Cannabidiol, found in the Cannabis sativa plant, is what most people know as marijuana or hemp. The Cannabis sativa plant has over 80 identified chemicals known as cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the proactive ingredient of marijuana. It causes a high feeling which you cannot get from cannabidiol because it has a very small amount of THC.

How it works

Although the exact cause of the effects it has on the brain is still unclear, cannabidiol has a lot of benefits. It prevents the breakdown of a chemical in the brain affecting mood, pain, and mental function. This, in turn, reduces psychotic symptoms associated with several conditions. It also somehow blocks the psychoactive effects of THC and reduces pain and anxiety.

The uses

Cannabidiol is effective in reducing seizures in people with conditions linked to seizures. It also reduces seizures in several illnesses such as tuberous sclerosis complex. These also include febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome or FIRES, and specific genetic disorders. It is usually taken in combination with conventional anti-seizure medicines.

There are several medical uses for cannabidiol. You have to be careful since there is insufficient evidence about its effectiveness. It has great benefits for bipolar disorder, diabetes, Crohn disease, insomnia, and more.

Safety and side effects

Cannabidiol is safe when taken by mouth or sprayed under the tongue. The usual dosage is up to 300 mg per day for up to 6 months. A prescription cannabidiol product is safe for the oral dosage of up to 10-20 mg/kg per day. Sprays applied under the tongue are safe in 2.5mg dosage for up to 2 weeks.

Side effects when using cannabidiol are not common but there are patient claims. These include dry mouth, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and drowsiness. A more rare side effect is signs of liver injury. As a result, people with liver disease need to use lower doses.

You should not take cannabidiol if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is better to stay on the safe side and avoid using cannabidiol products.

Some people get confused between marijuana and hash. They vary in type, potency, and quality. Marijuana is a plant material that you can get from the cannabis plant. Hashish or hash comes from the compressed resin of the flowers of the same plant. Cannabinoid levels are higher in hash than in herbal cannabis. Crystalline is the strongest hash on the market with 99.9% THC.