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What is CBD?

Cannabinoids are chemicals that trigger the cannabinoid (and other) receptors in the brain and body. In addition to phytocannabinoids produced by the plant, there are endogenous cannabinoids that occur naturally in the body, as well as synthetic cannabinoids created by pharmaceutical researchers.

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CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasm, anti-convulsant, anti-psychotic, anti-tumoral, and neuroprotective properties. CBD directly activates serotonin receptors, causing an anti-depressant effect, as well.

Scientific studies have shown that CBD could be therapeutic for many conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, anxiety, diabetes, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, PTSD, sleep disorders, alcoholism, cardiovascular disease, antibiotic-resistant infections, and neurological ailments.

Academic research centers in the United States and elsewhere are currently studying the effects of CBD on these other health problems.

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A medicinal treasure trove

More than 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant. Of these, CBD and THC have been studied extensively.

CBD is a non-toxic, non-euphoric substance that doesn’t make people feel stoned, CBD works synergistically with THC. Cannabidiol enhances THC’s painkilling impact while modifying THC’s psychoactivity. CBD can also neutralize unfavorable effects that THC may cause, such as anxiety and rapid heartbeat.

Not everyone enjoys the THC high. CBD-rich cannabis may be an appealing option for those seeking the medicinal benefits of cannabis without disconcerting dysphoria or other unwanted side effects.

CBD is the predominant cannabinoid in hemp grown for fiber or seed oil. But hemp contains much less CBD than CBD-rich cannabis. Traditionally, plants grown for hashish contained THC and CBD in equal measure. In recent times in the U.S. and elsewhere, genetics have changed to accommodate consumer demand for high THC content. Consequently, CBD almost disappeared from the grassroots gene pool.

After several decades in which only high-THC cannabis was available, CBD-rich strains and products are now accessible in states where medicinal marijuana is legal.

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Our Goals

Project CBD is a non-profit, educational service dedicated to promoting and publicizing research into the medicinal qualities of cannabidiol and other components of the cannabis plant.

Project CBD

• Updates doctors, patients, and the general public on developments in cannabis science therapeutics and political economy.

• Provides training workshops for dispensary staff and industry professionals on CBD’s benefits and challenges.

• Produces a free online newsletter and educational video series.

• Helps providers and patients identify top-quality sources of CBD-rich concentrates and other products derived from plants grown by agricultural best practices.

• Refutes the slander that medical marijuana is a front for stoners.

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CBD-rich oil extracts and other CBD-infused products are poised to play a more prominent role in the burgeoning medical marijuana industry, as providers and product-makers increasingly cater to a broad constituency to attract new clientele.

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In states that have legalized medical marijuana, CBD-rich remedies are available in many forms: herbs, edibles, topicals, tinctures, extracts, and capsules. In some states, certified patients can access measured, dose-specific CBD-rich oil concentrates with varying ratios of cannabidiol and THC.

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Scientific studies show that CBD and THC work best in combination and potentiate each other’s therapeutic effects. The amount of CBD present is not the only factor influencing the effects of cannabis-based medicine. The ratio of CBD to THC may be as or more important. Terpenoid and flavonoid content is also very important.

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One cancer patient described CBD-rich cannabis as “relaxing but not intoxicating,” We want to hear about your experiences – positive and negative – with CBD-rich medicine.

Visit ProjectCBD.org, and sign up for the free newsletter.

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“The reappearance of CBD-rich cannabis in California and other medical marijuana states is a breakthrough for patients, dispensaries, legalization advocates, and many citizens who could benefit therapeutically from cannabis. CBD may enable those who don’t like the ‘high’ to be more comfortable using cannabis as a medicine.” – Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Professor Emeritus; Harvard Medical School

 

“As we learn more about CBD-rich cannabis our excitement builds, for this knowledge may provide new insight into illness and a greater capacity to heal.” – Valerie Corral, Founder and Director WAMM (Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana)

 

“There is so much more to medicinal cannabis than THC. As a nurse and drug abuse counselor, I applaud Project CBD’s efforts to highlight the curative properties of cannabidiol and other non-psychoactive cannabis constituents.” – Mary Lynn Mathre, RN, MSN. President and Co-founder, Patients Out of Time. 

 

“One of the most exciting aspects of cannabinoid medicine today is the reintroduction of CBD-rich strains in states where medical marijuana is legal. Project CBD provides an essential forum for appreciating the versatile, therapeutic effects of cannabidiol and other cannabis components.” – Dr. Jeffrey Hergenrather, President. Society of Cannabis Clinicians