Cannabis Science Basics<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/braintest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cbd-oil-2072210_640.png\")
Image via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
As a plant, cannabis is a source of many chemical compounds, some of which are very rare outside of the species. When thinking of cannabis in terms of medical treatments, it is important to give attention to the individual roles of each chemical, and not only the effects of cannabis when it is consumed whole, since they can be extracted and utilized apart from the plant.<\/p>\n
The unique chemicals found in cannabis are called cannabinoids. There are potentially hundreds of cannabinoids in total, with over one hundred<\/a> having already been discovered. Research efforts are still relatively new, so many of these substances are yet to be well understood. The following are a few of the most examined cannabinoids to date.<\/p>\n\n- \n
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
THC is easily the most famous cannabinoid, as it is responsible for most of the plant\u2019s psychoactive effects. It also appears to have a wide range of therapeutic uses in relation to pain, cancer, glaucoma, and more.<\/p>\n
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Cannabidiol (CBD)<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The cannabinoid known as CBD was one of the first non-THC chemicals in cannabis that was examined for its medical use as an antiepileptic (seizure treatment). It does not cause \u201chighness\u201d and actually counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC.<\/p>\n
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Cannabinol (CBN)<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Like CBD, this chemical does not contribute significantly to the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, it is closely linked with sedation and may be responsible for much of the sleepiness associated with some strains.<\/p>\n
Cannabinoids and Dementia<\/h2>\n
As it currently stands, consuming whole cannabis (via smoking, vaporizing, eating, or other means) is not advisable for people with dementia because it is difficult to verify the amount of each cannabinoid in a given sample.<\/p>\n
Unchecked cannabis use can result in undesirable reactions like anxiety, hallucinations, and the worsening of cognitive impairments. This does not mean that cannabis has no usefulness for people with Alzheimer\u2019s or another form of dementia. In fact, isolated cannabinoids may prove to be among the best available treatments, though much research is still needed to confirm such a claim.<\/p>\n
So, what have researchers discovered about how cannabinoids interact with dementia?<\/p>\n
\n- \n
THC<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Surprisingly, low doses of THC appear to be well-tolerated<\/a> by dementia patients. However, as of now, there is little evidence to indicate that it is beneficial as a treatment of underlying conditions like Alzheimer\u2019s disease or Lewy body dementia. Benefits and risks may continue to emerge as higher doses are tested.<\/p>\n\n- \n
CBD<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The medical benefits of CBD are wide-ranging and may have several applications for the treatment of dementia. Early evidence<\/a> suggests that CBD can play a role in sustaining brain cell health (neuroprotection) and reducing cognitive impairments in an animal model of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Unfortunately, it will take some time before research emerges using human participants.<\/p>\nStill Much to Learn<\/h2>\n
Image via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n
As a plant, cannabis is a source of many chemical compounds, some of which are very rare outside of the species. When thinking of cannabis in terms of medical treatments, it is important to give attention to the individual roles of each chemical, and not only the effects of cannabis when it is consumed whole, since they can be extracted and utilized apart from the plant.<\/p>\n
The unique chemicals found in cannabis are called cannabinoids. There are potentially hundreds of cannabinoids in total, with over one hundred<\/a> having already been discovered. Research efforts are still relatively new, so many of these substances are yet to be well understood. The following are a few of the most examined cannabinoids to date.<\/p>\n THC is easily the most famous cannabinoid, as it is responsible for most of the plant\u2019s psychoactive effects. It also appears to have a wide range of therapeutic uses in relation to pain, cancer, glaucoma, and more.<\/p>\n The cannabinoid known as CBD was one of the first non-THC chemicals in cannabis that was examined for its medical use as an antiepileptic (seizure treatment). It does not cause \u201chighness\u201d and actually counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC.<\/p>\n Like CBD, this chemical does not contribute significantly to the psychoactive effects of cannabis. However, it is closely linked with sedation and may be responsible for much of the sleepiness associated with some strains.<\/p>\n As it currently stands, consuming whole cannabis (via smoking, vaporizing, eating, or other means) is not advisable for people with dementia because it is difficult to verify the amount of each cannabinoid in a given sample.<\/p>\n Unchecked cannabis use can result in undesirable reactions like anxiety, hallucinations, and the worsening of cognitive impairments. This does not mean that cannabis has no usefulness for people with Alzheimer\u2019s or another form of dementia. In fact, isolated cannabinoids may prove to be among the best available treatments, though much research is still needed to confirm such a claim.<\/p>\n So, what have researchers discovered about how cannabinoids interact with dementia?<\/p>\n Surprisingly, low doses of THC appear to be well-tolerated<\/a> by dementia patients. However, as of now, there is little evidence to indicate that it is beneficial as a treatment of underlying conditions like Alzheimer\u2019s disease or Lewy body dementia. Benefits and risks may continue to emerge as higher doses are tested.<\/p>\n The medical benefits of CBD are wide-ranging and may have several applications for the treatment of dementia. Early evidence<\/a> suggests that CBD can play a role in sustaining brain cell health (neuroprotection) and reducing cognitive impairments in an animal model of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Unfortunately, it will take some time before research emerges using human participants.<\/p>\n\n
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
Cannabidiol (CBD)<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
Cannabinol (CBN)<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Cannabinoids and Dementia<\/h2>\n
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THC<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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CBD<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Still Much to Learn<\/h2>\n