What is Cannabidiol ?
Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) is an active cannabinoid found in hemp which has become very popular in recent years in USA, Canada, Europe and in many Countries across the world. The hemp plant was discovered more than 5000 years ago in China and produces more than 400 organic compounds. The main group of molecules with bioactive properties present in hemp is cannabinoids and CBD is a molecule of the latter. Cannabinoids are compounds that can influence the functioning of the human nervous system and the hemp plant contains more than 60. The main cannabinoids are THC and CBD.
Cannabidiol does not contain (or very little) THC. It is a 100% natural product, it is not psychoactive, it is not toxic, it does not create dependence and has no known side effects. CBD is therefore a very promising natural product and supplement to help elderly people. There is currently ongoing scientific research into the health benefits of cannabidiol and some research suggests the benefits of CBD such as help to reduce anxiety, stress, pain, convulsions, etc.
Why do people use CBD ?
We do not make any health claims, but people may consume hemp oil extract for a variety of reasons. Here is a list of potential benefits of cannabidiol and reasons listed on different sites and by different consumers and health specialists:
- Help the digestive system
- Reduce feelings and nausea
- Reduce anxiety, stress and phobias
- Help joints and muscle problems
- Help for arthritis
- Help for sleep
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Epileptic seizures relief
- etc.
Potential health benefits of CBD
According to some preliminary studies and consumer reviews, here is a list of some advantages and health issues that can be potentially relieved by CBD.
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Depression
- Abdominal and menstrual pain
- Fibromyalgia,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Muscle pain
- Arthritis
- Convulsions and epilepsy
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antiemetic
- Antipsychotic
- Reduce cancer medication side effects
- Lower incidence of Diabetes
- etc.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of cannabidiol and what some doctors think about it.
Potential CBD health benefits for the elderly
Disclaimer: CBD products presented on this website are not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
Scientific Research on CBD
Scientific research is still in its infancy regarding cannabidiol and the positive effects of hemp oil continue to be studied by scientists but CBD is a natural product that is very promising according to several experts. It has already been discovered that the connection of CBD stimulates the function of cannabinoid receptors to produce soothing and relaxing effects without producing a “high”. In some countries, CBD is already considered a drug because of its proven efficacy, but it is still available in the United States and in many countries without a prescription if the level of THC is lower than 0,2%.
Many seniors and adults choose cbd oil and cannabidiol products to reduce their anxiety and or to manage long-term health or pain problems. Others use it as a preventive medicine, to reduce risk of diabetes and obesity or as a daily supplement to maintain and promote their overall well-being, mood, and stress level.
Cannabidiol has no psychoactive properties, has no recognized side effects and does not harm users.
Studies and Results
Drug abuse and alcohol use are increasing in older people, likely due to chronic stress, depression or loneliness. There is a study from 2005 that highlights how cannabinoids can promote neurogenesis and produce anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in mice. Another study (see links below) uses a synthetic cannabinoid to show how these substances ameliorate disorders in adolescent rats exposed to constant severe stress. The result of this research indicates that cannabinoids may reduce the negative impact of stress on short-term memory, while increasing long-term memory, which is an important learning factor.
The same synthetic cannabinoid was used in another study in which scientists caused mild stress in rats. The findings suggest that cannabinoid therapy may represent a new approach for cognitive deficits caused by stress-related depression and it was also proved that CBD can be a fast and effective antidepressant.
The results of these studies and many other studies are not necessarily to prove that cannabis can treat anxiety, depression or other illnesses but the the goal of scientists is to explore the potential of cannabinoids to develop new drugs, which could be industrial synthetic cannabinoids in the near future.
Click here to learn more about some current studies on CBD research-backed health benefits of cannabidiol.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23912944
https://www.nature.com/articles/npp201351
What is the difference between THC and CBD ?
THC and CBD are the two main cannabinoids found in cannabis. THC is responsible for the sensation of “high” after cannabis use. CBD has no psychoactive effect and the effects are not felt in the psyche but more at the level of body perceptions. In summary, CBD has no intoxicant effect whereas THC is widely used for its recreational effects. THC can cause anxiety when consumed in high doses, while CBD appears to have the opposite effect.
It should be noted that these effects come from observations by doctors on patients and some research on cannabidiol and cannabis, but these have not been confirmed by studies in which efficacy has been tested against a placebo .
THC
- Psychotropic
- Analgesic
- Antispasmodic (for the relief of muscle spasms)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Stimulates the appetite
- Anxiolytic / Anxiolytic (can relieve and cause anxiety depending on doses, people and situation)
- Sleeping pill
CBD
- Not psychotropic
- Antiepileptic
- Analgesic
- Anxiolytic (would relieve anxiety)
- Antispasmodic
- Antipsychotic (would relieve psychoses and other mood conditions)
- Apoptogen (would provide anti-cancer properties)