cannabidiols

Cannabidiols is not a standard scientific term, but it is sometimes used informally to refer to cannabidiol-related cannabinoids or to a broader class of compounds that share structural features with cannabidiol. The term most often points to cannabidiol (CBD), a major cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, along with related compounds that are chemically similar or derived from the same biosynthetic pathways. Cannabinoids, the larger and widely accepted term, encompasses a diverse group of plant-, synthetic-, and endogenously produced compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system.

Chemistry and occurrence: CBD is a non-psychoactive, plant-derived terpenophenolic compound. In cannabis plants, it is produced from cannabigerolic acid and accumulates in resinous glands. CBD is typically present in higher amounts in varieties bred for medical or industrial use, sometimes alongside varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids such as cannabidivarin (CBDV) and cannabichromene (CBC). The precise profile depends on genetics, growing conditions, and processing.

Pharmacology and uses: CBD has low affinity for the brain’s CB1 and CB2 receptors but influences multiple other targets, including serotonin and vanilloid receptors. It is studied for anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective effects. Clinically, CBD is approved in the United States for certain epilepsy syndromes in the form of Epidiolex. Evidence for other uses remains mixed or preliminary, and research is ongoing.

Regulation and safety: CBD products derived from hemp with minimal delta-9-THC are legally distinct in many jurisdictions, but regulation varies and federal agencies differ from state or national authorities. CBD can interact with other medications through liver enzymes, and common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. The term cannabidiols should not replace the broader, scientifically established term cannabinoids.