Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940.
It is one of some 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. As of 2018, preliminary clinical research on cannabidiol included studies of anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain.
And here’s how it all went:
A Brief Look at the History of Cannabidiol
CBD was isolated from the cannabis plant in 1940 by Roger Adams and his team at the University of Illinois. CBD is one of more than 120 compounds found in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a “high” or change a person’s state of mind. However, it influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively.
Today the therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. A safe, non-addictive substance, CBD is one of more than a hundred “phytocannabinoids,” which are unique to cannabis and endow the plant with its robust therapeutic profile.
The Science Takeaway
CBD is closely related to another important medicinally active phytocannabinoid: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis intoxication.
These two compounds interact with each other in a complex way, influencing each other’s therapeutic effects. CBD is known to block the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD has been used medicinally for millennia, but it was only recently that scientists began to understand how it works. The key is the endocannabinoid system, a group of cell receptors that play a crucial role in many physiological processes, including pain perception, immune function, inflammation, mood, and memory.
In the 1990s, scientists made a groundbreaking discovery that the endocannabinoid system is activated by plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD and THC. This finding led to a flurry of activity among researchers, who began to investigate the potential therapeutic properties of CBD and other cannabinoids.
Since then, a growing body of scientific evidence has suggested that CBD has powerful properties – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, and analgesic (pain-relieving).
CBD is being studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, Crohn’s disease, and more.
The exact mechanisms by which CBD produces its wide range of therapeutic effects are not fully understood. However, it is known that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a way that modulates many important cells signaling pathways, resulting in a wide range of therapeutic effects.
However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of CBD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for any medical conditions. The FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements, such as CBD, making it difficult to know if a product contains what it claims on the label.
In addition, the FDA has not approved any CBD products other than one prescription drug to treat two rare forms of childhood epilepsy.
A small number of studies have looked at the effects of CBD on animals. One study showed that rats given CBD had less pain and inflammation after joint surgery. Another study found that giving dogs food containing CBD led to improved seizure control in some dogs with epilepsy.
However, these studies are very small and more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of CBD in animals.
The popularity of CBD has exploded in recent years, as more people are seeking out natural alternatives to traditional medications. CBD products are now available in a wide variety of forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals.
The potential benefits of CBD have been promising, but more research is needed to understand how it works and if it is safe for humans. The FDA has not approved CBD for any medical use in humans.
Until more research is available, people should only use CBD products that are regulated by state laws. People should also be aware that there is a lack of regulation surrounding CBD products, so it is important to choose products from a reputable source.
Common Misconceptions about Cannabidiol
There are still many people who remain skeptical about its efficacy, due largely to common misconceptions about the compound. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about CBD, and the truth behind them.
1. CBD will make you high
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not produce the “high” associated with marijuana use. THC is the compound in cannabis responsible for producing the psychoactive effects that users experience. CBD does not interact with the same brain receptors as THC, so it does not produce any mind-altering effects.
2. CBD is illegal
CBD is legal in most countries, including the United States. However, the legality of CBD can vary depending on the source of the compound. CBD derived from marijuana is still illegal in many parts of the world, while CBD derived from hemp is widely available. That, however, doesn’t mean purchasing CBD-derived marijuana is completely impossible as many US states have free access to recreational and medical use of it, while others, such as Pennsylvania, allow access via a PA medical marijuana card.
3. CBD is not effective
There is a growing body of scientific evidence to suggest that CBD can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety, and seizures. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, initial studies have shown promising results.
4. CBD is unsafe
CBD is generally considered to be safe for human consumption. A few minor side effects have been reported, such as dry mouth and drowsiness, but these are typically associated with high doses of CBD. There have been no reports of serious adverse effects from CBD use.
5. CBD is not regulated
While CBD is not currently regulated by the FDA, several companies have begun to voluntarily submit their products for third-party testing to ensure quality and safety. As the CBD market continues to grow, it is likely that more regulations will be put in place to protect consumers.
6. Cannabidiol means CBD
CBD is just one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Other cannabinoids include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, while THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis.
These are just a few of the most common misconceptions about CBD. As more research is conducted on this compound, it is likely that even more potential therapeutic benefits will be discovered.
If you are interested in trying CBD, be sure to purchase your product from a reputable source to ensure quality and safety.
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