Cannabidiol (CBD) is an increasingly popular wellness trend. The compound, which occurs naturally in cannabis plants, is added to many products that claim to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain and more, without the intoxication of its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
While CBD products are largely unregulated and unproven, companies are working to create CBD-like molecules to develop pharmaceutical therapies. Their progress is reported in Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society.
From skincare to snacks, CBD can be found in a vast array of products. Although many consumers tout the benefits of CBD, scientists argue that the health claims are unsubstantiated. In fact, only one CBD-based drug, which helps control seizures in children, is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), writes Senior Editor Britt E. Erickson.
While CBD’s mechanisms are not fully understood, researchers are looking at how it influences cannabinoid receptors in the brain known as CB1 and CB2. CBD itself does not bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, but instead causes endocannabinoid compounds made by the body to do so, leading pharmaceutical researchers down a new path toward CBD-based treatments.
The CB2 receptor is of special interest to drug developers, as it is associated with anti-inflammatory effects. By activating this receptor directly with a potent CBD derivative, researchers can take aim at treating chronic inflammatory diseases, including lupus, cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis.
In addition, companies are working to enhance the aqueous solubility of CBD, meaning that it can be more readily absorbed by the body when taken orally. By doing so, scientists hope to create drugs that are up to 50 times more potent than CBD, which could help with nerve damage, neurodegenerative diseases, and even opiate abuse.
Most of these potential drugs are still in the early stages of development, and researchers caution that clinical trials might not pan out. However, the amount of interest and investment in developing these drugs could signal a new era of pharmaceutical innovation.
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14 Comments
Pharma has been trying to replicate nature and has failed for 30 years – this will be no different. The ONLY reason Pharma is involved is they cannot Patent a plant extract so they need to change its molecular structure to Patent it. Its not health based – it is GREED based. NOTHING will be better than Natural CBD and even more potent doses are NOT the answer as some people’s receptors don’t respond to high dosages like in the GW Pharma drug EPIDIOLEX which has been shown to cause liver toxicity. Pure natural CBD has no side effects so why look anywhere else?
John C is totally on target with his comment. I have been in the CBD industry over 4 years now.CBD in its raw form is the best. CBD uses the same pathways to your CB1 and CB2 receptors as opiates and other pain medications. BIG PHARMa would love to see CBD go away! I am 43 year old,21 year Army Veteran. I have had a back surgery, 4 foot surgeries. I DO NOT TAKE ANY PILLS! I play golf and run 3 times a week. CBD has given me my quality of life back. The 7 months that I took pain medications I gained 30 lbs, I was depressed and told I would never run again. It’s all 100 legal and you will not get high, feel addicted or any negative side effects.
How Many milligrams per Day for m’y anxiety
Use the 50mg per day. Purchase the 1500mg bottle, 30 day supply.
Where can I buy the raw CBD??
I’m on board with John C! I work in the CBD industry and I too no longer take ANY form of pain medication due to the fact that CBD is a daily part of my regimen.I highly recommend educating yourself and passing on the information and experience of using CBD so more people can feel better with they’re struggles with lifes curvballs!
Well it will be legalised (cannabis) it has been were gona recieve green cards if ur in categories for depression cancer ect be supplied by doctors more than likely the card that is, just means ppl who have medical conditions can walk about with smoke on them without getting into trouble, it’s all been relaxed finally goin in the right way, CBD has not worked well for me I need thc tht helps my depression, good to see finally going in right direction ..if u need for medical conditions were allowed possession and grow personal not illegal if caught now, good this will help millions of ppl suffering, but def agree need sumik stronger CBd does nothing for me tbh 3000mg 10ml bottle so quite potent.. u seen these green cards ther on about was released yesterday a think.. good on boris or whoever pushed it fwd def a good move, also be nice to come off strong meds and just have a smoke much better for me
Tetra Bio-Pharma has late phase cannabinoid drugs in their pipeline….to reduce opiate use and relieve pain, in addition to a treatment for covid.
It will be great if the pharma will be successful… 😊
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Nontoxic Essential Cannabis Home Grow remains the ONLY Quality Control, Availability Control and Affordability Control!
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Please email me Gary.
amazing post ! Thanks for sharing.