CBD May Alleviate Seizures Benefit Behaviors In People With Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the research conducted using Angelman syndrome animal models shows that CBD could benefit kids and adults with this serious condition, which is characterized by intellectual disability, lack of speech, brain rhythm dysfunction, and deleterious and often drug-resistant epilepsy. Ben Philpot, PhD, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology and associate director of the UNC Neuroscience Center. CBD, which is a major phytocannabinoid constituent of cannabis, has already shown to have anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic effects. And in 2018, the FDA approved CBD for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy, but little is known about the potential anti-seizure and behavioral effects of CBD on Angelman symptom. The Philpot lab is a leader in the creation of genetically modified mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders, and they use these models to identify new treatments for various diseases, such as Rett, Pitt-Hopkins, and Angelman syndromes. In experiments led by first author Bin Gu, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Philpot lab, the UNC-Chapel Hill researchers systematically tested the beneficial effects of CBD on seizures, motor deficits, and brain activity abnormalities -- as measured by EEG -- in mice that genetically model Angelman syndrome, with the expectation that this information could guide eventual clinical use. The researchers found that a single injection of CBD substantially lessened seizure severity in mice when the seizures were experimentally triggered by elevated body temperature or loud sounds. A typical anti-convulsant dose of CBD (100 mg/kg) caused mild sedation in mice but had little effect on motor coordination or balance. CBD also restored the normal brain rhythms which are commonly impaired in Angelman syndrome.
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two major compounds found in the cannabis plant. Each has unique properties, potential Global Health Wellness CBD benefits, and side effects. The following article covers CBD and THC, their effects, their legal status, and their safety considerations. CBD and THC are known as cannabinoids. They have very similar chemical structures and activate the same receptors within the body’s endocannabinoid system. Despite their similarity in structure, CBD and THC exert entirely different effects. The most significant difference between these two compounds is that THC is psychoactive. This means it can affect how the brain works. THC activates the body’s "reward" pathways to produce the "high" that’s associated with marijuana use. It does this by activating a cannabinoid receptor called CB1. When THC activates this type of receptor, things like movement, body temperature, and brain function are affected. In contrast, CBD is not considered psychoactive. It does not cause euphoria or a "high," even at large doses.
Much of the research on CBD and THC is preclinical, meaning it’s been studied in animal models. Large-scale human trials are necessary to determine if CBD or THC can help treat most of these conditions. Though it does act on cannabinoid receptors, CBD mainly affects other receptors, including serotonin receptors. It may help counteract some of the negative effects of THC, Try Global Health Farms Gummies Global Health Farms CBD Gummies Farms CBD Gummies including serious side effects like psychosis. CBD has many purported therapeutic properties. Pain. Overall, Global Health Wellness CBD there isn’t enough evidence that CBD by itself helps with pain. Some research has shown that high doses can improve neuropathy (nerve pain), though more data is necessary. Anxiety. So far, the results are mixed. Some studies show that CBD can improve symptoms of social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others show no effect. Seizures. Epidiolex, a purified CBD oil, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for some hard-to-treat types of childhood epilepsy.
Brain protection. Animal studies have shown that CBD may have benefits for those who have Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, but human clinical trials are necessary to verify these effects. Effects on animals may or may not translate into benefits for humans. THC is the psychoactive ingredient from the marijuana plant. The possession and use of marijuana and THC-containing products are not legal in all U.S. THC is effective for increasing appetite and for nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy. Pain. Prescription THC products have been shown to improve neuropathy and quality of life. Spasticity (muscle tightness). Sativex (nabiximols), a mouth spray that combines THC and CBD, is approved for spasticity in Europe. PTSD. A very small trial found that Cesamet reduced nightmares in 10 military personnel with PTSD. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Smoking THC was found to improve symptoms of IBS, but benefits may be only short-lived. People who used THC long-term were more likely to ultimately require surgery for IBS.
Notably, most of the research into THC’s effects has used standardized THC prescription medications. Other THC-containing products available at dispensaries may or may not be beneficial for any of these conditions. More research is undoubtedly necessary. Understanding how CBD and THC are regulated in the United States is a bit tricky. Basically, it comes down to the source of the product, whether it comes from the marijuana plant or hemp plant. In 2018, the U.S. CBD that contains less than 0.3% THC. Plants that contain this low concentration of THC are known as hemp. Historically, hemp has been used to make things like fiber and paper. Notably, marijuana (which comes from a cannabis plant with more than 0.3% THC) remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance. This means that the FDA considers it to have a high risk of abuse and no accepted medical use. Accordingly, CBD and THC that come from a marijuana plant are also Schedule 1 controlled substances.
