Cannabidiol (CBD) is a “Cannabinoid” of high therapeutic potential. CBD is one of the more than 85 cannabinoids now found to be present in the Cannabis plant.  When compared with that of THC, CBD is known to be non- psychoactive., meaning that the “high” well known of cannabis is not a feature represented in this compound. In the past, an original thought had considered THC to be a breakdown byproduct of CBD. It has now been discovered that both cannabinoids THC and CBD are metabolites of their decarboxylated acidic forms which are THCa and CBDa. THCa and CBDa are decarboxylated  (dried) by either heat or extraction. When this occurs it then produces THC and Cannabidiol (CBD).

CBD or Cannabidiol is the main non-psychotropic component derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Chemically, the cannabis plant is comprised of phytocannabinoids as well as terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids and enzymes. The phytocannabinoids are most significant from a therapeutic perspective as phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant) are known to interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body. Though many of you have not heard of such a system existing in the body – the endocannabinoid system is confirmed present within all of us and its very existence is proving valuable as a medicine for disease, pain and in the maintenance of homoeostasis.

There is an abundance of authentic, peer reviewed scientific data that suggest Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is useful for a broad array of conditions, most of which are refractory and unnameable to traditional pharmaceuticals. Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promise in the treatment of anxiety and depression. It too has been studied for its effect on epilepsy and in the control of seizures.  Other ailments and diseases it is showing promise in treating include arthritis, chronic and neuropathic pain and in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, MND and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Non-psychotropic, CBD is not associated with the ‘high’ typically attributed to traditional cannabis smoking. Patients who receive CBD oil treatment have reported a significant reduction in stress-induced anxiety alongside improvements in their mood and their quality of life.  Importantly, Cannabidiol (CBD) treatment has been shown to increase the levels of the endogenous cannabinoid Anandamide (manufactured in-house) such that the bodies entire endocannabinoid system is unregulated.

Unlike THC, CBD does not activate CB1 receptors. This is a characteristic, which has been suggested to account for the lack of psychotropic activity. This may also partially explain why users of medicinal cannabis preparations with high CBD: THC ratios are less likely to develop psychotic symptoms than those who consume preparations with low CBD: THC ratios.