Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis, a variety of hemp. Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals that act on receptors in the body, particularly the endocannabinoid system, which regulates energy balance and metabolism.
Cannabinoids have central effects on the functioning of the body. They stimulate appetite and are also involved in the assimilation of lipids within adipose tissue (fat), for example.
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2000 BC: the origins of CBD
CBD has been used for several thousand years, notably in China in 2000 BC, where we have traces of the use of hemp for making clothes and ropes. It was also used for the well-being of the inhabitants, to relieve menstrual cramps or rheumatism, for example. CBD was also used as a tea in spiritual ceremonies in India at the same time, essentially as a meditation and wellness tool.
1940: the rediscovery of CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been studied since the mid-18th century. However, CBD was first isolated in 1940 by a team of scientists from the University of Illinois led by Adams from ethanolic extract of hemp (Minnesota wild) and Jacob and Todd from Egyptian Cannabis indica resin.
1963: new research about CBD
The discovery of the Illinois researchers did not arouse much interest, and it was in the 1960s scientists again became interested in the CBD molecule. Finally, in 1963, Raphael Mechoulam, a researcher in chemistry at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, took an interest in the molecule and succeeded in discovering its exact structure: 21 atoms of Carbon, 30 of Hydrogen and 2 of Oxygen.
His team continued to work on the subject and succeeded in synthesising CBD and THC for the first time the following year. These advances opened the door to research into the pharmacological activity of CBD.
1970: new discoveries to boost the research
Several studies began to be published in the 1970s. For example, a Brazilian team announced in 1973 that CBD reduced convulsions during epileptic seizures in animals. A year later, another team discovered the anxiolytic properties of cannabidiol.
A year later, in 1974, another team demonstrated that it could act as an anxiolytic. The field of research was opened up by these pioneers, and work then multiplied.
1980 to 1990: clinical trials
CBD has begun to be used in the United States. However, it is again in Brazil that progress is made. In 1980, Raphael Mechoulam collaborated with a team of researchers from the University of Sao Paulo and demonstrated that CBD could reduce the convulsions of human patients suffering from epilepsy.
In 1988, a real turning point was made. The potential of cannabis compounds, including CBD, was really taken thanks to the discovery of the human body’s endocannabinoid system. In other words, the human body has receptors for cannabinoids in its nervous system. This consolidated the early research.
The late 1990s saw the legalisation of medical cannabis in Oregon, Alaska and Washington, and the first licence to produce a Cannabidiol-based drug was granted to GW Pharmaceuticals to produce Sativex, helpful in treating pain in multiple sclerosis patients.
2000 to present
In 2017, the WHO Committee on Drug Dependence concluded that, in its pure form, cannabidiol (CBD) does not appear to have abuse potential, nor does it appear to be harmful to health.
Today, CBD is expanding rapidly with promising research into its benefits. It is being used in cosmetics, e-liquids, herbal teas and cooking; Cannabidiol is beginning to be widely used worldwide.
CBD is a natural product
Cannabidiol or CBD is that part of the plant with no euphoric effect. However, it is associated with several therapeutic benefits, such as improved sleep, stress relief and reduction of acute pain.
Many people would like to use CBD to support their health. In fact, the growing market for CBD products is in the UK and Europe. Besides, CBD is part of the “novel Food” list and is recognised as safe.
As a non-intoxicating, low-risk natural substance, CBD should be available in natural health products (NHPs).
THC vs CBD
When discussing cannabis, we think of THC, tetrahydrocannabidiol, one of the many molecules in hemp plants.
THC is widely known for its psychoactive and addictive properties. CBD is the acronym for another molecule found in hemp, cannabidiol. Unlike THC, CBD does not get you high, it does not alter your state of consciousness, and it does not present any risk of addiction.
THC and CBD are, therefore, two cannabinoids from the same plant but with entirely different effects.
The democratisation of CBD consumption
Whether inhaled, vaporised, taken orally or locally, the use of CBD for medicinal purposes is becoming increasingly popular. For this reason, many researchers and scientists are investigating the possible therapeutic effects of CBD on our health.
Although studies are ongoing, many are using the term’ medical cannabis’ and referring to the molecule as a ‘therapeutic remedy with immense potential’.
In many countries, the use of CBD to treat or alleviate medical conditions is already being used in the medicinal field. This is part of why many people are now turning to some of the best CBD online retailers, such as justbob.shop, to order their CBD oils, CBD flowers and other CBD products online.
