Introduction to Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid produced by cannabis. It is structurally related to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but differs in its mode of action and is found in greater quantities than many other phytocannabinoids within the plant. Cannabididiol is considered to possess more medical applications than THC.
Pharmacology of Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol has a very low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors but acts as an indirect antagonist of their agonists. While one would assume that this would cause cannabidiol to reduce the effects of THC, it may potentiate THC's effects by increasing CB1 receptor density or through another CB1-related mechanism. It may also extend the duration of the effects of THC via inhibition of the cytochrome P-450-3A and 2C enzymes.
Cannabidiol has also been shown to act as a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist, an action which may be involved in its antidepressant, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective effects. Cannabidiol is an allosteric modulator of μ and δ-opioid receptors.
Research suggests that CBD may exert some of its pharmacological action through its inhibition of FAAH, which may in turn increase the levels of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, produced by the body.
Chemistry of Cannabidiol
Column 1 Column 2 Systematic(IUPAC) name: 2-[(1R,6R)-6-isopropenyl-3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-5-pentylbenzene-1,3-diol Synonyms: trans-(–)-2-p-mentha-1,8-dien-3-yl-5-pentylresorcinol, CBD Molecular Formula: C21H30O2 Molar mass: 314.46 g/mol [2] CAS Registry Number: 13956-29-1 Melting Point: 66-67°C Boiling Point: 187-190°C @ 2 mmHg (bath temp 220°C), 130°C @ 0.001 mmHg Flash Point: no data Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, methanol, ether, benzene, chloroform, petroleum ether; Practically insoluble in water, 10% NaOH Additionnal data: density (40°C) 1.040 Notes: Aspect : pale yellow resin or crystals
The Dangers of Cannabidiol
Physical Health Risks
<Physical Problem 1 - Please Identify and Add Others As Necessary>
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Overdose
Reported Deaths
Mental Health Risks
<Mental Health Risk 1 - Please Identify and Add Others As Necessary>
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Side Effects
Addiction
Physical Addiction
Mental Addiction
Forms of Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is available in numerous brands and forms. Of note is Epidiolex, from Greenwich Biosciences, the only form of cannabidiol with U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved indications: the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. It is also used off-label for other intractable seizures.
The starting dose of Epidiolex is 2.5 mg/kg twice daily, and can be given through G-tubes as well as orally. It is a clear, hydrophobic solution with sesame oil as the main diluent. Other inactive ingredients include strawberry flavor, dehydrated alcohol, and sucralose. Its precise mechanism of action is unknown.
In addition to commonly known side effects of cannabidiol, such as somnolence, sedation, and lethargy, Epidiolex also caused, in clinical trials, dose dependent increases in the liver transaminases ALT and AST.
Source: Epidiolex package insert, personal experience. This author has attended a manufacturer-sponsored presentation on Epidiolex, but has received nothing of monetary value in exchange for writing this wiki entry.