CBD-rich strains may well be what help remove the stigma traditionally associated with cannabis consumption.
Firstly, which patients benefit from High-CBD strains? Almost all. This is because the beauty of CBD is two-fold. The cannabinoid lacks psychoactivity, and the side-effects that commonly associate with pharmaceutical medications. The myriad of conditions treatable with CBD appeal to all ages, young and old alike. Whether it’s potential for seizure control in infants, pain relief for an arthritic elder, or as a sleep supplement for busy working adults, the benefits of CBD can be far reaching.
What Conditions Do High-CBD Strains Treat?
CBD is a miraculous compound with remarkable medicinal properties useful in battling many conditions. A study published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience (2007) investigated the effectiveness of CBD in combating some of the more well-known conditions. These include the following:
CBD as an Anticonvulsant
The researchers found CBD to be an effective anticonvulsant. When combined with pharmaceutical drugs, they claimed that “CBD enhances the anticonvulsant effects of drugs in major seizures and reduces their effects in minor seizures.” They also noted how CBD is effective for “children with pharmacoresistant epilepsy,” something it does by normalizing brain rhythms.
CBD as an Antipsychotic
As a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD does not potentiate any of the intoxication that may come with cannabinoids like THC. In the study, researchers noted that CBD is a “safe and well-tolerated alternative treatment for schizophrenia.”
Forms of psychosis all involve some form of detachment from physical reality, and CBD’s mechanism of action in this regard involves the resetting of key areas in the brain.
The Anti-inflammatory Properties of CBD
The study found CBD exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Many medical professionals attribute rampant inflammation stemming from poor diet and stressful lifestyles as one of the root causes of disease.
In the study, researchers reiterated how CBD attenuates acute inflammation in the body. Inflammation involves many signaling pathways, but one specific way in which CBD helps reduce it is by inhibiting an eicosanoid enzyme called COX2.
CBD as an Anxiolytic and Antidepressant
A study published in Neurotherapeutics (2015), dove deep into how CBD works on anxiety disorders. Researchers believe that it’s the activation of CB1Rs (Cannabinoid CB1 receptors) in conjunction with 5-HT1ARs (the serotonin 1A receptor) that produce the anxiolytic effects.
But the benefits don’t end there. Researchers went further by citing the fact that “existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
And with no known side effects or associated intoxication, such treatments are suitable for patients of all ages, potentially including children who endure ever-increasing rates of anxiety disorders.
CBD for Pain
Its ability to provide pain relief may be one of the most well-known uses for CBD. Chronic pain affects vast swaths of the population and is especially common as people age. A study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management (2008) investigated the role cannabinoids may play in managing difficult to treat pain. While THC plays a significant role, CBD exhibits its analgesic effects through increased signaling of the adenosine receptor A2A by inhibiting the adenosine transporter. Researchers commented that CBD is crucial to the pain-relieving properties of pharmaceutical blends such as Sativex, which have a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio.
So, with the benefits clear, which chemovars offer patients sufficiently high quantities of CBD?
The Top Ten High-CBD Strains
For those who want the medicinal benefit without the buzz, high-CBD strains may be just what the doctor ordered. Whether it’s to help combat conditions ranging from chronic pain to fibromyalgia, or anxiety to eating disorders, then here are our top ten high-CBD strains.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is perhaps the most well-known of the high-CBD strains. Bred in Colorado, it shot to fame when the parents of a young girl named Charlotte Figi used it to treat her epilepsy. After administration, her seizures reduced from three hundred per week to only one or two per month.
Overall, Charlotte’s web comes in at thirteen percent CBD with virtually no THC. Aside from seizure control, it is also potentially extremely helpful in alleviating inflammation, stress, and depression.
Cannatonic
This cross between G13 Haze and MK Ultra averages in with ten percent CBD and five percent THC. Known for its soft, uplifting effects, Cannatonic has amassed a following in those consuming CBD to treat conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms, anxiety, and pain.
Dance World
With its Mexican and Afghani genetics, Dance World clocks in with an average of eleven percent CBD. Hints of citrus and lavender with spicy herbal undertones dance across the palate in a strain that many consumers successfully use to treat depression and lower stress. Additionally, the chemovar contains moderately high levels of THC, meaning that medicinal patients find benefit in using it to treat pain and spasms.
CBD Shark Shock
Shark Shock has a 2:1 CBD to THC ratio and contains between six and nine percent CBD content. Because the low levels of THC mean that patients experience minimal psychoactivity, the primary medicinal aims are treating depression, extreme inflammation, chronic pain, and a lack of appetite.
ACDC
Unlike the band it’s named after, this high CBD strain exhibits surprisingly mellow effects thanks to high CBD levels in the order of eleven to fifteen percent and a distinct lack of THC.
The lack of psychoactivity means that ACDC is a firm favorite with those treating conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety. Additional benefits include the ability to offset the effects associated with chemotherapy and provide much-needed relief to those in severe discomfort.
Stephen Hawking Kush
CBD levels average at a little over ten percent in this high CBD variant. Obtained by pollinating a Harle-Tsu female with a Sin City Kush male, Stephen Hawking Kush has a 2:1 CBD to THC ratio and exhibits some strong medicinal properties. Widely noted to help suppress nausea, many patients also find it useful in treating anxiety and depression.
CBD Mango Haze
Not excessively high in either cannabinoid, CBD Mango Haze chimes in with CBD levels averaging seven percent. The strain’s THC levels sit around four percent. Because of these low numbers, this can be a welcome strain for newcomers to cannabis medicine. This 2:1 ratio means that CBD Mango Haze helps many fight pain, fatigue, muscle spasms, and inflammation. With subtle yet noticeable effects, CBD Mango Haze can help encourage a relaxed and focused mindset that’s often ideal for those medicating while on duty.
CBD Critical Mass
CBD Critical Mass averages out with CBD levels of 9.5 percent, with THC content of 6.5 percent. Further, people know this strain for producing a relaxed euphoria in many patients. Therefore consumers may find this one is very useful in treating inflammation, headaches, and pain.
Pennywise
This is a cross between Jack the Ripper and Harlequin. Accordingly, Pennywise can help patients obtain relief from depression, insomnia, stress, and pain. With a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio, Pennywise comes in with an average of 7.5 percent CBD. The balanced cannabinoid levels help ensure a relaxed feeling while maintaining a clear head.
Corazon
While it’s not widely available, the little-known Corazon may just win your heart. It’s a cross between the two high-CBD strains – Charlotte’s Web and ACDC. As a result, CBD levels can be as high as an astounding 22.5 percent, with THC as low as 2.7 percent. So, its a chemovar with some of the highest CBD levels available. Because of this, Corazon can help patients find relief from migraines, stress, depression, and anxiety.
