Introduction to CBD – Cannabidiol

CBD is the short form of Cannabidiol, there are over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids, of these compounds the 2 most common (the highest concentrates) are CBD and THC ((Tetrahydracannabinol). THC is the compound that produces the ‘high’ typically associated with cannabis. However, CBD does not have the same effect and is safe at high doses. It appears that the CBD compound offers a natural barrier against the ‘high’ effects produced by THC.

Typically the oil from a CBD plant is extracted and can be taken orally through drops, can be vaporized to smoke or cooked into edibles. Techniques have been developed by growers to produce cannabis plants with low THC but high CBD content. These have been developed successfully in recent years due to the mounting medical evidence as to the beneficial effects.

Charlotte Figi was born with Dravet syndrome (an epileptic condition, with multiple seizures), and the Stanley brothers in Colorado developed a high CBD low THC strain and called it Charlottes web, Charlotte took her first dose of Charlottes web when she was 5 and the immediate success in controlling her numerous seizures led to an extensive review of the medical marijuana laws in the country. Which had the subsequent result of accelerating the revision of low THC and high CBD marijuana laws.

Due to the large differences in the laws concerning the use and administration of low THC high CBD cannabis, some patients have to travel many miles and cross countries to enable them to obtain their medication. Makes you wonder about our leaders!!!!