Cannabidiol, also called cannabis, is a potent psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant with other names, such as cannabis, pot, or grass. The primary active ingredient in cannabis is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although many experts do not agree on the cause of schizophrenia, many agree that the cannabis plant does contain some degree of this substance which may be responsible for hallucinations, disorientation, and schizophrenia-like symptoms. Some studies have shown that chronic use of cannabis may reduce a person’s lifetime risk of schizophrenia.
Within minutes of ingesting cannabis, the body begins to metabolize the THC into a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the primary active ingredient in cannabis. Once in the bloodstream, this THC passes through the lungs and reaches the brain which initiates the sensations of a “high.” The effect of this high is typically characterized by increased blood pressure and a feeling of euphoria. Many people describe the feeling as being similar to that of a powerful stimulant like that found in coffee or a powerful hallucinogen such as lysergic acid.
Today, the medical uses of cannabis are still relatively uncommon. Most commonly, best cannabis strains in CO is used to treat a range of medical conditions including chronic pain, chemotherapy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and certain side effects of certain medications. It is also being explored for recreational uses including the treatment of muscle spasticity and epilepsy.
Currently, much of the medical research is being directed at investigating the potential use of cannabis as a viable alternative to the use of certain pharmaceuticals for those with epilepsy. There is much speculation that CBD may play a similar role in the onset of seizures associated with those with epilepsy, or perhaps an even greater role in reducing the overall neurophysiological profile of those who consume cannabis.
Recently, studies have begun to look at the potential medical uses for cannabis other than those noted above. It has been noted that children who suffer from epileptic seizures show a higher concentration of delta-aminobutyric acid (BA) in their systems, which has been linked to the presence of delta-aminobutyric acid in a number of different brain chemical systems (e.g., glutamate, acetylcholine, and serotonin). However, the studies linking BA with seizure activity in children have been preliminary only.
Further studies need to be done to confirm these results and if the concentration and/or frequency of seizure increase with further exposure to cannabis. If the preliminary indications prove promising, then further studies could be initiated to determine whether CBD is able to play a similar role in the same manner as BA.