Israeli Scientists Develop Marijuana Strain Without the “High”
A team of researchers in Israel have developed a special strain of marijuana that will help patients ease the symptoms associated with various health conditions – without necessarily getting them “high.” Such a marijuana strain will be beneficial to those who use the drug mainly for medical purposes.
The new marijuana strain is grown atop the hills of the Galilee, and was developed by a company named Tikun Olam.
The research was started by the company in 2009, focusing on Cannabidiol, or CBD, enhanced cannabis. Marijuana contains more than 60 cannibinoids, the most commonly known of which is THC, which possesses psychoactive properties that give people that “high.”
CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid of marijuana. It said to possess anti-inflammatory benefits. It rarely binds to the receptors of the brain, and can still work without getting patients stoned.
Six months ago, Tikun Olam was able to develop Avidekel, a cannabis strain that contains 15.8 percent CBD, and only less than one percent of THC.
Marijuana is considered as an illegal drug in Israel, but the health ministry said that its use for medical purposes was allowed in 1993. At this time, cannabis is being employed in the treatment of around 9,000 people who are suffering from such health conditions as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
