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Many people hear the word "cannabis" or "marijuana" and associate it immediately with rising and that's it, the conversation ends. But the factory offers much more than the buzz.
Many people know tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant responsible for the "high". But cannabis is an incredibly complex plant, containing more than 400 chemical entities, including 60 cannabinoid compounds such as THC. But unlike THC, which is also the only compound deemed illegal in the United States, the remaining compounds do not produce much. What they provide are a multitude of natural medicines for a myriad of medical problems throughout the body.
The collateral damage left in the footsteps of the demonization of THC has been the fact that many of them, including some health care providers, have refused to explore the healing potential of other cannabinoids, essentially making them guilty. . Unfortunately, this even includes cannabidiol or CBD – a compound that has proven effective in two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
In June, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex – the first pharmaceutical drug to contain cannabis-derived CBD. It will be used in the treatment of epilepsy. Previously approved drugs were made from synthetic versions of THC and CBD. This speaks volumes about the validity of the therapeutic value of CBD. But parents of children suffering from these conditions are still suspicious of his association with cannabis.
One of the most important aspects of CBD is that, unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means that all of its health benefits can be used without surpassing itself.
In recent months, I have noticed a noticeable increase in the number of people coming out of woodwork by asking themselves, "What is CBD?"
So, how does it work in the body?
According to the National Biotechnology Information Center (NCBI), "CBD interacts with the body through our endocannabinoid system, or ECS – a complex signaling network found in all mammals. ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors and substances called endocannabinoids. When endocannabinoids bind or interact with these receptors, they alter the release of neurotransmitters to relay messages between nerve cells. The ECS constantly uses endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors to make the necessary adjustments to maintain functions such as mood, memory, appetite, pain, immune response and temperature in a state of general equilibrium.
CBD comes in many forms, such as specially selected CBD high-grade cannabis flower varieties, tinctures, topicals, extended-release patches and gel capsules, to name just a few. some. An effective dosage can range from a few milligrams to a gram. The best way to find your therapeutic dose if you do not have much experience with cannabis use is to start at the bottom and progress until you feel relief. Personally, I never recommend smoking or spraying anything that is used for medical purposes – I always suggest starting with a tincture or capsules.
CBD has recently found its place in the general public – mainly through smoke shops and gas stations bearing different brands of CBD. Like me, you've probably wondered, "Is this the same HBD associated with cannabis? If so, how is it legal to buy over-the-counter?
The difference between over-the-counter CBD products in smokers and those sold in medical cannabis dispensaries comes from their source – which is cannabis or hemp.
There has always been a lot of confusion about the difference between cannabis and hemp, because words are often used interchangeably.
Cannabis and hemp both come from the same plant species – sativa cannabis – as from different parts of the plant.
The term cannabis is used when one refers directly to the Cannabis Sativa plant. This is what most people call "marijuana" and contains high levels of THC and CBD.
Hemp, on the other hand, is used to describe a Cannabis Sativa plant that contains only traces of THC and CBD. Hemp is generally grown for industrial uses such as topical oils and ointments, as well as for clothing and construction fibers.
CBD extracts available for sale are derived from hemp, while those produced by state-approved growers are extracted from cannabis. Since hemp contains far less cannabidiol than cannabis varieties with a high content of CBD, a huge amount is needed to extract a small amount. CBD derived from hemp is also devoid of essential secondary cannabinoids that are found only in natural cannabis, which means that it lacks many therapeutic aspects. Since hemp is legal in almost every state, these products can stay on the shelves.
In my next column, I will explore various studies that have concluded that CBD is effective in fighting diseases such as seizures, certain types of cancer, and many other diseases and conditions.
Gregg Padula is an employee of GateHouse Media New England. He has experience in several areas of the cannabis industry and now serves as an advocate for patients 'and workers' rights. He can be reached at [email protected].
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