Nowadays there are many alternatives to treat diseases, relieve pain or even prevent them, and as the years advance, so does science, in this way, we have been able to observe how new methods emerge that are more in harmony with nature, capable of providing less toxic solutions and with more favorable results.
Scientists, in search of a way to improve the quality of life of those patients who want to use much more natural alternatives to alleviate their different ailments or illnesses, have found a natural therapeutic choice within Cannabidiol or CBD.
We will see more and more doctors who join this method to lengthen the quality of life of patients with health problems. In this article we are going to talk to you about what CBD is, where it comes from, how it is obtained, the different advantages, disadvantages and a little more.
Let's learn more about Cannabis
To inform you correctly about Cannabidiol (CBD), we must talk a little about Cannabis, which is a plant that has 113 cannabinoid compounds, which have different effects on our nervous system. Among them we have the famous THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), a recognized element of cannabis, famous for its role as psychoactive when consumed in any of its presentations, on the other hand, we have the CBD (cannabidiol), which does not function as a psychoactive agent, but rather neutralizes the nervous system and is becoming known colloquially as the medicinal cannabinoid. This component has been subjected to various studies that have allowed us to know the medicinal capabilities it has and from which we can benefit.
There are different types of Cannabis, which differ from each other by their physical characteristics, and are named according to their level of THC and CBD.
On the one hand, we have the Cannabis sativa, it can be said that this is the best known to everyone, this large plant is the most consumed worldwide, and it has high levels of THC, so it is highly psychoactive and its use is mostly recreational.
Then we will see Cannabis Indica, which is a little smaller and famous for its analgesic properties, this has been used since ancient times by great figures in world history such as Queen Victoria, Ramses II, Ibn Sina and much more, both to relieve their ailments and to study the effects of this species of cannabis on Health.
This has low levels of THC and high levels of CBD, which is why, when consumed, the experience is more of relaxation and much less of Euphoria, since these levels of CBD considerably reduce the effects related to THC.
We also have Cannabis Ruderalis and Hybrids, this first one is used to create other varieties of cannabis, thanks to its ability to grow and flower regardless of the level of luminosity of the site. It has high levels of CBD so it is usually used in the same ways as Cannabis Sativa.
What is CBD
CBD is a chemical element found in the chain of composition of cannabis, which, when consumed, does not give the person the effects of euphoria or intoxication, but rather acts as a relaxant, antioxidant, and a good anti-inflammatory, as well. It helps the human body to better carry out certain processes related to the endocannabinoid system.
This is a natural medicine that can treat hundreds of diseases and its side effects are very low. Furthermore, studies reveal that, in the future, this powerful cannabis complement may be a fundamental part of the treatments for a wide variety of diseases.
CBD is a brother of THC, which is a psychoactive component, however, CBD can considerably reduce the effects of THC on the nervous system, and even suppress them completely depending on the level of THC in relation to that of CBD.
With the help of a doctor, the patient can choose whether to take doses of CBD with some not very high percentage of THC according to the country's legal regulations, or simply take CBD with a maximum of 0,2% THC or in its form purer to avoid the “high” sensations typical of tetrahydrocannabinol. However, this choice depends mainly on the patient and whether or not they want to have those sensations that THC produces.
There is evidence that CBD can repair the damage caused by excessive consumption of THC, however, it is something that has not yet been proven and experiments are still being carried out to confirm or deny.
We can find CBD in different consumable presentations such as cbd oils, capsules, drinks, chocolates, sweets, but products such as cbd creams and balms. You can easily find these types of products on the web.
How was CBD discovered?
80 years ago and with the help of experiments on laboratory mice, a way was discovered to isolate all the components related to cannabis, THC and CBD being among the most important because there is a greater presence of these two than the others.
Thanks to this discovery, it was revealed that CBD has molecules similar to those of certain processes in the human body, these molecules that are internalized in the body were called endocannabinoids, while those provided directly by CBD were called Phytocannabinoids.
As the years went by and with many studies carried out, little by little they discovered the great benefits that this chemical compound has, and to this day experiments involving CBD are still being carried out, in order to discover new ways to use it. and to improve people's lives.
As science advances, it has been discovered that CBD serves treatment of various diseases such as arthritis, Cancer, Anxiety, Alzheimer's, Fibromyalgia, and many others, as well as the side effects that come with these diseases such as pain, inflammation and more.
How to extract CBD?
There are various forms of CBD extraction, and they all vary in terms of the purity that can be achieved from the component. Some methods allow you to completely isolate the CBD from the different cannabinoids and obtain complete CBD isolate. Others do not completely filter the CBD. other cannabinoids that can also bring positive effects like CBD. In addition, it is also important that the THC is completely extracted or at least has a percentage of less than 0.2%.
It is important to know that the best cannabis plantations for CBD extraction are those that are grown organically, avoiding the use of fertilizers and chemicals that can later be transferred to the CBD, harming the patient.
CBD extraction with CO2
To extract CBD from the plant, scientists use CO2, with which, through certain temperature and pressure regulations in filter chambers, they can identify the different types of cannabinoids that the plant has, and once they identify the CBD , they extract this wonderful medicinal compound to isolate it from the rest so that it can be used without the effects of the other cannabinoids.
This extraction method has a precision percentage of 90% and is the most used when carrying out this CBD isolation and synthesis process. However, to obtain these good results, it is advisable to use small samples of cannabis to limit the error range.
Extraction of CBD with Ethanol.
This is a method that can replace CO2 when you want to make CBD extractions on a larger scale, not only do you get the same percentage, but it cleans the compound, eliminating any chlorophyll particles that may have adhered to it.
In this way we can take advantage of the CBD from the entire plant, the stem and the flowers, having good results, and unlike the other methods, this requires very low temperatures to achieve a correct extraction.
CBD Decarboxylation
This method is responsible for breaking the chain that unites the different cannabis compounds, releasing them and leaving the THC, CBD, CBN and CBC in free form.
To achieve this, it is essential to regulate the temperature to which the cannabis is subjected for a certain time. These regulations are carried out in two stages, the first is to subject the Cannabis to a temperature of 100°C to 110°C for 10-20 minutes, this helps eliminate moisture residue from the plant, after that a temperature is applied 120°C for at least 1 hour.
chromatography
Finally, this process goes hand in hand with each of the different methods that scientists can use to extract CBD, since, once the cannabis compounds are released, chromatography is applied to separate it from the rest of the cannabinoids and that can be used in a much purer way.
These are just the most common ways of CBD extraction, however, there are also extractions through distillate, spagyric, olive oil extraction, ultrasonic extraction, Solvent-free CBD Extraction, and every day they find new ways to achieve the CBD extraction.
How safe is CBD to use?
CBD is not a psychotropic, so when used, it will not negatively affect the functions of our body, but, on the contrary, helps reduce pain signals sent through the nervous system.
However, as we well know, every medication, whether natural or pharmacological, has side effects to various extents, which is why it is ideal to know the advantages and disadvantages that consuming CBD can bring.
Advantages of using CBD
Over the years, all bad assumptions and ideas about CBD have been eliminated, and more and more advantages of using this natural medicine over many others have been discovered.
And there is still a certain taboo regarding the use of CBD as an alternative to the different treatments already tested for diseases such as Cancer, multiple sclerosis, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and many more.
This medication helps suppress chronic pain related to many diseases, helps regulate intraocular pressure, is very good for treating anxiety, paranoia in patients with post-traumatic stress, and has been shown to reduce episodes of schizophrenia.
In patients with Alzheimer's it has been seen that it helps them retain the ability to remember for a longer time, just as in Parkinson's patients it reduces tremor and muscle spasms.
Just as it helps in these conditions, there is evidence that it serves as part of the treatment of many other diseases, and more experiments are carried out every day to make better use of this complex medicine.
Disadvantages of using CBD
Using CBD can bring with it certain risks, which, despite not being very serious, every patient must be aware of in order to better assimilate the consequences.
In patients receiving treatment with CBD, adverse effects have been determined such as:
- Dry mouth.
- Diarrhea.
- Decreased appetite.
- Drowsiness and fatigue.
- Changes in drug processing in the liver
- Possible decrease in the patient's fertile capabilities.
If we compare this list with that of other medications, it ends up being much shorter and less dangerous, which is why scientists continue in the tireless search to ensure that CBD is generally accepted as a a great natural alternative.
Despite having these disadvantages, many studies suggest that they are mostly due to a reaction of the body when CBD is mixed with other medications.
From a general point of view, there are more benefits that we can obtain in relation to the few adverse effects that the use of CBD has, however, it is always good to talk to your doctor and have him tell you how good it can be. the use of CBD as part of the treatment you are undergoing or if you can use it preventively.
CBD and the WHO
As we well know, the WHO is responsible for regulating and providing the necessary information on health-related topics, which is why, due to the growing interest in CBD, it has been necessary to carry out studies that corroborate the information given by scientists in recent years.
The WHO was able to determine many important factors of CBD consumption, reviewing previously conducted studies in detail and studying on its own the development of CBD in patients with different conditions.
How addictive can CBD be?
Nowadays it is very common for a person to become addicted to some substance, food and even certain lifestyles. According to the report carried out by the World Health Organization, CBD is a substance that can be consumed safely that the patient will not become addicted.
In both humans and animals, it could be demonstrated that there is no evidence of substance abuse.
Side effects of using CBD according to the WHO.
As we have explained previously, there are very few side effects from the use of CBD, and this was verified by the WHO, who in the end determined that there is a high probability that these effects are directly related to the use of CBD in conjunction with other medications. However, they still have to carry out many studies to determine what the effects of using CBD are when there is no presence of other medications in the blood.
WHO approved treatments
While CBD is not the cure for any disease, nor the perfect treatment for all of them, the WHO was able to determine that it plays a very important role in the treatment of specific diseases.
Mainly, it has been shown to be of great help in patients with epilepsy; there is even a medication that has already been approved in order to reduce and control muscle spasms and the symptoms following them.
Other treatments for diseases for which there is already confirmed evidence from the WHO is Cancer, since, according to studies, CBD helps destroy cancer cells, as well as helps calm the side effects that patients present. who undergo chemotherapy.
Conclusion
CBD is a medicine that can help considerably the lives of many people with various conditions, not only as a treatment but as a preventive method, it can be used safely without turning the patient into an addict, and it will not present any psychoactive effect.
There is strong evidence that the amount of benefits you can obtain from this cannabinoid is greater, however, there is still much to learn and study on the subject, so that it can be completely accepted by society and used by doctors in different fields. .
Every day more people use CBD, that is why it is essential to provide the correct and necessary information about everything that the use of this natural medicine entails, to better take advantage of the benefits that it can bring to the patient according to the treatment they are undergoing.
Thanks to the WHO report and the various studies carried out in recent years by scientists around the world, the taboo that not only people have when they are patients, but also those doctors who still believe that CBD, only can negatively affect the health of your patients. Today more people are joining the medicinal consumption of CBD thanks to all the information available on the subject.
Very complete information! I have been researching CBD for several days since due to a disease I suffer from, even the doctor has recommended the use of CBD to improve my quality of life. After reading everything on your website I am going to place an order.