Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, cannabinoid found in Cannabis. It is a major constituent of the plant, representing up to 40% in its extracts.^[1]

CBD alone is not intoxicating, but it appears to moderate the euphoric effect of THC (which is an isomer of cannabidiol) and add a sedative quality.^[2] Some research, however, indicates that CBD can increase alertness.^[3] It may decrease the rate of THC clearance from the body, perhaps by interfering with the metabolism of THC in the liver. CBD does not appear to affect either the CB₁ or CB₂ receptors.^[4]

Medically, it appears to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea, and to inhibit cancer cell growth^[5]. Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.^[6] In November 2007 it was reported that CBD reduces growth of aggressive human breast cancer cells in vitro and reduces their invasiveness. It thus represents the first non-toxic exogenous agent that can lead to down-regulation of tumor aggressiveness.^[7][8]

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Medicinal use

In April 2005, Canadian authorities approved the marketing of Sativex, a mouth spray for multiple sclerosis to alleviate pain. Sativex contains tetrahydrocannabinol together with cannabidiol. It is marketed in Canada by GW Pharmaceuticals.

Pharmacology

Cannabidiol does not bind to CB₁ or CB₂ receptors but it does block the effects of cannabinoid agonists by an unknown indirect way^[9]. Recently it was found to be an antagonist at the putative new cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, a GPCR expressed in the caudate nucleus and putamen^[10].

Cannabidiol has also been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, with low potency in non-cancer cells. Although the inhibitory mechanism is not yet fully understood, Ligresti et al suggest that "cannabidiol exerts its effects on these cells through a combination of mechanisms that include either direct or indirect activation of CB₂ and TRPV1 receptors, and induction of oxidative stress, all contributing to induce apoptosis."^[11] In November 2007, researchers at the California Pacific Medical Center reported that CBD shows promise for controlling the spread of metastatic breast cancer. In-vitro CBD downregulates the activity of the gene Id-1 which is responsible for tumor metastasis.^[7]

Chemistry

Cannabidiol is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. At room temperature it is a colorless crystalline solid^[12]. In strongly basic medium and the presence of air it is oxidized to a quinone^[13]. Under acidic conditions it cyclizes to THC^[14]. The synthesis of cannabidiol has been accomplished by several research groups^[15][16][17].

References

See also

• Cannabinoids
• Cannabinoid receptors
• Cannabis
• Health issues and the effects of cannabis
• Medical marijuana