Much like THC, CBD has been shown to offer huge medicinal potential, and many of the medical benefits of cannabis can be attributed to CBD. However, unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won't get you high - something that many medical users prefer. CBD can even "balance" the effects of THC.

What are the Medical Benefits of CBD?

"Cannabidiol has been studied as an antiepileptic...and has been found to lower intraocular pressure" and has "potential use in treating glaucoma and seizures". That was written in 1999, when the US Government filed a patent; Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants US 6630507 B1. That's right, the US Government claims that cannabis is a neuroprotectant, meaning it can help regenerate and protect your nervous system.

In many studies, including from the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2013, CBD has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting, reduce seizure activity, act as an antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-depressant, and most interestingly anti-cancer. 

Particularly in the US in states where Medical Marijuana is legal, you will find many patients eager to tell you about the benefits of CBD. Many people are now familiar with CBD's power to control epileptic seizures - something even CNN documented in its show Weed, presented by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and CNN's chief medical correspondent.

Here's what he had to say in an article at CNN.com:

Take the case of Charlotte Figi, who I met in Colorado. She started having seizures soon after birth. By age 3, she was having 300 a week, despite being on seven different medications. Medical marijuana has calmed her brain, limiting her seizures to 2 or 3 per month. I have seen more patients like Charlotte first hand, spent time with them and come to the realization that it is irresponsible not to provide the best care we can as a medical community, care that could involve marijuana. We have been terribly and systematically misled for nearly 70 years in the United States, and I apologize for my own role in that.

Cannabis for Kids?

Cannabis for kids, really? Yes, many studies now show the benefits of CBD rich cannabis strains for a variety of conditions, and sadly illnesses don't wait until the child turns 18. Cannabis may be the most effective, and safest medicine for many people. First question every parent wants to know - is it safe? Well once again according to our friends at the US Government, "No signs of toxicity or serious side effects have been observed following chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers". CBD is non-toxic, you cannot overdose from Cannabis, and as its non-psychoactive it won't get you high.

What Strains Have High CBD Content?

Thanks to decriminalisation and legalization in many parts of the world, real research is being done. Many breeders, now able to have their strains tested, are working to breed strains with a higher content of CBD. The highest CBD strains we have come across are Charlotte's Web, Harlequin, Cannatonic and ACDC. Try asking at your favorite coffeeshop or dispensary to see what high CBD strains they can offer you.

To learn more, visit Realm of Caring, a non-profit organization improving the quality of life for patients/families with severe/life threatening health care using CBD, such as Charlotte's Web.

Stay tuned for more Weed Science coming soon!