Chronic pain and anxiety represent a growing health issue. Something else that is growing is the number of people suffering from addiction to synthetic opioids, of which are commonly prescribed to treat these medical conditions. The good news is that cannabis has the potential to solve the opioid epidemic and reduce overdose risk.

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

Perhaps one of the most interesting cannabinoid to be discovered thus far, Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 cannabinoids identified to date. Non-psychoactive, CBD is the second most common chemical compound found in cannabis, with the psychoactive compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most familiar of the two.

Found in the flowers, seeds, and stalk of the cannabis plant, CBD can be extracted from the plant matter in the form of an oil. This oil can be administered to medical cannabis patients with capsules, tinctures, liquids and various other commercial products. Once consumed, CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system and brain.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

Back in 1992, the endocannabinoid was discovered by Raphael Mechoulam, with the help of William Devane and Dr. Lumir Hanus.

Since this time, scientists and researchers have uncovered a lot about the endocannabinoid system, which is comprised of naturally occurring receptors and molecules.

Most of the CB1 receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system are in the brain, whereas CB2 receptors are found on immune cells. When consumed, cannabinoids are delivered to the brain via the bloodstream. As a result, the endocannabinoid system is alerted and the effects become noticeable, such as pain relief and improved mood.

Since CBD is incapable of activating CB1 receptors (which is what THC does) it cannot get you high. What it can do, however, is boost levels of anandamide. Responsible for regulating serotonin and dopamine levels inside the brain, anandamide has a direct effect on various other essential neurotransmitters. This means that CBD consumption could be a pretty good idea.

Fighting the symptoms of anxiety with high-CBD cannabis strains

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the United States, with some 40 million adults battling the mental disorder on a daily basis.

If you are one of them, opt for a potent CBD-rich cannabis strain, such as:

• CBD Critical Cure – Averaging between 8 and 12 percent CBD on average, this strain is perfect for daytime consumption. It tastes earthy and slightly sweet.

• Harlequin – This hybrid strain is a cross between Thai, Swiss Landrace and Colombian Gold. The CBD content is somewhere between 4 and 10 percent. It will leave you feeling clear-headed and with a fruity/bubblegum flavor in your mouth.

• Stephen Hawking Kush – Here we have an Indica-dominant strain that works well as an anti-inflammatory. Brought to the weed world by Alphakronik Genes, the strain has a CBD to THC ratio of 5:1.

• Cannatonic – Experience rapid relief from anxiety with this hybrid strain, which has a low THC content of around 6 percent and a CBD content in the range of 6 to 17 percent.
• CBD Medihaze – The psychoactive effects of this anxiety-relieving strain are low, what with the THC content being around 4 percent and the CBD content hitting highs of 12 percent.
• CBD OG Kush – This anxiety-relieving strain has a CBD to THC ratio of 1:2 to 1:5. Its unique aroma is a blend of sour lemon and wood.

Putting an end to chronic pain with high-CBD cannabis strains

Did you know that chronic pain affects more people in America than heart disease, diabetes, and cancer combined? This fact is backed by the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM).

Should you be thinking about using cannabis to treat pain, try the following high-CBD cannabis strains cannabis strains:

• Charlotte’s Web – Crammed with antioxidants and neuroprotectants, this pain-relieving strain is rich in CBD, with levels varying from 15 to 20 percent. The strain was named after a young girl, Charlotte Figi, who was cured of seizures caused by Dravet Syndrome when she was administered with the strain in oil form.

• Corazon – Pixels Labs has confirmed that this strain has a CBD content of 22.5 percent CBD and a THC content of 2.71 percent. It is one of the best options for patients with pain since it is potent, yet won’t leave you feeling sedated.

• Critical Mass – First-time consumers ought to avoid this one because it contains a fairly equal amount of CBD and THC. Both cannabinoids test at 5 percent.

• Ringo’s Gift – An evenly balanced hybrid merging Harle-Tsu and ACDC, Ringo’s Gift has a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio. You’ll notice effective pain relief from this one but won’t feel too relaxed to function.
• Valentine X – This balanced hybrid is a powerful pain reliever. It boasts an impressive CBD to THC ratio of 25:1.
• Canna-Tsu – Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami were crossbred to create this strain. With its sweet and earthy taste and 20:1 CBD to THC ratio, Canna-Tsu is the ultimate remedy for pain relief.