The number of deaths and health issues arise by the minute. And with more than half of the world’s population not having access to proper health care services, there’s no doubt this number is going to increase in the coming years. Without a doubt, pharmaceutical companies are tirelessly exerting their blood, sweat, and tears to counter this problem. However, there is one disadvantage of over-the-counter medications, and that is – adverse effects. That being said, a lot of people have been given groundbreaking opportunities in holistic healing. Through the use of medicinal cannabis, they can enjoy a myriad of health benefits without the negative side effects.
Distinction Between THC and CBD
It’s no surprise how cannabis has been one of the most sought-after medications in this generation. Two of the largest countries in the world have legalized the use of marijuana all across its nations. The U.S. spearheaded the legislation before Canada. Nonetheless, people are still torn between the misconceptions of THC and CBD. When people hear of marijuana, they instantly picture a person who is too high even to hold a conversation. However, THC and CBD have very distinct effects on the body. First of all, cannabis, marijuana, and hemp are not the same thing. Cannabis has two major classifications which are Indica and Sativa plants. While marijuana can be either of the two, hemp belongs to the Cannabis Sativa category. Cannabis has over 100 active compounds called cannabinoids. And THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the most well-recognized ones. While THC gives you that ‘high’ effect, CBD does none of that. In fact, CBD contains most of the medicinal benefits of cannabis. That’s why some people who are not very comfortable with the side effects of THC such as dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness prefer strains which are CBD-dominant. Or they also opt for CBD-infused products like oils, tinctures, and concentrates.
How CBD Benefits the Human Body
The human body is such a complex system. But as long as every signal is transmitted correctly from one part to another, the body functions properly. That is where the endocannabinoid system comes into play. The endocannabinoid system is a structure in the body which is responsible for how we function daily. These functions are regulated through two primary receptors which are CB1 and CB2 receptors.CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain that is responsible for modulation of motor behavior, learning, emotions, memory, perception, and some endocrine functions. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are mostly found in the immune system which is the helm on a person’s energy, immunity, cardiovascular tone, reproduction, and metabolism. Because the human body produces natural cannabinoids, it accepts foreign cannabinoid components such as THC and CBD in cannabis. THC binds with CB1 giving consumers a psycho-cerebral effect, while CBD binds with CB2 receptors indirectly through other receptors such as TRPV1, GPR55, or PPAR. Once CBD and these receptors communicate signals to one another, it helps them modulate endocannabinoid levels. It’s essential that the body’s endocannabinoid levels are regulated – not too high and not too low. When the levels are modulated, it enables the body to function appropriately, fending it from various illnesses.
5 Illnesses CBD is Good for
- Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet Syndromes
Epilepsy is a severe form of neurological disorder which involves unusual brain activity. When this happens, the patient can experience seizures which last for minutes. Some also experience blankness, loss of sensations, or other strange behaviors. There’s a reason why the FDA approved a cannabidiol-based oral drug called Epidiolex. That’s because this drug is effective in treating epileptic seizures from Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. It has either helped prevent the onset of seizures or reduce the seizure frequency by 50 percent.
- Cancer
There have been many claims on how CBD cures cancer through cell destruction. Although a lot of ongoing studies are needed to prove this claim, success stories are making the rounds online which will further advocate the health benefits of CBD. Cancer cells are the abnormal formation of cells due to protumorigenic signals in the endocannabinoid system. These cancer cells propagate at a rate which becomes uncontrollable for the other “normal cells.” Even the body’s usual apoptosis or cell destruction cannot contain the cancer cells once they divide and metastasize. CBD, when it latches onto the CB2 receptors in the immune system, helps kill these cancer cells. They send signals to other parts of the body that there are “unwanted” cells. In turn, CBD helps in preventing proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in various types of cancer. In addition, CBD in the form of CBD oil can even help with post-chemotherapy side effects such as vomiting, nausea, fatigue, constipation, inability to focus, or loss of appetite.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition which mistakes bacteria or food as “alien” substances. In turn, the gut then produces white blood cells into the bowel lining. This immune system malfunction causes chronic inflammation. One of the roles of the endocannabinoid system is to make sure that endocannabinoid levels are up to par with every vital organ – including the GI tract. CBD helps regulate the body’s endocannabinoids which can prevent inflammation when IBD strikes.
- Sleep Disorders
A well-rested body is essential, especially in an active lifestyle. In spite of this, a lot of people are suffering from minor or severe sleeping disorders. In the U.S. alone, roughly 70 million people are suffering from one or several sleeping disorders. Aside from fatigue, an unhealthy sleeping habit can even lead to serious mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression. Different strains vary in CBD and THC content. Indica strains have a more sedating effect which is perfect for using at nighttime to have a deep and sound sleep. Sativa strains, on the other hand, have uplifting effects which are the best strains to use during the daytime on social gatherings or any creative activities. CBD can help these three common sleeping disorders:
- Sleep Apnea is a sleeping disorder wherein your breathing is intermittent at 10 to 30-second intervals. Aside from disruptive sleep quality, this will also have an impact on your body’s oxygen flow.
- Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder where affected patients have difficulty sleeping are said to have insomnia. CBD is supposed to decrease sleep latency while THC is said to have a therapeutic effect which can treat insomnia.
- Hypersomnolence is a condition where one feels sleepy during the day. Strains which are higher in CBD can reduce the sleepiness because of the stimulating effects which boost creativity and alertness.
- Arthritis
CBD binds with the receptors in the central nervous system which sends signals to mediate pain. This is the famous analgesic component of cannabis that has gained accolades from several advocates. In fact, cultivators and manufacturers have innovated various ways to use CBD for chronic pain for arthritis conveniently. There are CBD-infused products which patients can apply topically to relieve joint pains from arthritis. Wrap Up CBD is undeniably providing everyone a new chance at a better life. With more and more online dispensaries and retail stores where cannabis is legal, people can now enjoy holistic healing safely and economically.
Author Bio: Sarah Brooks, is a passionate blogger who loves to write about the innovative ideas on promoting mental and physical health. She currently works with GreenSociety, one of the leading online dispensaries in Canada, which offers the best and top quality weed online.
