Over the last few years, medicinal cannabis has gained a lot of popularity as a method of alternative treatment meant to help people suffering from certain physical and mental conditions. These conditions could include pain-inducing diseases like cancer or arthritis, sleeping disorders like insomnia, and anxiety problems.
The reason why medicinal cannabis gained so much popularity was that it could provide health benefits without causing the same side effects caused by more standard forms of medication, like anti-inflammatories, sleeping pills, and pain killers.
However, even now, there’s a lot of people who might not want to use medicinal cannabis just because of a single drawback, and that is THC. However, there might be a solution for this, known as cannabidiol. To understand the differences, we have to first understand how medicinal cannabis works.
Understanding Cannabis and THC
Cannabis is chemically composed of several forms of cannabinoids, naturally found in the plant and capable of achieving different effects. However, THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, has psychotropic capabilities, meaning that it can get us high if we consume it.
The effects of this compound depend on different factors: the amount of cannabis we consume, how we consumed it, and whether the plant was a Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid.
A Sativa plant is known for causing invigorating effects, boosting creativity, alertness, and energy levels. Indica, on the other hand, is capable of achieving a relaxing effect, which works as a sleeping aid, for pain relief, and for boosting appetite.
Regardless of the type of cannabis, though, getting high is something that not a lot of people would enjoy, even more, if it comes from a form of medication. The fact that medicinal cannabis can get us high makes it a not-so-reliable alternative for those who work, drive, or study.
So what’s the alternative? Well, although the most prominent compound found in the cannabis plant is true, THC, there’s another compound we can find: CBD.
CBD as a Compound
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, but in much lower levels in comparison to THC. However, there’s a familiar of the cannabis plant known as the hemp plant, which contains much lower levels of THC, only reaching up to 0.3% of its chemical structure.
Of course, the hemp plant has a higher level of CBD, and that is why most CBD-based products are derived from this plant. The thing about cannabidiol is that, in comparison to THC, it won’t get you high, because the compound is not psychoactive.
So, you get the medicinal benefits of cannabis without its drawback. Among the most common products there are, oil and oil tinctures are the most used. By checking CheefBotanicals, you can get an idea of how to get your hands on them, but how do they work?
The Benefits of CBD Oil Tinctures
The actual health benefits provided by both alternatives are quite similar, the only difference is the psychotropic capabilities one has, and the other doesn’t. These benefits are possible thanks to a combination of neurotransmitters that are sensitive to cannabinoids, known as the endocannabinoid system.
These neurotransmitters are in several areas of our body and can influence various physiological functions, including the way our body reacts to certain diseases and injuries through inflammation, as well as our stress levels, five senses, appetite, and sleep quality.
That is why cannabidiol is capable of reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, stimulate appetite, reduce stress, calm down nerves, and aid with anxiety problems and sleeping disorders. The most common reasons to use cannabidiol-based products involve things like cancer, arthritis, joint pain, insomnia, depression, and panic attacks.
If you visit this article, you’ll get more detailed information on the matter: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.
The Real Reason Behind CBD’s Popularity
The most important benefit, as I briefly mentioned earlier, is that cannabidiol is much safer in comparison to other alternatives, at least, in the long-term run. You see, CBD products are capable of producing certain side effects, yet they are much harmless in comparison to side effects caused by traditional medicine.
For example, sleeping pills are well known for causing depression, affecting motivation, reducing proactivity, and reducing our ability to focus. Pain killers and anti-inflammatories are well known for causing liver damage, as well as similar results to sleeping pills.
However, cannabidiol’s side effects only include things like diarrhea, dry mouth, drowsiness, lack of appetite, and vomit in some severe cases. These side-effects can be easily dealt with by reducing the dosage and finding the right dose to consume.
There’s also the fact that although research is still in its early stages, the damage caused to the liver by CBD medication is not nearly as close as the one caused by traditional medication.
The most important aspect of consuming CBD-based medication is using the right dosage. This can be hard since there’s not an actual recommended dose for anyone since everyone’s needs vary and its effect might be different depending on each individual.
That is why experimentation is so important, as well as starting with smaller dosages. The great thing about tinctures is that thanks to droppers and the fact that you can combine them with other beverages, it is much easier to find an adequate dose for you. As long as you can perceive relief to your problems without the side effects, you will be fine.