may reduce the severity of symptoms in certain neurodegenerative diseases. It allows, for example, to prevent certain cognitive disorders in patients suffering from Alzheimer's , or in people suffering from diabetes , it reduces high blood pressure , which can lead to long-term complications such as cardiovascular diseases, and could even stabilize blood sugar levels.
The effectiveness of CBD in preventing or treating serious and/or chronic diseases has so far been widely studied and documented . CBD provides beneficial effects in the treatment of many diseases for which activation of the immune system is involved, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes and type II, the disease Parkinson's , Huntington's chorea, arthritis and other brain disorders or inflammations. It benefits in particular from anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, namely that it stimulates or slows down the reactions of the immune system, as well as neuroprotective effects by protecting brain cells. For example, several animal studies have shown a decrease in the growth of cancerous tumors and an inhibition of metastasis with the administration of CBD.
During extensive research, it turned out that CBD can also cure or reduce symptoms related to different forms of epilepsy. It is particularly promoted as an effective treatment for preventing or reducing epileptic seizures . The anticonvulsant effects of CBD also apply to seizures induced by other neurological disorders.
Indeed, several studies and reports have shown the anticonvulsant effects of CBD. This research suggests in particular that CBD – between 25 and 50 mg per kilo administered over a period of three months to a year – could reduce the frequency of seizures. A number of studies have tested the effects of CBD in children with a severe and rare form of treatment-resistant epilepsy – Dravet syndrome – and have found relatively positive results with the administration of CBD, at 25 mg per kg for three months, compared to the administration of a placebo.
Be careful however, CBD treatment should not be used for self-medication. CBD must require the advice of your doctor beforehand and consumed under medical supervision.
