CBD and THC: The cannabinoid siblings guarding mental and physical health

Studies show that Australia has one of the highest per person use of cannabis and related products in the world. However, there is little scientific data available on the effects of regular cannabis use on the physical and mental health of Australian users. The most common and popular variants of cannabis in Australia typically contain high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Other beneficial cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol) are present in trace amounts in the recreational marijuana people use.

So, what is the difference between the recreational and medicinal varieties of marijuana? If THC is psychoactive and potentially harmful for those suffering from psychoses, should people still continue to use cannabis and cannabis products? These are some questions that arise from the recent analysis in the PLoS ONE journal.

Further investigation shows that CBD itself is non-psychoactive, and it plays a critical role in the mitigation of pain and swelling. Moreover, it has antidepressant functions and anxiolytic functions, when the user administers the correct doses orally. Most people suffering from localized swelling and pain use CBD ointments and lotions to manage their symptoms. It is one of the safest ways of administration since the topical application has no contraindications.

How can you get CBD without any psychoactivity?

Most importantly, recognized manufacturers have begun producing CBD products from the cannabis plants that contain 0% to 3% THC. The full-spectrum extract undergoes several purification steps that finally leads to close to 99% pure CBD only. It is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of the medicinal compound present in natural cannabis without risking the psychogenic effects of THC. These pure CBD products come in the forms of CBD oil, extracts, capsules, and tinctures. You need to find a trustworthy manufacturer, who provides the consumers with naturally grown, hygienically extracted, 100% organic and chemical solvent-free product. CBD users in Australia like to read www.cbdoilaustralian.com/ to get information on these products.

Why is THC just as important as CBD?

Another research by AW Zuardi et al. shows that the high levels of CBD can negate the psychoactive effects of THC. That explains why people often prefer full spectrum cannabis products instead of pure CBD. The full spectrum cannabinoid extracts not only contain CBD but a plethora of other cannabinoid compounds along with significant levels of THC. The presence of the other phytocannabinoids elicits the entourage effect. It modulates the activity of all compounds and allows the phytocannabinoids to act synergistically. Due to the high levels of CBD in these mixtures, the user typically does not feel the “high” THC creates.

How can CBD help in the treatment of psychosis and other conditions?

Currently, several research groups in Europe and the USA are exploring the use of CBD as an atypical antipsychotic molecule in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These studies indicate the action of CBD as compared to that of clozapine in cases of schizophrenia among adult patients. These studies mainly employed animal models due to regulations and restrictions imposed by research ethics.

CBD is similar to but better than haloperidol

CBD works similar to haloperidol in the mouse model and increases the prolactin in blood plasma. In sharp contrast to haloperidol, CBD does not induce catalepsy at significantly high doses. At higher doses, CBD can inhibit hyperlocomotion in the animal models, which haloperidol is unable to do. At the levels that inhibit hyperlocomotion, haloperidol typically induces cataplexy in mice.

The lack of human models restricts the research on CBD as a potential treatment for psychosis. However, it is safe to conclude that CBD exhibits properties of antipsychotic drugs that are common in the market, without eliciting any of the side-effects of the same. The studies on animal behavior and neurological models suggest that CBD has actions similar to the atypical antipsychotic drug people might need soon.

CBD is non-toxic at high levels

Almost all the studies we have mentioned here extensively investigated the potential toxicity and other side effects of CBD in the animal models. Current research on humans shows that oral, IV, and inhalation routes of administration do not display any toxic effects. The researchers concluded after studying 30 healthy volunteers, who received daily doses of CBD ranging between 10 to 400 mg. The gradually increasing doses for a month had no significant neurological or behavioral impact on the participants.

CBD is a potential treatment for Huntington’s

Another study employed patients who have Huntington’s disease. They received daily doses of 700 mg of pure CBD for six weeks. The high dosage and constant administration did not exhibit any toxicity, and it helped with their muscle spasms and mental health conditions. Data from this clinical study also points towards the safety of CBD upon regular use for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, psychosis, and other health problems.

CBD is a wonder-molecule that the marijuana plant produces. It is 100% natural, and it has little to no side effects, even upon long-term usage. The only concern of most modern users is finding the right dose. You might need to experiment a little after beginning with micro-dosing to find the correct dosage that addresses your physical or psychological concerns. Most regular CBD users swear by the micro-dosing technique, where they take tiny amounts of the pure CBD extracts or full spectrum oil in regular intervals. Some maintain an interval of an hour, while others take the first indication of returning pain, anxiety, or nausea as the time for micro-dosing again.

A fair warning about CBD products

While CBD is a beneficial compound and the presence of THC in the cannabis extract endows the users with the entourage effect, you must be extremely cautious about the quality of the products you are buying. Check the reputation of the manufacturer, look for third-party lab tested products, and ensure that the label mentions 100% GMO or GMP-free extracts. High-quality cannabis extracts will give you the best healing effects your body needs right now. Settling for a low-priced item can cost you dearly in terms of physical and mental health in the long run.