So, let’s start with the answer to this question. In full name cannabidiol, CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. The so-called phytocannabinoids, of which CBD is one, are molecules that are currently being intensively researched in the medical field. Especially in industrial hemp, the proportion of CBD is particularly high and at the same time the proportion of THC is very low (<0.02%). Most people have heard of THC (or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) the best known cannabinoid, but only few know about CBD.
Unlike THC, CBD does not make you “high” and is generally recognized as non-psychoactive or intoxicating. Sorry to all who expected more here. At the same time it’s good news for all those who want to integrate CBD into their daily routine and therefore do not want intoxicating effects. Most users of CBD describe the effect as either activating, stimulating or relaxing or calming, depending on the dosage.
CBD acts on the so-called endocannabinoid system. This network of receptors and the in-house (endo-)cannabinoids are responsible for the control of functions such as mood, memory, sleep, the immune system, pain processing and inflammatory reactions. Together with the phytocannabinoids from the hemp plant and the valuable terpenes (essential oils) and flavonoids (phenolic compounds), CBD thus complements the body’s own endocannabinoids in their important work.
According to the 2018 WHO Critical Review Report [1], CBD has a good safety profile and is generally well tolerated. The addictive potential of CBD was investigated in a study on healthy volunteers with a dose of 600mg CBD [2]. There were no differences between CBD and a placebo in terms of addictiveness. This was measured using a 16-item Addiction Research Centre Inventory. This means that a capsule of Natural CBD Oil has the same addictive potential as, for example, a capsule of olive oil. This has also been confirmed in subsequent studies [3], [4]. CBD is even being studied for the treatment of addictions related to alcohol and THC, although further studies are needed to make any statements about a possible addiction-reducing effect [5].
When buying, always make sure that you buy only organic certified products, produced by CO2 extraction and according to HACCP or GMP standards. Then you automatically avoid things like false claims about the content, impurities, GMO, pesticides, heavy metals, artificial additives, etc.. Also, an independent lab test must be available for each product. Only then can you really be sure that what is inside is what is on the label.
Currently, CBD is being investigated in connection with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective [6], anti-anxiety, anti-spasmodic, and pain-relieving effects [7]. Clinical trials are already available for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis [8] and spasticity associated with paraplegia [9]. According to the National Cancer Institute from the USA, cannabis and cannabinoids may have beneficial effects in the treatment of side effects of chemotherapy [10]. In addition, the cannabis plant has been used for thousands of years in ancient China, India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece.
[1] WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, et al. WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence: fortieth report. World Health Organization, 2018.
[2] Martin-Santos, R., et al., Acute effects of a single, oral dose of d9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) administration in healthy volunteers. Curr Pharm Des, 2012. 18(32): p. 4966-79.
[3] Haney, M., et al., Oral Cannabidiol does not Alter the Subjective, Reinforcing or Cardiovascular Effects of Smoked Cannabis. Neuropsychopharmacology: official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 2016. 41(8): p. 1974-1982.
[4] Babalonis, S., et al., Oral cannabidiol does not produce a signal for abuse liability in frequent marijuana smokers. Drug and alcohol dependence, 2017. 172: p. 9-13.
[5] Prud’homme, M., R. Cata, and D. Jutras-Aswad, Cannabidiol as an intervention for addictive behaviors: a systematic review of the evidence. Substance abuse: research and treatment, 2015. 9: p. 33.
[6] Hayakawa, K., et al., Repeated treatment with cannabidiol but not Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol has a neuroprotective effect without the development of tolerance. Neuropharmacology, 2007. 52(4): p. 1079-1087.
[7] Fasinu, P.S., et al., Current Status and Prospects for Cannabidiol Preparations as New Therapeutic Agents. Pharmacotherapy, 2016. 36(7): p. 781-96.
Iffland, K. and F. Grotenhermen, An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2017. 2(1): p. 139-154.
[8] Lindstrom P, Lindblom U, Boreus L. Lack of effect of cannabidiol in sustained neuropathia. Paper presented at ’87 International Conference on Cannabis, Melbourne, September 2-4, 1987. Cited from: Consroe P, Sandyk R. Potential role of cannabinoids for therapy of neurological disorders. In: Murphy L, Bartke A, eds. Marijuana/Cannabinoids. Neurobiology and Neurophysiology. Boca Raton, CRC Press, 1992:459-524.
[9] Grao-Castellote C, Torralba-Collados F, Gonzalez LM, Giner-Pascual M. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-cannabidiol in the treatment of spasticity in chronic spinal cord injury: a clinical experience. Rev Neurol. 2017;65(7):295-302.
[10] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq