Cannabis has historically been considered taboo all over the world. In as much it can be difficult to get acceptance for medical cannabis and derivative products socially and politically.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a derivative product of cannabis. It is a cannabinoid (natural chemicals in marijuana plants) that doesn’t intoxicate or create a “high” like the one caused by THC (another cannabinoid). The controversy around CBD oil exists because recreational marijuana use, which relies on THC, maligns the benefits. The fact that cannabis has been on the list of prohibited items for so long makes it difficult for people to accept the therapeutic benefits of CBD.
Earliest records of CBD Use:
The first uses of cannabis-derived medicine can be traced to ancient China, where in 2737 BC it was used to treat a number of problems by Emperor Sheng Nung. The emperor purportedly consumed cannabis-infused tea to help with gout, rheumatism, malaria, and even as a memory aid. Even Queen Victoria is rumoured to have preferred CBD to help alleviate menstrual cramps in the late 1800s when she was regent.
Discovery and early research of CBD:
Cannabis was not recognized in the medical community as a valuable therapeutic resource until 1839, when William B. O’Shaughnessy, an Irish medical researcher published a study which explored the fundamental aspects of cannabis and described its potential applications in medicine, particularly its use as an anaesthetic. O’Shaughnessy basically is the pioneer who paved the way to the discovery of cannabinoids.
Individual cannabinoids in cannabis were discovered almost a hundred years after O’Shaughnessy’s paper, when in 1940, Robert S. Cahn, a British chemist reported the structure of Cannabinol (CBN), which was isolated two years later by American chemist, Roger Adams. Adams was also responsible for the discovery of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
It took many years of research to reveal which cannabinoids which effects, associating the euphoric effects to THC, and disassociated CBD as a mind-altering compound.
Acceptance of CBD in the scientific community:
In the late 1970s and early 80s, research advancements recognized the medicinal value of cannabis and studies were conducted on the potential application of CBD for treating epilepsy. Unfortunately, the discoveries made during this time were not publicized due to the stigma attached to cannabis at the time.
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, and over the next few years, several other states followed suit. The legalization of medical marijuana made it easier for scientists to expand their work in the medical uses of CBD, which gave way to research into the potential of CBD for the treatment of ailments like chronic pain, epilepsy, and many other neurodegenerative diseases.
Acceptance of CBD by the public:
While the scientific community at that time knew about the differences between CBD and other cannabinoids, the general public did not, and hence there remained a large faction who opposed cannabis legalization and believed it to be addictive and harmful.
However, in the early 2000s, people’s positive experiences with CBD started emerging in the mainstream media, countless people whose stories vouched for the benefits of CBD, from relief from a rare form of skin cancer, to epilepsy management and treatment of a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, to people claiming CBD provided relief from anxiety, arthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and many more such conditions. The inspiring stories fuelled a massive level of support and awareness. People who thought of cannabis as taboo, now turn to CBD for relief.
Availability of CBD products:
CBD Oil and products can be purchased at trusted online stores like CBDOilIreland.ie and also in store almost everywhere across the country. You must ensure that you buy quality CBD Oil to reap the benefits of this therapeutic miracle.
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