Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).^[1] Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high; it’s typically used medicinally, not recreationally, with the four most commonly targeted conditions being pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

Human research on CBD has focused on two rare forms of epilepsy: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.^[3] In humans and animals, CBD has shown promise as a treatment for a wide variety of ailments, notably anxiety,^{[4][5][6][7][8]} depression,^[6] pain,^{[9][10][11][12]} inflammation,^[13][14] and cancer.^[15]

Unlike cannabis and THC, CBD doesn’t impair coordination, judgment, or memory.^[16] In a Critical Review Report published in 2018, the World Health Organization concluded that there was “no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use

CBD’s adverse effects are usually minor, but they include lethargy, fatigue, sleepiness, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (a marker of liver damage).^[17][18][19]

Other drawbacks include a paucity of human evidence, the unreliability of most CBD products on the market, and the “gray area” legality of CBD products.

CBD works in myriad ways, which are still being explored. For instance, it may reduce pain and stress via the TRPV1 receptor,^[21][22][23] stress and depression via the 5HTI-alpha receptor,^[24][25] and inflammation via the A2A receptors.^[26]

Unfortunately, CBD seems to work better in combination with THC.