I was recently reading a research paper, the research study was funded by University of California amongst others, about how Cannabidiol (CBD) can be used as a potential cure for schizphrenic mania.
And I was stunned. The research study had a control group of patients who took nothing but CBD tablets, and on the other end, they had patients that took Amisulpride (a well-known antipsychotic). Over three or four weeks later, they found that the patients who took CBD never really had a psychotic episode, and that they were absolutely fine, and with no side effects. This is really what you call a medical miracle!
So it turns out there's an endocannabinoid in the body called Anandamide. And the rate at which our body processes this (crudely put) can indicate whether a person will get a manic psychotic episode or not. The faster anandamide is processed, the greater the chances of a manic attack. Anandamids is a mood regulator. More of it keeps you calm and cool :)
Now what CBD does is, it reduces the rate at which this anandamide is processed, thus reducing the chances of a manic attack. Voila!
I am wondering right now if CBD can really be an alternative to lithium carbonate - another antipsychotic with heavy side effects like weight gain and lithium toxicity. Over a period of time, since lithium is removed renally from the body, it also affects kidney function. Lithium has been in use since about 1950. So we really haven't had much of a pharmacological breakthrough for bipolar disorder since then. And CBD is a welcome entrant into this space. Why? For one, no side effects, 2) 100 % natural substance
I mean what more can you ask for? CBD will also gently put you to sleep - people have reported having much higher quality of sleep at night (much lika de ganja!) when they use CBD. Of course, important to note here that CBD will not get you high. That would be THC - which is the intoxicating derivative of the cannabis bud.
I think scientists (and medical researchers) are just opening up to the positive potential of CBD in treatment of mental disorders. It is already being widely prescribed for epileptic attacks. But I think if the pharma industry cooperates (I really don't think big pharma can stand a chance to block this wonder plant. It's time has come - the wave of marijuana will sweep over the consciousness of the entire planet very soon) we will see MJ derivatives being used to treat a variety of illnesses, pains and disorders.
It is after all the herb of Shiva! Bam bholenath!
Haha!
