kanabidiol

Kanabidiol, also known as cannabidiol (CBD), is one of more than 100 phytocannabinoids identified in Cannabis sativa. It is non-psychoactive and differs from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in that it does not produce intoxication at typical doses and has very low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead, CBD modulates several non-cannabinoid signaling pathways, including serotonin 5-HT1A, TRPV1, and PPAR-γ, and may influence endocannabinoid tone.

Natural occurrence and production: CBD is present in both cannabis and hemp plants, typically in higher amounts in certain hemp cultivars. It can be extracted or synthesized; purified CBD is often used in pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and food or beverage supplements.

Medical research and uses: CBD is approved in the United States as Epidiolex for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Other potential uses—such as anxiety, inflammatory pain, and sleep disorders—have been studied, but high-quality evidence is still limited for many conditions; more research is ongoing.

Safety and regulation: CBD is generally well tolerated; common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. CBD can affect the activity of liver enzymes and may interact with other medications. Legal status varies: in the U.S., hemp-derived CBD products with 0.3% or less THC are federally legal, but FDA has not approved them as dietary supplements or foods; some products are regulated as medicines or cosmetics. Epidiolex is FDA-approved. In many jurisdictions, stricter rules apply.

History: cannabidiol was identified in the 1940s; its structure was elucidated in the 1960s, and research has expanded since the 1990s.