The ABCs of CBD: Knowing its Benefits and Current Uses

The ABCs of CBD: Knowing its Benefits and Current Uses

By: Juan Pablo Soler

Pharmaceutical chemist

Introduction and Brief History of Medical Cannabis in the World

As a Pharmaceutical Chemist and specialist in medicinal cannabis in Colombia. Today I want to share a general guide on medicinal cannabis and a brief history of cannabis in the world and we will talk about CBD, a compound that has generated a lot of interest in recent years due to its multiple therapeutic benefits.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Today, interest in medicinal cannabis has resurgent, fueled by scientific research that has revealed its therapeutic potential for a variety of medical conditions. In this introduction, we will explore the journey of medicinal cannabis from its ancient origins to its re-emergence in modern medicine.

Brief History of Medical Cannabis

Ancient Origins

The medicinal use of cannabis dates back to ancient civilizations. Historical records indicate that it was used in traditional medicine in several cultures:

China (2737 BC): Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, known as the "father of Chinese medicine," documented the use of cannabis in his work "Pen Ts'ao Ching." It was recommended to treat various conditions, such as rheumatic pain, constipation, and menstrual disorders.

Egypt (2000 BC): Ancient Egyptians used cannabis to treat eye pain and inflammation. Medical texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus, mention its use as a remedy for various ailments.

India (1000 BC): In Ayurvedic medicine, cannabis was valued for its analgesic and anesthetic properties. Sacred Hindu texts, such as the Atharvaveda, describe it as one of the five sacred plants.

Middle Ages and Renaissance

During the Middle Ages, the use of medicinal cannabis spread throughout Europe:

Arabia: Medieval Arab physicians, such as Avicenna, recognized and documented the medicinal effects of cannabis in their medical writings.

Medieval Europe: Although knowledge of cannabis dispersed due to the fall of the Roman Empire, it persisted in popular medicine to treat pain and inflammatory conditions.

19th century and early 20th century

Medical cannabis experienced a renaissance in the West during the 19th century:

United Kingdom (1839): Irish physician William B. O'Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to Western medicine after observing its use in India. He published studies on its analgesic and antispasmodic effects.

United States (1850-1937): Cannabis was included in the United States Pharmacopeia and was used to treat a wide range of conditions, from headaches to insomnia.

Prohibition and Rediscovery

In the mid-20th century, medicinal cannabis faced strong opposition and prohibition:

Prohibition (1930s-1960s): In many countries, including the United States, cannabis was banned due to anti-drug campaigns and growing concerns about its recreational use.

1960s: Israeli chemist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem conducted pioneering research on the chemical constituents of cannabis.

1964: Mechoulam and his collaborator, Dr. Yechiel Gaoni, managed to isolate and determine the chemical structure of THC. This discovery allowed us to understand how cannabis exerts its effects on the human body.

Rediscovery (1970s-present): Scientific research began to resurface, highlighting the benefits of medicinal cannabis. In the 1990s, California became the first US state to legalize medical cannabis.

Discovery of Cannabinoid Receptors

1988: Researchers discovered CB1 receptors in the brains of rats. These receptors bind to cannabinoids, allowing their effects.

1993: The CB2 receptor was identified in the immune system, expanding knowledge about the distribution and function of cannabinoid receptors in the body.

Natural Endocannabinoids

1992: Raphael Mechoulam and his team identified anandamide, the first endocannabinoid, a substance that the body produces naturally and that binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors.

1995: 2-Arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), another important endocannabinoid that interacts with cannabinoid receptors, was discovered.

Functions of the Endocannabinoid System

Homeostasis: The ECS regulates various physiological functions, including appetite, pain, mood, and memory.

Stress Response: The system helps modulate the body's response to stress, promoting a state of balance.

Modern Era

Currently, medical cannabis is legal in many countries and states. Continued research has led to the development of cannabis-derived medications, such as Epidiolex for epilepsy and Sativex for multiple sclerosis. The therapeutic properties of cannabis, particularly CBD and THC, are being explored for a variety of medical conditions, from chronic pain to neurological disorders.

The history of medicinal cannabis is a fascinating journey that spans millennia and cultures. Its rediscovery in modern medicine promises a future in which its therapeutic properties can be fully exploited to improve the quality of life of millions of people around the world.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD has no psychoactive effects, meaning it does not produce the "high" feeling associated with recreational cannabis use.

Benefits of CBD

CBD has been studied for its potential benefits in a wide variety of medical conditions. Some of the most common uses of CBD include:

1. Pain Relief

CBD may help reduce chronic pain by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. Studies have shown that it can be effective in conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

2. Anxiety and Depression

CBD has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. It is thought to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Sleep Disorders

CBD can help improve sleep quality and treat problems such as insomnia. Many users report sleeping better and having more restful sleep after taking CBD.

4. Anti-inflammatory properties

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in reducing inflammation in conditions such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

5. Epilepsy

CBD has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of epilepsy, especially in cases where other treatments have failed. Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, has been approved by the FDA to treat Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Forms of Administration of CBD

CBD can be consumed in several ways, depending on the user's needs and preferences:

1. Oils and Tinctures

CBD oils can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for rapid absorption. They are a convenient and effective way to consume CBD.

2. Capsules and Edibles

Capsules and edibles are easy to dose and provide a discreet way to consume CBD. The effects usually take longer to manifest, since they must pass through the digestive system.

3. Topics

CBD creams and lotions can be applied directly to the skin to treat localized pain or inflammatory problems.

Safety and Considerations

CBD is generally safe and well tolerated. However, it is important to start with low doses and gradually adjust. It is also crucial to purchase high-quality products from trusted sources to ensure CBD purity and potency.

Conclusion

CBD offers a natural alternative to treat a variety of medical conditions. With growing interest and research in this field, it is an exciting time to explore the benefits of CBD. As a medical cannabis specialist, I am convinced that CBD has great therapeutic potential and I hope that this guide has provided you with a clear and accessible insight into its uses and benefits.

References

Russo, E. B. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 4(1), 245-259.

Blessing, EM, Steenkamp, MM, Manzanares, J., & Marmar, CR (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Babson, K.A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23.

Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S.A., Hegde, V.L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 1(7), 1333-1349.

Devinsky, O., Cross, H., Laux, L., Marsh, E., Miller, I., Nabbout, R., ... & Thiele, E. (2017). Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(21), 2011-2020.

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanent Journal, 23.

Zuardi, A.W. (2008). Cannabidiol: from an inactive cannabinoid to a drug with wide spectrum of action. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 30(3), 271-280.

Spindle, TR, Cone, EJ, Schlienz, NJ, Mitchell, JM, Bigelow, GE, Flegel, R., ... & Vandrey, R. (2018). Acute effects of smoked and vaporized cannabis in healthy adults who infrequently use cannabis: a crossover trial. JAMA Network Open, 1(7), e184841-e184841.

Palmieri, B., Laurino, C., & Vadalà, M. (2019). A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. Clinical Therapeutics, 41(7), 1213-1220.

Bergamaschi, MM, Queiroz, RH, Chagas, MH, de Oliveira, DC, De Martinis, BS, Kapczinski, F., ... & Crippa, JA (2011). Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. Current Drug Safety, 6(4), 237-249.