What is CBD? The 'miracle' cannabis compound that doesn't

New Post Public Reply Private Reply Replies (0) Message Board

May 28, 2018 at 8:38 AM 532

What is CBD? The 'miracle' cannabis compound that doesn't get you high
Cannabis
High time: a grownup's guide to the cannabis revolution

The cannabis-derived chemical is non-psychoactive, and – while federally illegal – has been hailed as a cure for disease

Alex Halperin
@alexhalperin

Mon 28 May 2018 07.00 EDT
‘Many users believe CBD helps them relax ... and some believe regular doses help stave off Alzheimer’s and heart disease.’
‘Many users believe CBD helps them relax ... and some believe regular doses help stave off Alzheimer’s and heart disease.’ Illustration: George Wylesol

In early May, a federal court ruled that cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical produced by the cannabis plant, is federally illegal, in the same category as LSD and heroin, which the government considers to be dangerous and devoid of medical value.

The ruling was contrary to existing evidence, which suggests the chemical is safe and could have multiple important uses as medicine. Many cannabis advocates consider it a miracle medicine, capable of relieving conditions as disparate as depression, arthritis and diabetes.

The perception of its widespread medical benefits have made the chemical a rallying cry for legalization advocates.

The first thing to know about CBD is that it is not psychoactive; it doesn’t get people high. The primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But THC is only one of the scores of chemicals – known as cannabinoids – produced by the cannabis plant.

So far, CBD is the most promising compound from both a marketing and a medical perspective. Many users believe it helps them relax, despite it not being psychoactive, and some believe regular doses help stave off Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
Expots: medical marijuana draws parents to US for their children's treatments
Read more

While studies have shown CBD to have anti-inflammatory, anti-pain and anti-psychotic properties, it has seen only minimal testing in human clinical trials, where scientists determine what a drug does, how much patients should take, its side effects and so on.

Despite the government ruling, CBD is widely available over the counter in dispensaries in states where marijuana is legal.

CBD first came to public attention in a 2013 CNN documentary called Weed. The piece, reported by Dr Sanjay Gupta, featured a little girl in Colorado named Charlotte, who had a rare life-threatening form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome.

At age five, Charlotte suffered 300 grand mal seizures a week, and was constantly on the brink of a medical emergency. Through online research, Charlotte’s desperate parents heard of treating Dravet with CBD. It was controversial to pursue medical marijuana for such a young patient, but when they gave Charlotte oil extracted from high-CBD cannabis, her seizures stopped almost completely. In honor of her progress, high-CBD cannabis is sometimes known as Charlotte’s Web.
CBD has been sought for its healing properties.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
CBD has been sought for its healing properties. Illustration: George Wylesol

After Charlotte’s story got out, hundreds of families relocated to Colorado where they could procure CBD for their children, though not all experienced such life-changing results. Instead of moving, other families obtained CBD oil through the illegal distribution networks.
Advertisement

In late June, the US Food and Drug Administration could approve the Epidiolex, a pharmaceuticalized form of CBD for several severe pediatric seizure disorders. According to data recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the drug can reduce seizures by more than 40%. If Epidiolex wins approval it would be the first time the agency approves a drug derived from the marijuana plant. (The FDA has approved synthetic THC to treat chemotherapy-related nausea.)

Epidiolex was developed by the London-based GW Pharmaceuticals, which grows cannabis on tightly controlled farms in the UK. It embarked on the Epidiolex project in 2013, as anecdotes of CBD’s value as an epilepsy drug began emerging from the US.

While parents treating their children with CBD had to proceed based on trial and error, like a folk medicine, they also had to wonder whether dispensary purchased CBD was professionally manufactured and contained what the package said it did. GW brought a scientific understanding and pharmaceutical grade manufacturing to this promising compound.

Fortunately, like THC, CBD appears to be well tolerated; as far as I can tell, there are no recorded incidents of fatal CBD overdoses.

Since Weed first aired, GW’s stock has climbed 1,500%.
Should I grow my own weed at home? Here's what you need to know
Read more

GW’s first drug Sativex, which contains both CBD and THC, is available as a treatment for MS-related spasticity in Canada, Australia, and much of Europe and Latin America. The company is also studying cannabinoid-based drugs as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders, an aggressive brain tumor called glioblastoma, and schizophrenia.

Other industries, not subject to the strict regulations governing pharmaceuticals are eager to develop their own CBD products, everything from joints and vape pens to skin creams and edibles which may or may not have valid medical use.

In Los Angeles, it’s among the latest wellness fads. It can be found in cocktails, and an upscale juice shop will even add a few drops of CBD infused olive oil to a beverage for $3.50.

High time is the Guardian’s column about how cannabis legalization is changing modern life. Alex Halperin welcomes your thoughts, questions and concerns and will protect your anonymity. Get in touch:high.time@theguardian.com

Newer

Older

Scroll down for more posts ▼

Top 10 Most Recent News Articles

Tampa General’s Innovation Excellence Earns No. 20 Spot

A Bold Leap into Innovation at Tampa General There's a heck of a lot going on down in Tampa that's worth more than just a golf clap. Tampa General Hospital (TGH) just snagged the 20th spot on Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators list, and let me tell you, that’s no small feat amidst the heavy hitters in verticals like biotech and consumer goods. It takes guts...

MCatalysis Secures $5M to Disrupt Fuel Cost Dynamics

Funding Fuels Innovation MCatalysis has just secured a hefty $5 million in seed funding to throw down with the big dogs in energy production. This isn't your regular backyard science project; this company is serious about changing the game with a tech-driven approach that could undercut current fuel prices. HL Energy Ventures and Oxford Science Enterprises are backing...

Fresh Thyme Empowers Local Brands in Michigan Debut

A Community-Driven Retail Innovation The grocery game just got a little more personal in Michigan, and we're not talking about run-of-the-mill retail pitches. Fresh Thyme Market, known for its commitment to local and natural products, is shaking things up with their Pitch Thyme Competition. This ain’t your usual product presentation. It’s a whole new ball game where...

Cap Juluca: Caribbean Luxury Redefined on Maundays Bay

The Tranquil Call of Maundays Bay Find me dipping my toes in the sands of Maundays Bay come October 10, 2026, and you'll understand why this slice of Anguilla stakes its claim to being the best beach on the globe. Cap Juluca, that crown jewel of Caribbean luxury, swings open its doors once more, promising indulgence framed by turquoise waters and the soft whisper of white...

Are FULC, WEAV, TECH Shareholders Getting a Raw Deal?

Pocketing Insider Gains Amidst Shareholder Concerns Let me tell you, it smells like another day in the financial jungle where insiders might be feasting while the regular Joe shareholders are left nibbling on crumbs. Fulcrum Therapeutics, Weave Communications, and Bio-Techne are in the crosshairs for deals that may favor those on the inside track over you and me, the...

Agroz's Big Leap: New Supply Deal in Malaysia

Agroz Inc. Executes a Game-Changing Deal If anyone thought the ag tech players were sitting idle, think again. Agroz Inc., noted for their innovative controlled-environment agriculture, just inked a pivotal deal with Harvest Hive in Malaysia. It's not just a nod to expansion—it's a strategic leap into the big leagues. Picture this: Harvest Hive's sprawling 500-acre farm...

ZEEKR's Shooting Brakes Dominate: Over 400K Sold

ZEEKR's Stellar Performance in a Crowded Market Another month, another bumper crop for ZEEKR's shooting brakes. These beauties aren't just hanging in there; they're leading the pack. In August alone, global deliveries marched past the 10,000 mark for the third month running—a feat not easily achieved in today's saturated automotive landscape. It's no wonder the...

Cove Capital Secures $9.96M for Debt-Free Logistics DST

Unpacking Cove Capital's Latest Victory Cove Capital Investments has pulled off another coup, raising a hefty $9,964,510 for its Cove Essential Net Lease Industrial 108 DST. It's a Regulation D, Rule 506(c) offering, now fully subscribed, spotlighting a debt-free investment ethos and a rock-solid logistics site in Anchorage, Alaska. Strategic Facility Anchoring Investment...

From Kitchen Experiment to U.S. Debut Here's a story that barely fits the tight mold of your typical business textbook. Hair Syrup, born from the brain of a university student tinkering at her kitchen table, is about to make waves across the pond. Lucie Macleod did what many dream of—she took a DIY hair oil project and spun it into a multimillion-dollar brand, now set...

Job Market Shifts: Adaptation vs. Fairness Dilemma

The Chameleon Effect in Today's Job Market Walk into any open-space office these days, and you'll see faces plastered with composed, work-ready smiles—faces that might not look so familiar outside those walls. The modern workplace has draped its cloak over individual personalities, with the mighty pressure to 'fit in' often forcing a change in how folks present...