by Dr Linda Klumpers

What is CBD and where does it come from?

Phytocannabinoids (phyto- means derived from plants) are primarily fat-soluble compounds found in a variety of plants, but primarily the Cannabis plant, and are capable of interacting with chemical signaling systems in the body, like the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The two most famous phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant are cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Their concentrations in the plant can vary between cultivars.¹ CBD is the non-intoxicating cousin of THC, meaning that it does not make you feel ‘high’. Although sometimes mistakenly called ‘non-psychoactive’, it actually can affect the mind. CBD is produced by the plant as CBD acid (CBDA) from the parent compound CBGA, another cannabinoid.² Once formed, CBDA is only converted to CBD through a biochemical reaction called decarboxylation usually achieved by heating.^3-5 This means that the plant technically does not produce THC and CBD, but THCA and CBDA. CBDA and CBD are both pharmacologically active in the body, but their properties differ significantly.

What does it do?

CBD is primarily known for decreasing anxiety⁶ and decreasing epileptic seizures in some forms of epilepsy.⁷ CBD is actively being studied in various clinical trials⁸. Plant-derived CBD has been FDA-approved for the treatment of rare types of epilepsy in children under the name Epidiolex in the United States (Epidyolex in Europe).⁹ CBD is also a part of the THC+CBD pharmaceutical, nabiximols, sold as Sativex, for the treatment of spasticity in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.¹⁰ THC has therapeutic value, but is not well tolerated by many due to its intoxicating side-effects. CBD can decrease some, but not all, of these side-effects, including anxiety, psychotic-like effects, and cognitive effects such as memory.¹¹

Animal studies, and in some cases preliminary clinical trials, have demonstrated effects of CBD in additional types of epilepsy, certain types of chronic pain,¹² various types of anxiety, psychosis and schizophrenia,¹³ and substance abuse.¹⁴ It is important to realize that this does not necessarily translate to therapeutic effects in patients, as there are big differences between animals and humans, and between healthy people and patients dealing with medical disorders.

Besides these differences, one successful study, does not always mean that a compound will be a good medicine. More research is still needed and some studies are already in progress to clarify which types of CBD products are appropriate for treating which disorders.

Please know that Green Earth Medicinals hemp botanical products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or cure any disease. Always consult with a licensed health care professional before adding CBD-rich hemp products into your day to day routine, especially if you are taking any other medications.

Highlights

• Technically, the cannabis plant does not produce THC and CBD, it produces their acidic forms, THCA and CBDA.
• CBD can decrease some of THC’s side effects while exhibiting its own therapeutic potential.
• CBD has demonstrated therapeutic potential for the treatment of conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain related to inflammation, psychosis, and substance abuse.
• More CBD research is still needed and ongoing to determine what types of CBD products, and at which dosages, are appropriate for different conditions.
• As with any herbal supplement, consult with a licensed healthcare professional before adding hemp botanicals to your day-to-day routine, especially if taking any medications.
• Green Earth Medicinals hemp botanical products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.