CBD Information

CBD: An overview of history, research and applications

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is extracted from hemp and, unlike THC, is not psychoactive, meaning it has no intoxicating effect. In recent years, CBD has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in wellness and lifestyle products. This text explores the history of CBD, relevant studies, and its role in the modern world—based on available sources and without making any medical claims or recommendations.

The history of CBD

The use of the cannabis plant dates back thousands of years. As early as 2737 BC, cannabis was documented in China for therapeutic purposes, as described in ancient writings of Emperor Shen Nung. The plant has been used as a food source and in traditional practices in various cultures, such as ancient Chinese medicine, India, and the Middle East. In the 19th century, cannabis was commercially marketed in the Western world as an ingredient in food and beverages, often in the form of hemp products that exploited regulatory loopholes—similar to CBD today.

The scientific discovery of CBD began in the 20th century. In 1940, chemist Roger Adams first isolated CBD from wild hemp in the USA. Its precise chemical structure was elucidated by researchers in 1963. For a long time, however, CBD was neglected because it has no psychoactive effects and was overshadowed by THC. It wasn't until the 1970s, through the work of Brazilian researchers like Elisaldo Carlini, that it was studied more intensively, for example, in the context of seizures. From 2010 onwards, CBD gained attention through initiatives like Project CBD, which focused on its potential applications. Today, CBD is legal in many countries as long as it is derived from hemp with a low THC content and has evolved from a niche substance to a global market product.

Studies on CBD

Research on CBD has increased in recent decades, with numerous studies investigating its interactions with the human body. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in various physiological processes. However, much of this research is still in its early stages, and there are gaps in long-term data.

Animal studies have investigated the effects of CBD on inflammation and pain, such as a paper in the European Journal of Pain that tested topical application in arthritis models. Observational studies in humans suggest potential effects on symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep, as seen in a retrospective study that analyzed CBD-rich treatments. Other research explores effects on the brain, including regions like the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. Clinical trials have tested CBD in specific contexts, such as rare forms of epilepsy, for which it was approved by the FDA in 2018 for a drug (Epidiolex). Nevertheless, experts caution about potential side effects and the need for further research, as some studies have failed to find significant effects on chronic pain. Overall, the science of CBD remains dynamic, with ongoing research into topics such as anxiety disorders and neurological conditions.

The use of CBD in today's world

In modern society, CBD is used in a variety of forms, primarily in the wellness and cosmetics industries. It is available in products such as oils, tinctures, capsules, creams, vapes, and even food. Many people are incorporating CBD into their daily lives, for example, in skincare products or as a dietary supplement. Globally, the CBD market has grown significantly, with sales in countries such as the USA, Canada, and Europe, where it is often marketed as a non-medicinal supplement.

In the pharmaceutical industry, CBD is used in approved medications, such as the aforementioned Epidiolex for epilepsy. It is also being incorporated into research projects on topics like sleep, stress, and inflammation, although regulatory authorities like the FDA point to the need for more evidence. Hemp cultivation plays a role in agriculture, as CBD is primarily derived from industrial hemp. Legal frameworks vary globally: in the EU, CBD must contain less than 0.2% THC, while regulations are more restrictive in Asia. Nevertheless, CBD remains a subject of ongoing debate regarding safety and regulation.

In summary, CBD offers a fascinating bridge between ancient tradition and modern science. For further information, we recommend consulting reliable sources such as health authorities.