CBD: A brief Overview

Where does CBD come from?

In non-psychotropic “hemp” varieties of Cannabis Sativa, the major metabolites cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are produced in abundance.  In traditional psychotropic “marijuana” plants CBD is usually not present or in very low concentrations. 

Why does CBD effect Humans?

Humans contain a complex endogenous signal network that has multiple functions called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).  The two main receptor types in this system are called CB1 and CB2.  Our bodies make cannabinoids called endocannabinoids, which were not discovered until after plant cannabinoids had long been identified.  CBD mimics the action of one of these endocannabinoids, providing its therapeutic potential.

HOw is CBD consumed?

CBD is made available in quite an array of products and ways to consume them.  CBD is first extracted from plants and concentrated typically in two main forms, distillate and isolate.  CBD distillate typically is a thick oil consistency and is commonly used in vaporizers, dabbing or mixed into tinctures.  CBD isolate is a more purified form of CBD commonly produced.  It typically has a very high percentage of CBD in excess of 99%.  This isolate is usually a white waxy granular type substance.  CBD isolate is considered active and ready to use.  It can be mixed into vape/dab blends; it can be added to edibles or tinctures as well.  It is very versatile.

What are CBD edibles?

CBD edibles are food products containing a measured amount of CBD.  Edibles can take a wide range of products; gummies are probably the most common with brownies, rice crispy bars, cookies to name just a few types.  CBD is not water soluble and when taken as an edible it is important to remember to try to eat some type of food high in fats or oil with it.  These can bind to the CBD allowing your stomach to more easily absorb it.  There may be some edibles or drinks with “nano” CBD.  This is process to make CBD more bioavailable by the digestive system.

CBD and anxiety

Receptors

The human nervous system contains many different types of receptors.  Receptors are certain spots where only certain shaped compounds can attach to them, called receptor binding.  The human endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 interact with CBD and while the full purpose of the receptors is not fully known, it is thought to have interactions that alter serotonin signals.

Serotonin

Serotonin, also called the “feel good hormone”, is a natural neurotransmitter and plays a crucial role in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.  It is commonly thought that low serotonin blood levels are indicative for those suffering from anxiety.  Medical treatment for low serotonin is typically through the use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).  SSRI antidepressants are a type of antidepressant that works by increasing levels of serotonin within the brain.

Some people with anxiety may find SSRI’s to have unwanted side effects or sometimes may not work well.  CBD may be able to help manage symptoms of anxiety, please consult your physician before making any medication changes.

CBD effects on anxiety

Both animal and human clinical trials have been conducted with CBD. They have demonstrated the efficacy in the treatment of anxiety.  It was found to mediate anxiety associated with social stress in individuals, both healthy and individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. One study was conducted on patients with social anxiety where CBD was found to reduce anxiety while public speaking.  It appears that the anxiety-reducing effects of CBD are mediated by alterations in serotonin receptor 1a signaling, although more research is needed. 

In addition to endocannabinoid receptors activity of CBD at 5-HT1A, receptors may drive its neuroprotective, anti-depressive, and anti-anxiety benefits. Yet the certain mechanism of action in which CBD decreases anxiety is still unclear.  CBD was shown to decrease anxiety through a simulated public speaking test at doses of 300 mg to 600 mg.. Other studies on rodents suggest lower doses of 10 mg/kg have a more anti-anxiety effect than higher doses of 100 mg/kg.  A different study comparing CBD with nitrazepam found that high-dose CBD at 160 mg increased the duration of sleep. Another CBD study showed that plasma cortisol levels decreased more significantly when given oral CBD, 300 to 600 mg, accompanied by a sedative effect. The use of higher doses of CBD in these studies suggests it is therapeutic for anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy may also increase mental sedation

CBD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

People diagnosed with GAD, often worry uncontrollably about common occurrences and situations.  It’s also sometimes known as chronic anxiety neurosis.  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) CBD has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in models of anxiety and stress, reducing both behavioral and physiological measures of stress and anxiety.  CBD can help in the treatment of symptoms from GAD.

What does CBD do?

get you high?

CBD does not get you high.  The chemical structure of CBD differs significantly enough from THC that is does not cause intoxicating effects. That being said, some users report a heightened sense of relaxation after consuming CBD.

no?! then why use it?

CBD has been studied rather extensively over the past few years and has proven to be helpful in many conditions.  In 2018 the World Health Organization issued a Critical Review Report on CBD, in which it praised its use for epilepsy and its neuro-protective qualities. Pre-clinical research on CBD has demonstrated to have anti-convulsant, anti-nausea, and analgesic effects (Li 3).  CBD has demonstrated to show potent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects (Li 3)

CBD has been found to be cytotoxic in many tumor cell types while still exhibiting cytoprotective effects on normal cells and neurons (Li 3).  In a rodent rheumatoid arthritis model, CBD was shown to have significant potential for human rheumatoid arthritis (Li 3)

What about Cancer?

CBD has been shown to exert influence over several different cancer cell types in multiple studies.  This includes; human breast adenocarcinoma cells, colon adenocarcinoma cells and prostate carcinoma cells (Li 8).  Also in the field of oncology therapy, CBD has demonstrated its ability to enhance gamma radiation sensitivity in human glioblastoma cells

Is it Neuroprotective?

Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that CBD can exert neuroprotective effects in a range of ways, including the treatment of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other systemic diseases caused by degeneration or abnormalities of the human nervous system.

Sources:

Overview of cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogues: Structures, biological activities, and neuroprotective mechanisms in epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Han Li, Yuzhi Liu, Danni Tian, Lei Tian, Xingke Ju, Liang Qi, Yongbo Wang, Chengyuan Liang. School of Food and Bioengineering, Shaanxi University of Science &Technology, Xi’an, 710021, PR Chi