CBD: substance extracted from Cannabis with great therapeutic potential

taken from cannabis, CBD can be used in the treatment of diseases such as epilepsy, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, its use can raise some questions about the effects on the body. Next, check out Dr. Laís Franciele Portela (CRM-BA 31512) on this substance.

What is CBD

According to Laís, CBD or cannabidiol is “only one of the phytocannabinoids present in Cannabis, as there are more than 100 different types of these chemical compounds”. Dr. she explained that there are 3 species of this plant, they are: cannabis sativa (best known of all), cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis.

The doctor said that in addition to cannabidiol, cannabis it has other substances with medicinal effects, such as, for example, “THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which despite being much feared, also has very important therapeutic properties. As well as terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids and others that are still being researched.”

Cannabidiol is indicated for which treatments?

The medicinal use of cannabidiol is diverse. It can “be used to treat chronic pain, insomnia, epilepsy, autism, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, skin diseases, aid in palliative care and others.” According to Dr., this is only possible due to the combination of the effects of CBD, THC and other substances present in the cannabis.

Health benefits of CBD

“CBD has well-documented therapeutic effects as an anxiolytic (for anxiety), anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antipsychotic and antidepressant. THC also has anti-inflammatory potential, in addition to serving as an antiemetic (for nausea and vomiting), analgesic, anticonvulsant, appetite stimulator, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic and sleep inducer”, explained Laís.

Despite similar effects, these substances have some differences: “THC can have a psychoactive effect, whereas CBD does not; THC stimulates appetite, while cannabidiol can inhibit it; THC induces sleep, while CBD induces wakefulness”. Thus, the choice of product type and dose adjustment will depend on the patient’s needs.

Cannabidiol side effects

According to Dr. Laís, “medicinal products based on cannabis have a high therapeutic safety profile. However, (…) it can present toxic effects when there is an excess in the dosage”. Check out these effects below:

• Excessive sleepiness;
• Prostration;
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Drop in blood pressure;
• Dry mouth;
• Tachycardia.

“Medicinal products based on cannabis, made with whole plant extracts, tend to have fewer side effects than isolated formulations”. In addition, the doctor added that these effects, when present, are common in the “dose adjustment period at the beginning of treatment and are lessened over the weeks”. Thus, she highlighted the importance of consulting a specialized doctor to propose an individualized treatment and analysis to the patient.

Where to buy CBD

In Brazil, to buy a medicinal product based on cannabis, “it is necessary to go through a consultation with a prescribing doctor, who will adapt the prescription to your health needs”, explained Dr. From this, it is possible to obtain the product through imports, pharmacies or cannabis associations.

The use of CBD is regulated by ANVISA, which in 2019 published a resolution (RDC 327/19) granting sanitary authorization for the manufacture and import of CBD-based products. cannabis(1). “This resolution establishes requirements for the commercialization, prescription, dispensing, monitoring and inspection of products of cannabis for medicinal purposes”, reinforced the doctor.

Would you like to know more about the use of cannabidiol for health? Enjoy and check out the benefits of Ginko biloba for the body.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.