CBD testing has revealed how it helps those suffering from marijuana and opioid dependency

(Photo by herbalhemp via Pixabay)

CBD, or cannabidiol, continues to turn heads due to positive studies and research on its ability to treat various disorders like epilepsy as well as anxiety and depression. It can effectively improve wellness and health, but it is also gaining additional attention in the medicinal industry for its ability to offset some of the damage that is done by regular consumption of THC in marijuana, as well as reducing opioid use to combat the deadly epidemic.

THC tends to affect the part of the brain known as the hippocampus, which plays a large role in regulating cognitive performance, anxiety, as well as resilience to stress. The hippocampus is also responsible for holding and retrieving memories. When THC is ingested, it attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throws its endocannabinoid system off balance, slowing down communication and debilitating working memory, or short term memory.

Australian neuroscientists conducted a study where they gave regular cannabis smokers four 50mg CBD capsules every day to test its effects on the hippocampus. It was revealed that certain parts of their hippocampus were smaller than those of people who had never indulged in marijuana. After 10 weeks of CBD administration, many of the shrunken parts of the hippocampus had grown noticeably.

Those who had higher amounts of CBD in their plasma were marked by larger brain changes as well. During the study, the subjects continued to use cannabis, suggesting that CBD could mitigate damage done by THC even in those who continued to indulge in its usage.

Not only did the study demonstrate CBD’s ability to minimize cannabis dependency, it also highlighted a major potential to treat clinical disorders that targeted the hippocampus such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and major depressive disorder.

Combating opioid abuse

Opioid abuse claimed the lives of 33,000 Americans in 2015, and continues to take over 115 lives on a daily basis due to improper administration and opioid addiction. 22-29% of patients that receive an opioid prescription end up abusing them, and it continues to plague society as one of the largest epidemics today.

CBD can impact opioid withdrawal through the reward pathway which is located in the center of the brain. The reward pathway’s main role is to release dopamine when stimulated by the fulfillment of essential needs such as food and water. The problem lies in the fact that drugs like opiates also trigger dopamine, which can lead to drug addiction through the desire for that constant sensation.

Studies showed CBD’s effectiveness in mitigating the release of those very sensations in morphine use. With many addictions stemming from this craving for pleasurable rewards, the study also highlighted CBD’s ability to prevent the rewarding mechanisms of the brain when taking opiates, a critical component of those with drug addictions.

No turning back

CBD can help those suffering from drug addiction (Photo by K-State Research and Extension via Flickr. CC BY 2.0)

A test was performed on CBD and its ability to impact important factors that induced increased relapse rates of alcohol and cocaine use. These include impulsive behavior and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and irritability that result when a person who consumes drugs stops taking them, making it even more difficult to quit for good.

Rather than the standard injection method commonly used for research purposes on rodents, CBD was administered in a similar method to a patch for humans. The results of the test indeed corroborated CBD’s ability to lower impulsive decisions and anxiety, two of the major withdrawal symptoms that causes drug relapse.

An equally positive result was the fact that CBD helped cut down the desire for cocaine or alcohol in the environment that these animals were initially introduced to it, essentially reducing the proclivity to dangerous substances even in the initial space of consumption.

These positive findings continue to highlight the incredible potential that CBD can play in preventing drug and opiate abuse, while also minimizing withdrawal symptoms to further reduce the possibility of relapse.

Industry pioneers

With testing and research on CBD continually shedding light on its impressive array of rehabilitative qualities, it is fueling additional interest in an already burgeoning industry that is ripe with premium CBD manufacturers such as PotNetwork Holdings,Inc. (OTCMKTS:POTN) The company has been on a neck breaking pace, generating over $2 million in sales every month while continually doubling their annual revenue that has continued to grab the attention of investors.

POTN uses supercritical CO2 extraction to ensure a smooth process towards obtaining high quality CBD that is infused into their brand lineup, which features several unique products that have become very popular with its consumers. The unique extraction method also allows for the procurement of immaculate CBD oils from their laboratory that can be sent directly towards manufacturing, while processes used by other companies necessitate the use of chemicals for the production of CBD oil safe for use.

Heavy lab testing further confirms the high quality of POTN’s CBD oils through its subsidiary, Diamond CBD. It is then infused into products like Diamond CBD oils that provide hemp oil in tincture form for simple and efficient oral doses. Edibles like Diamond CBD Infused Gummy Bears are also available for convenient consumption.

Their vast lineup of CBD products continues to expand, with the company venturing into pet CBD products with Medipets as well as the wellness sector with their Meds Biotech products that were specifically formulated by expert pharmacists to maximize their healing properties.

POTN recently added a new CBD and turmeric supplement capsule to their wellness product line. Turmeric is known for containing potent anti-inflammatory properties that along with CBD, serve to further enhance the oil’s healing potency.

With CBD continuing to become a focus for the medicinal industry for its wide range of uses, POTN and its products may very well add another demographic in people suffering from drug abuse to its already impressive consumer base and record breaking revenue.