Cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana, has been a subject of interest and controversy for its recreational and therapeutic uses. While its recreational use often overshadows its medicinal potential, understanding its properties can provide a better perspective on why it has elicited such global interest.
Cannabis is a plant genus encompassing several species, including Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. These plants contain hundreds of compounds called cannabinoids, the most prevalent of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Each cannabinoid has different effects on the human body, which influence the overall impact of cannabis.
THC is responsible for the well-known ‘high’ that many users associate with cannabis. Contrarily, CBD is non-psychoactive and brings about many of cannabis’s potential health benefits without inducing a high. Interestingly, CBD can also mitigate some adverse effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia.
Diving Deeper: Introduction to CBD Oils
Over the recent years, CBD oils have emerged as a popular natural remedy for various health conditions. Extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD oil is made by isolating CBD and then infusing it into neutral carrier oils like hemp seed oil or coconut oil.
Unlike cannabis, CBD oils don’t induce a high. That’s because most CBD oils are made from hemp—a variety of the Cannabis Sativa species—that contains less than 0.3% THC. On the other hand, marijuana-based CBD oils, which are less common, may contain more THC and hence may induce slight psychoactive effects.
Therapeutic Potential of CBD Oils
Science has begun to unearth the immense therapeutic potential of CBD oils; they have shown promise in the alleviation of conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, inflammation, epilepsy, etc. The fact that CBD oils can offer such relief without inducing a high makes them an appealing option for many who are cautious about the psychoactive effects of cannabis or certain pharmaceutical drugs.
Notably, in 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex—a CBD-based drug—for the treatment of two severe forms of epilepsy. This marked a milestone in acknowledging CBD’s medicinal benefits and its potential integration into the modern healthcare system.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the anecdotal success stories and promising scientific research surrounding CBD oils, it is crucial to remember that federal regulations still limit their usage in many regions. These regulations are complex and often murky, mainly due to the conflicting views on cannabis.
Progress is being made, however, and as research advances, it is likely that the potential benefits of CBD oils—and cannabis more generally—will advocate for more comprehensive laws and greater acceptance. It’s an exciting era for cannabis and its derivatives, taking us one step closer to fully harnessing the plant’s therapeutic potential, shaping health and wellness landscapes worldwide.