CBD or Cannabidiol is one of over a hundred compounds found in the cannabis plant that belongs to a class of substances called cannabinoids. Whereas CBD is the major non-psychotropic component, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the ingredient that produces mind-altering effects in users. Simply put, the health benefits of CBD cannot be overstated, and the evidence is not simply anecdotal but supported by research as you'll see as you read on.
Importantly, CBD oil is perfectly legal in South Africa as a result of its ultra-low THC content.
CBD works because the human body contains an Endocannabinoid system, which according to the Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia "is a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors located in the mammalian brain and throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems." Cannabinoids manifest their effects by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, that responds to cannabinoid 'agonists', or chemical messengers. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the psychological and physiological effects of cannabinoids, of which there are two types: endocannabinoids, which originate inside the body, 2-AG and anandamide are the two most significant endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids which arise outside of the body, such as the THC and CBD in cannabis.
The health benefits of CBD are numerous. It is a wondrous molecule with potent antioxidant, analgesic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antipsychotic effects. It alleviates cognitive decline associated with ageing, and it also reduces the risk of diabetes. Studies show that it has a significant impact on various neurological and physiological disorders. Such disorders include anxiety, ADHD and ADD, Alzheimer's, arthritis, bipolar, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, fibromyalgia and hypertension. These in addition to inflammation, insomnia, migraines and headaches, multiple sclerosis, nausea, OCD. Furthermore, many use CBD to treat osteoporosis, Parkinson's, PTSD, schizophrenia, seizures, spasticity, spinal injury and even stress.
A number of studies over the last two decades or more have reported that CBD has anti-seizure activity, reducing the severity of seizures in animal models. In addition, there have been a number of case studies and anecdotal reports suggesting that CBD may be effective in treating children with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Cannabinoids, the active components of Cannabis sativa, and endogenous cannabinoids mediate their effects through activation of specific cannabinoid receptors known as cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). The cannabinoid system has been shown both in vivo and in vitro to be involved in regulating the immune system through its immunomodulatory properties.
The studies provide "proof of principle" that CBD and possibly CBD-THC combinations are valid candidates for novel AD therapies.
CBD treatment yielded a significant positive effect on seizure load. Most of the children (66/74, 89%) reported reduction in seizure frequency: 13 (18%) reported 75-100% reduction, 25 (34%) reported 50-75% reduction, 9 (12%) reported 25-50% reduction, and 19 (26%) reported <25% reduction. Five (7%) patients reported aggravation of seizures which led to CBD withdrawal. In addition, we observed improvement in behavior and alertness, language, communication, motor skills and sleep.
Taken together, these data show that CBD, through its combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory actions, has a potent anti-arthritic effect in CIA.
For further reading, ProjectCBD maintains a comprehensive list of conditions and related scientific studies that examine how CBD is used in the treatment thereof.