CBD (cannabidiol), commonly referred to as Cannabidiol (CBD), has become widely popular. Derived from Cannabis Sativa plants and available both through marijuana and hemp products, its popularity continues to spread rapidly.
CBD acts as a negative allosteric modulator of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), binding with low affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors while also interacting with other proteins within ECS such as FAAH and anandamide transporter, leading to desensitization of neurons.
Medicinal Uses
CBD is one of the more than 113 phytocannabinoids found in cannabis plants that is nonpsychoactive – meaning it does not lead to an “high” associated with cannabis use.
CBD can help treat seizures in people living with certain forms of epilepsy and is currently being researched to treat other conditions. Prescription CBD comes as pills or oil and is also sold vaporized liquid form or food supplements and in other products.
Studies have demonstrated that CBD helps people living with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex reduce seizures. More studies are ongoing to explore if CBD might also benefit conditions like anxiety, nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy as well as pain relief. Be sure to speak to your physician first as taking prescription CBD may increase liver damage risk when taken together with some medicines such as valproic acid; conversely it could decrease how quickly the body breaks down zonisamide.
Side Effects
However, unlike many cannabis-derived drugs, CBD does not possess psychoactive properties and thus will not produce an altered state of consciousness or create any sense of high. This makes CBD particularly useful for individuals living with mental illnesses.
Clinical studies have confirmed that CBD is generally well tolerated; however, high dosages could potentially interact with other drugs and lead to unwanted side effects.
Recommendations regarding CBD include that patients with renal impairment avoid oral administration and dosages are tailored appropriately for older adults. Furthermore, CBD should always be given with food to maximize absorption.
Even though CBD does not contain the portion of marijuana that induces psychoactivity, it still can be addictive and should only be used under medical supervision. Controlled clinical trials and FDA drug approval processes provide the most efficient means of bringing cannabis-derived products onto the market for medical use; recently Epidiolex (purified form of CBD) has been approved by them to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in children 1 year or older.
Precautions
CBD has become an increasingly popular ingredient in products like gummies, lotions, oils, vape pens and even high-end sports bras. This compound appears to act upon the body’s endocannabinoid system and may provide benefits like anxiety reduction, pain management and inflammation reduction.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active compound found naturally in cannabis plants such as hemp and marijuana. Additionally, CBD has been isolated from these species and produced as pharmaceutical medications.
Currentlly, it is not internationally scheduled as a controlled substance; however, this may change as research progresses and WHO conducts more thorough reviews of it.
Before taking this medication, please inform your physician of any unusual or allergic reactions to marijuana, other medicines, food dyes and preservatives, dyes used as colorants in textiles or animals; or if you have ever experienced angioedema (a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction). Use a special dosing syringe to measure out your dose and follow the directions from your physician exactly.
Dosage
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is composed of receptors located throughout the brain and body, to influence many bodily processes and possibly produce side effects like nausea, fatigue, depression or anxiety. CBD may even help control seizures in those suffering from refractory epilepsy.
Studies are limited and evidence for safety remains weak, making it necessary for healthcare providers to closely observe patients who take CBD to assess for signs of sedation, mental state changes or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
CBD interacts with several medications. It weakly inhibits CYP1A2, increasing exposure to drugs like theophylline and tizanidine; increasing plasma concentrations of clobazam when coadministered together; as well as with diazepam substrates like diazepam where dose reduction should be implemented to avoid adverse reactions and risk of adverse reactions; dose reduction for all diazepam substrates is recommended; it may also interact with P-glycoprotein/CYP3A4 substrates such as everolimus increasing risk of decreased blood levels of this medication.
