Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has been in the news recently for many reasons. In fact, 2018 was a huge success for the cannabis industry, as some of the most significant developments took place in both the industrial and legalization progression of cannabis.
Canada lifted the bar and two more countries have started to use cannabis for recreational purposes.
Without further ado, let’s look at the remarkable effects of cannabis or CBD on the human body across various diseases!
Though CBD has been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes and also depicted to attain bliss for a moment in Hollywood. Apart from all this, cannabis also has several health benefits that are worth noting.
In this post, we’ll discuss those benefits of cannabis for conciliation of some diseases such as cancer, arthritis, schizophrenia, and a few more.
Cannabis is cultivated in almost every part of the world, but only in a few places is it legal. You can read more about the legality of CBD by visiting your nearest law firm.
But do you know that every human body, even YOU, can produce CBD?
Unbelievable, right!?
Come, let’s find out!
Your body–a producer of CBD!
While talking about the human body, most people are uninformed that their bodies can create their own Cannabinoid. In 1992, it was discovered, in the US, that a system called Endocannabinoid System (ECS) does this and is involved in multiple physiologic processes such as regulating mood, pain, and cognition. The same discovery opened the doors to cannabis exploration more systematically.
The interesting part is that cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the whole body that regulates immune functions and metabolism.
Until now, two main Endocannabinoid receptors have been identified: CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors are found in the brain; playing an important role in motor regulation and memory, CB2 receptors are found in cells of the immune system and in bone marrow cells.
The molecule of bliss in your brain!
It is even interesting to note that, unlike THC that attaches to both Cannabinoid receptors, cannabidiol does not directly bind to any of them. Rather, it influences the Endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the enzyme FAAH (Fatty acid amide hydrolase) that is responsible for the breakdown of the endocannabinoidanandamide, also known as the molecule of bliss.
The molecule of bliss or anandamide accounts for one of the most important endocannabinoids in the body. It is often referred to as the body’s THC, as it binds these two receptors because of its similar structure to THC.
Deforms the cancer cells
Currently, CBD is used in cancer patients to soothe degeneration and pain that often come with cancer. It has been discovered that CBD has the potential for targeting and killing cancer cells.
Besides what has been said, according to a study in 1998, it was discovered that an amide efficiently slows down the formation of breast cancer cells.
Moreover, cannabinoids-based medicines are approved in some countries to treat cancer and the side-effects of chemotherapy.
Controls Anxiety and Stress
Cannabis or CBD aims the serotonin receptor named serotonin 1A that controls anxiety and stress. Various studies show that CBD activates 5-HT1A receptors and weakens the autonomic responses to stress, thus reducing anxiety. Hence, CBD could be useful for depression, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychiatric disorders.
Treats Schizophrenia
A study shows that CBD or Cannabinoid can prevent psychotic symptoms when induced with high doses of THC. CBD enhances the anandamide levels in schizophrenic patients and has fewer side effects than other antipsychotic drugs. It works naturally by recreating the chemical balance of the bodily process.
Treats arthritis pain
CBD oil shows the commitment to treating arthritis pain, especially rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- CBD helps to reduce inflammatory pain by affecting the way pain receptors respond to stimuli.
Cannabis or CBD attach themselves to CB2 receptors in a person’s brain and immune system managing pain and inflammation by producing natural cannabinoids.
It is advised to speak to your doctor before using CBD for arthritis pain treatment and also to enlighten themselves on the regional laws regarding the same.
CBD for HIV
HIV is one of the incurable diseases leaving patients with a weak immune system. In fact, HIV was the key contributor to death and illness in the US during the 80s and the mid-90s.
Though the newer generation drugs have significantly reduced the severity of many of these conditions, marijuana is still embraced to pacify pain, nausea, weight loss, and other symptoms that come with HIV.
There is plenty of research that backs the use of marijuana in treating several HIV-related conditions. According to a study, after a 17-month dosage period, THC proved to decrease damage to the immune tissues of the gut, which is a primary site of HIV infection. It was also noticed after the dosage that it significantly slowed the disease progression and maintained a healthy immune response.
CBD eases nausea– CBD has shown to lessen the feelings of nausea by manipulating the endocannabinoid system which regulates nausea and vomiting.
CBD relieves pain – Pain is one symptom of HIV and sometimes patients complain about their pain in the joints, nerves, and muscles. CBD has been proven highly effective at treating pain from HIV. The analgesic property of CBD helps to treat pain successfully.
CBD reduces anxiety – Any life-threatening disease can affect the emotional and mental well-being of the individual and HIV is no exception. Luckily, CBD has a calming or soothing effect on the central nervous system that is beneficial for anxiety reduction.
CBD for Diabetes
Diabetes is a complex health condition in which the body stops producing insulin, leading to elevated glucose levels in the urine and blood. It has been found that CBD is a promising drug and has similar pharmacological properties with opioids. In the same study, it was suggested that cannabinoids have a potential effect on diabetic neuropathic pain. The best part is that CBD does not have side effects that could affect your daily routine.
Moreover, it is important to consult your doctor or psychiatrist before consuming CBD by testing it through Cannabis CBD Testing Kits.
CBD testing kits
Consumers are using testing kits to test the potency of cannabis products. So, whether you are a consumer or a harvester, potency of cannabis plays a very important role. Not determining the THC content of your Cannabis, can lead to adverse effects, hence harming the patients.
What are the factors influencing Cannabis’s potency?
While talking about cannabis’s potency, let’s talk about the factors responsible for the same!
Cultivation: It depends on the cultivator how they are growing the cannabis plants. Outdoor cultivation results in balanced THC, whereas the indoor cultivation results in a higher level of THC. Sometimes, growers crossbreed different plants to boost the effectiveness of cannabis products for more profit!
Plant genetics: THC presence is quite high in the flowering heads and leaves surrounding the plant. It is further influenced by harvest time, the plant’s sex, and environmental conditions. Generally, the flowers contain 10-12% of THC, while leaves contain 1-2% of THC.
Climatic conditions: Climate plays a crucial role in the potency of cannabis. Especially, soil, humidity, temperature, light, UV rays contribute to the overall strength of cannabis.
Type of product: Potency of different plants varies with their types. Cannabis oil is the most potent product with 60% THC contents, while its resins contain up to 20% of THC.
Now that you have a clear idea of why CBD testing is important, you won’t compromise on it. Unlike before, you don’t have to go to any laboratory to test its potency. In recent years, marijuana test kits have developed, making it easily accessible to individuals. Such test kits can be used at your home or workplace and find the THC’s presence.
Why is Marijuana testing important?
With the increasing demand for marijuana, the black market of cannabis has grown to contain various harmful substances, including dangerous artificial synthetics. It is recommended to buy marijuana from dispensaries or order from an authorized online store. Still, it is impossible to verify the THC content without testing them! It is important especially for medical marijuana patients who rely on certain cannabinoid profiles. Marijuana test kits offer quick and easy results while testing for cannabis’s potency and screening for synthetic ingredients.
This is also helpful to those who use marijuana for the recreational purpose to get a perfect high.
Closure
Thus, CBD has proven to be effective in treating several diseases or at least compose several symptoms. It is always advised to be informed about the laws of CBD in your region. Moreover, it is important to consult your doctor or psychiatrist before consuming CBD. Also, it is important to note that despite its medicinal properties, CBD is used as a supplement and not a replacement for the prescribed medicines.
We hope you are using Marijuana moderately and not excessively to avoid any mental impairment.