First, describe the difference between cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Second, Project CBD lists several conditions which CBD is known to help. Research one (1) condition and explain the findings of your research related to how CBD is shown in the literature to alleviate symptoms (be sure to cite literature, and not just give opinions). Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook Purchase the answer to view it

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the most well-known and active compounds found in the cannabis plant. Although they belong to the same group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, they have distinct characteristics and effects on the human body.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it does not produce the intoxicating effects commonly associated with cannabis use. On the other hand, THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric “high” that users experience.

The main difference between CBD and THC lies in their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies. The ECS is a complex signaling system involved in regulating various physiological functions such as pain perception, mood, appetite, and sleep.

CBD interacts indirectly with the ECS by influencing the activity of cannabinoid receptors and other receptors in the body. It modulates the activity of these receptors, potentially leading to a wide range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties. This makes CBD attractive for medicinal purposes without the psychoactive effects.

In contrast, THC binds directly to cannabinoid receptors, primarily targeting CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. This binding produces the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use, such as euphoria, altered perception of time, and changes in memory and coordination.

Now, let’s explore the findings of a scholarly research study related to how CBD alleviates symptoms of a specific condition. For the purposes of this discussion, I will focus on the use of CBD in the treatment of epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Traditional antiepileptic medications may not be effective for all patients and can have significant side effects. Therefore, researchers have explored the potential of CBD as an alternative or adjunct treatment for epilepsy.

One study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2017 investigated the efficacy of CBD in patients with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that is often resistant to treatment. The study involved 120 children and young adults who were randomly assigned to receive either CBD or placebo in addition to their usual antiepileptic drugs.

The findings of this study showed that CBD significantly reduced the frequency of convulsive seizures compared to placebo. Among patients who received CBD, the median reduction in convulsive seizures was 39% compared to 13% with placebo. Additionally, a greater proportion of patients in the CBD group had a reduction of 50% or more in seizure frequency (43% compared to 27%).

Furthermore, the study reported a higher rate of adverse events in the CBD group, including diarrhea, somnolence, pyrexia, and decreased appetite. However, these side effects were generally well-tolerated and resolved without intervention or dose reduction. The researchers concluded that CBD is a promising treatment option for patients with Dravet syndrome and warrants further investigation.

To further support these findings, another review published in the journal Epilepsy & Behavior in 2017 analyzed the available evidence of CBD in different forms of epilepsy. The review included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case reports, and other forms of research. The authors concluded that CBD has demonstrated anticonvulsant effects and is well-tolerated in the treatment of epilepsy, particularly in children with rare forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

In conclusion, CBD and THC are distinct compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact differently with the endocannabinoid system. CBD does not produce intoxicating effects and has potential therapeutic applications. A research study on CBD’s effectiveness in treating Dravet syndrome demonstrated a significant reduction in convulsive seizures compared to placebo. These findings were supported by a review of the existing literature, highlighting the anticonvulsant effects of CBD in various forms of epilepsy.