What is CBD? (summary of what CBD is and how it is medically beneficial)

Flour hemp in spoon with oil and bag on board

Cannabidiol, or CBD as it is commonly known, is just one of over 100 compounds in the cannabis plant which can help you or a loved one who may be suffering from pain or illness, both physical and mental. Unlike THC, this compound is not psychoactive, therefore there is no “high” as with THC. When it comes to cannabinoids, CBD is one of the most well-known compounds for treating pain without the psychoactive side effects of THC, and is gaining popularity for its pain relieving properties. The fact that CBD can ease pain and allow an individual to carry on with activities of daily living with little to no pain and avoid the “high” associated with THC has been a major factor in the increased interest in CBD among medical marijuana patients. A wide range of conditions can be treated effectively through the use of CBD, including:

• Epilepsy in both children and adults
• Joint and muscle pain
• Insomnia
• PTSD
• TBI
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis

Evidence suggests that CBD can lessen or neutralize the THC high, depending on how much of each compound is present in a given strain or product. Although several studies have shown that many individual cannabinoids are effective on their own, the “entourage effect” is the idea that all cannabinoids work best together. The basic idea is that all cannabinoids present within the cannabis plant possess a synergy, and for this reason whole plant extractions work better than individual cannabinoids. However, many users prefer to use CBD on its own, as they wish to avoid any potential of experiencing the psychoactive effect of THC.

One of the fastest growing demographics for cannabidiol usage is the senior population, which is discovering the pain relieving benefits of CBD for conditions such as arthritis, muscle stiffness, and fibromyalgia. Various degenerative diseases including Parkinson’s Disease, which manifests with motor symptoms such as tremor of the hands, arms, legs or jaw; muscle rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and /or impaired balance and coordination, have responded well to treatment with CBD.

Medical Alternatives Clinics offer physician medical marijuana evaluations whether you are seeking individual cannabinoid treatment, whole plant extractions, or are not sure which medical marijuana treatment will work best for you. Contact us today at (719) 246-0393 or hello@medicalalternativesclinics.com with any questions, or use our convenient online portal to schedule an appointment for an evaluation at our clinic.