Cannabidiol or CBD is the compound composition of the CBD oil, which has been derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is an unidentified phytocannabinoid found in 1940. It constitutes more than 40% of the therapeutic plant’s foliage and is one of the most powerful and studied of all known cannabinoids. It has been used extensively in several countries across the world, including the United States, for the treatment of debilitating medical conditions and the ability to mitigate the side effects of certain medicines taken to treat these conditions. The two major compounds in CBD are cannabidiol and the flavonoid component of CBD, collectively called CBD as flavonoids. Together, these two compounds provide medical benefits beyond those provided by the essential THC.

For example, CBD Lube has been shown to reduce seizures in children, improve behavior problems in developmental age children and treat some of the more severe side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. The most common of medical conditions for which patients have used CBD is epilepsy, which can be controlled using the medicinal use of CBD. But CBD is not the only useful medicinal component of cannabis. Research indicates that other compounds in the cannabis plant may provide important medicinal properties, including:

Epilepsy – One of the most tragic and life-altering diseases of our time, epilepsy is believed to be related to multiple sclerosis, also called sclerosis paradigms. There are many theories about the causes of this disease and very little is understood. A recent development in the field suggests that CBD may help reduce seizures related to sclerosis. Additionally, CBD is noted to reduce the seizure activity caused by some forms of cerebral ischemia (corticogenic neuropathy). It has been noted that patients who have undergone treatment with CBD and have experienced an improvement in their seizures, have been able to continue with the medicinal use of cannabis even after stopping the treatment due to a lack of evidence of adverse side effects.

Depression – In human studies, CBD has been linked to reduced depressive symptoms, which are commonly associated with major depression. In one study CBD was noted to be effective in reducing the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients who experienced childhood abuse or neglect. In this study, the participants who were depressed also reported less suicidal ideation, as well as fewer thoughts of suicide attempts. There has also been some promising research in adults who suffer from depression. Several small studies have noted a reduction in mood and other psychiatric symptoms like irritability and anxiety when subjects were given CBD.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder – Two of the most common mental disorders affecting Americans today are post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic anxiety. Both of these mental health disorders stem from extreme events or traumatic experiences in one’s life. In post-traumatic stress disorder, often the patient suffers from nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive memories and anxiety on a regular basis; in chronic anxiety, the patient frequently feels overwhelming apprehension and panic attacks. One of the most widely reported side effects of CBD is a decrease in anxiety and an increase in mood. Therefore, CBD may help reduce the mental and emotional burden of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The mechanism by which CBD produces these side effects is not known. However, the CBD is believed to affect the function of several genes that control appetite, metabolism and the nervous system. It is believed that CBD, working through these mechanisms, acts on the brain to regulate levels of neurotransmitters, which in turn up regulates levels of appetite, allowing people to eat even when they are not hungry, or when they are lacking in certain nutrients. This could potentially be useful in the treatment of obesity, as well as other health problems like heart disease and certain forms of cancer. A recent study conducted at the University of Nairobi in Kenya suggests that CBD may also be effective in the treatment of chronic pain in HIV patients.