Cannabidiol is being dug into more and more seriously as scientists see how it can be used to benefit help further and to what extent it is safe. CBD has garnered a lot of attention of the public as well as gained the favor of many researchers as it has shown that it can help with arthritis, epilepsy, glaucoma, and many other diseases. The substance can reduce pain, improve sleep as well as boost one’s mood.
However, it doesn’t come sans a bunch of adverse side effects. Cannabidiol comes from the same plant, marijuana, from which THC comes. Now THC is harmful as it is addictive with psychoactive properties. This is why when it comes to hemp products, the Food and Drug Administration has been slow and steady in accepting them. Wouldn’t it be easier if there’d be a similar component that could help health but minus the downsides?
Looks like there might be. A new research has found that a synthetic version of CBD can exhibit similar but better characteristics. This new substance has shown that it can reduce seizures in rats, so this means that it does hold potential. The best part? There’s no need to worry about THC.
What Did This Research Find?
A new research conducted by investigators from the University of California has found a synthetic analogue of cannabidiol that can treat seizures in rats effectively. Since this synthetic is non-intoxicating because of being absolutely free of even the traces of THC, users can rely on it without any hesitation. It also eliminates the work that goes into the cultivation, extraction, purification, and legal complications that accompany cannabis products.
The report that discusses this study has been published in the Scientific Reports journal. Researchers involved in this study say that this alternative to CBD is safer than cannabidiol itself and also doesn’t come with the potential of being abused. This synthetic molecule goes by the name of 8,9-Dihydrocannabidiol or H2CBD and has a structure similar to that of CBD. Scientists used easily commercially available chemicals to synthesize H2CBD in a cost-effective manner.
Mark Mascal, a researcher who conducted this study with other collaborators said, “Unlike CBD, there is no way to convert H2CBD to intoxicating THC.” H2CBD was tested against herbal CBD which the FDA has approved for the treatment of seizures. It was found that both were equally effective in reducing the severity and frequency of seizures in rats. Researchers are planning on carrying out more clinical tests on animals to note the workings of H2CBD.
Key Takeaway
A new research explores the ways H2CBD can help health and how it can be better than the original cannabidiol itself. This synthetic version of CBD can equally effectively treat seizures so can it be that a new substance can make its way to the market which is safer?
