What Does CBD Stand For? - April 2024

What Do the Initials CBD Stand for?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. Canna-Bi-Diol forms the abbreviation for CBD⁽⁵⁾. CBD is referred to as a cannabinoid, a molecule in the cannabis plant that gives it its recreational and medical properties⁽⁶⁾.  

CBD is an organic compound mostly obtained from hemp plants where they are prevalent. Hemp plants and marijuana plants are the same species.

Cannabis plants have two primary phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids), cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)⁽⁷⁾. THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis, also called marijuana.

CBD is an active and medicinally helpful substance that helps in the maintenance of homeostasis or balance in the human body⁽⁸⁾. 

Why Do People Use CBD?

There are various reasons why people use CBD while research into the compound’s beneficial effects is ongoing.

CBD has shown to be anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic. CBD is a potential medicine for the treatment of neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, epilepsy, nausea, anxiety, and schizophrenia⁽⁹⁾. 

Although CBD is non-psychoactive, studies have indicated its pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD’s neuroprotective potential, based on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, is being investigated in various disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and infertility⁽¹⁰⁾.

CBD has also garnered significant attention for its anecdotal therapeutic potential for various pathologies, including skin and cosmetic disorders⁽¹¹⁾. 

How Does CBD Work?

CBD and all cannabinoid compounds work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The endocannabinoid system is an internal series of cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. It is a network of receptors that regulate many functions, such as pain response, immune response, and sleep patterns, to bring the body and its organs back into balance or homeostasis⁽¹²⁾.

This system comprises millions of endocannabinoid receptors– CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors that relay neurological signals across the body. 

The ECS is spread in core health systems such as the digestive, cardiovascular, central nervous, and immune systems, regulated by two chemicals produced in the human body — anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG)⁽¹³⁾. 

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

CBD offers potential benefits to a wide range of health benefits, and it may have beneficial effects on individuals who suffer from certain medical conditions⁽¹⁴⁾. Early indications suggest that CBD may have beneficial effects on the following health issues: 

CBD and Seizures

CBD oil may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures without the negative impact of more commonly prescribed treatments⁽¹⁵⁾. 

CBD compound showed efficacy as anti-seizure, antipsychotic, neuroprotective, antidepressant, and anxiolytic. The neuroprotective activity appears linked to its excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties⁽¹⁶⁾.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Epidiolex, a CBD oral solution for treating seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, in patients two years of age and older⁽¹⁷⁾. 

CBD and Pain 

Several studies have shown how CBD may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Pain is alleviated when the vanilloid TRPV1(transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) receptor mediates the non-psychoactive cannabinoid‘s antihyperalgesic effect⁽¹⁹⁾. The TRPV1 receptor controls chronic pain and regulates body temperature⁽²⁰⁾. 

CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system‘s CB1 and CB2 receptors, which transmit pain in the spinal cord and brain⁽²¹⁾.

CBD and Inflammation

Studies have examined CBD’s purported anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties⁽²²⁾. Data suggest that CBD possesses various beneficial pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties⁽²³⁾. 

Researchers examining various preclinical and clinical models also noted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD⁽²⁴⁾.

CBD and Nausea

Studies have demonstrated the anti-emetic properties of cannabinoids. Manipulation of the endocannabinoid system regulates nausea and vomiting in humans and other animals⁽²⁵⁾. 

CBD has been recognized for its potential to reduce nausea in those suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. 

Published studies suggest a role for the endocannabinoid system in modulating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting⁽²⁶⁾.

CBD and Acne

While limited research supports cannabinoids‘ alleged topical benefits, the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) certainly influences cutaneous biology. 

CBD is demonstrated to have anecdotal therapeutic potential for various pathologies, including skin and cosmetic disorders⁽²⁷⁾. 

While preclinical evidence suggests that topical CBD application may be beneficial for certain skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, and inflammatory conditions, clinical efficacy and elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully established⁽²⁸⁾.

CBD and Anxiety

Persistent fear can be maladaptive⁽²⁹⁾. Impairment may manifest in various neuropsychiatric illnesses, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)⁽³⁰⁾. 

CBD appears to have considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders⁽³¹⁾. However, further research into chronic and therapeutic effects in the relevant large-scale samples is required.

CBD and Neuroprotection

Several studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids offer the potential for neuroprotection⁽³²⁾. These neuroprotective effects are thought to be due primarily to the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD⁽³³⁾.

CBD has been shown to improve myelin formation. Myelin is a compound that forms a protective layer around the nerve cells⁽³⁴⁾. 

Issues with myelin formation may result in a range of neurodegenerative conditions, as shown in multiple sclerosis (MS), a common inflammatory-induced demyelinating disease⁽³⁵⁾. 

Cannabinoids are immunomodulatory molecules that affect the body’s immune system via CB1 and CB2 receptors which modulate the immune responses in less common disorders⁽³⁶⁾. 

Types of CBD Products

CBD is available in various products and forms, including oil concentrate, extracts, vapes, edibles, capsules, patches, balms, salves, and topical skin preparations⁽³⁷⁾. 

A topical CBD-infused oil, lotion, or cream can be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle and joint pain⁽³⁸⁾. Alternatively, a CBD patch, tincture, or spray beneath the tongue allows CBD to enter the bloodstream directly⁽³⁹⁾.

Edibles like gummies usually take an hour or two to start working after ingestion⁽⁴⁰⁾. Using an edible includes the therapeutic benefit that will last up to eight hours⁽⁴¹⁾.

  Topical CBD lotions or creams may help relieve muscle aches, joint pain, and skin inflammation⁽⁴²⁾. CBD-infused oil, salves, and balms applied to the skin may help reduce inflammation and offer pain relief⁽⁴³⁾. 

CBD tinctures and pure oils may be administered sublingually where the oil is placed under the tongue for quick absorption into the bloodstream⁽⁴⁴⁾.

On the other hand, vape liquids are inhaled using a special vape e-pen. Inhaling cannabis implies a faster onset and simpler dosage titration. Titration is gradually increasing the intake until the desired dose is achieved⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

The therapeutic effect of smoking or inhaling CBD extracts only lasts a few hours, necessitating frequent regular doses⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

It is essential to understand the harmful effects of vaping as it is linked to severe lung disease. Seek medical advice to learn more about the long-term health impact of vaping⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Is CBD a Drug?

CBD is a compound often obtained from hemp that contains a high concentration of  CBD and small amounts of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical compound with psychoactive effects. 

CBD is not indicated as a drug because it does not alter the central nervous system, perception, mood, or consciousness. CBD does not produce intoxicating or euphoric effects⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Research shows that CBD is not detected during a drug screening⁽⁴⁹⁾. The guidelines set forth by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) include the detection of amphetamines, tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine metabolites, and opiates⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

The guideline does not specify any stipulation on the CBD content.

How Is CBD Different From THC?

The cannabis Sativa plant has significant compounds such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which have opposing effects⁽⁵¹⁾. 

CBD and THC are two of the cannabis plant‘s most abundant cannabinoids. Even high-quality medical marijuana may contain significantly more THC than hemp, while hemp has a high concentration of CBD⁽⁵²⁾.

CBD and THC contain the same number of carbon atoms, thirty hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The difference is in the arrangement of the particles, which gives CBD and THC their distinct chemical properties⁽⁵³⁾.

THC induces euphoria or the “high.” Meanwhile, CBD does not produce that euphoric feeling and appears to have the potential to benefit an individual’s well-being⁽⁵⁴⁾.

Will CBD Show Up in a Drug Test?

Cannabidiol does not present itself on a drug test. These tests identify tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or its metabolites, not CBD.

Drug tests screen for THC or THC-COOH, its primary metabolite⁽⁵⁵⁾. Drug tests look for the psychoactive component of cannabis, THC. 

CBD products do contain small amounts of THC. However, this is not likely to be an issue in drug tests.

Will CBD Cause a High?

In many cases, the CBD doses needed for medical purposes are often significantly lower than those used recreationally. Individuals may avoid strains that sedate in the primary psychoactive ingredient, THC⁽⁵⁶⁾.

CBD does not get individuals high like the active compounds tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. While CBD may come from marijuana, it may also come from hemp, with only 0.3% or less THC⁽⁵⁷⁾.

Is CBD Safe? 

Currently, the FDA does not control the safety and purity of dietary supplements and products, which may cause a significant health risk to individuals⁽⁵⁸⁾. 

Meanwhile, the WHO (World Health Organization) indicated that CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile⁽⁵⁹⁾. However, drug-drug interactions may result from the use of CBD alongside an individual’s existing medications⁽⁶⁰⁾.

In addition, adverse effects of CBD may include fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, and irritability⁽⁶¹⁾. These side effects necessitate the potential users to seek advice from healthcare professionals before using a certain amount of CBD products⁽⁶²⁾.

Is CBD Legal?

CBD is found in all cannabis plants, derived from either hemp or marijuana. However, CBD products are only federally legal if they contain less than 0.3% THC⁽⁶³⁾.

CBD is currently undergoing studies as a new drug, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration⁽⁶⁴⁾. A wide range of CBD products are available in different parts of the United States, though its legal status has remained uncertain.

Fifty states have enacted legislation legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction. The 2018 Farm Bill removed all hemp-derived products, including CBD, from the Controlled Substances Act. This bill essentially indicated that CBD is legal if it comes from hemp but not from cannabis (marijuana)⁽⁶⁵⁾. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve a cannabis marketing application to offer treatment for any disease or condition. 

However, the FDA has approved three cannabis-related products: Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone)⁽⁶⁶⁾. 

These products are synthetic cannabinoids that may be taken orally. They have complex effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and interact with a variety of receptors located throughout the brain⁽⁶⁷⁾. 

These FDA-approved medications are available only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider⁽⁶⁸⁾. 

Epidiolex, a prescription drug containing a purified form of CBD, is currently the only CBD product approved by the FDA. Epidiolex is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome⁽⁶⁹⁾. 

State laws on CBD vary while clinical trials and studies are carried out regarding its potential benefits to individual health and wellness.

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1. Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine?
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140266/
2. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
3. World Health Organization Reports CBD Oil Is Generally Safe
   https://www.rtor.org/2019/07/05/who-report-on-cbd-oil/#
4. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
5. What does CBD stand for? And the Other ABC’s of Hemp
   https://sunsetlakecbd.com/what-does-cbd-stand-for-and-the-other-abcs-of-hemp/
6. ibid
7. ibid
8. Hemp & Cannabidiol: What is a Medicine?
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140266/
9. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
10. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
11. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/
12. An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4789136/
13. ibid
14. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
15. Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Efficacy and Security in Clinical Trials
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6514832/
16. ibid
17. FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms
18. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
19. Vanilloid TRPV1 receptor mediates the antihyperalgesic effect of the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol, in a rat model of acute inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1575333/
20. ibid
21. ibid
22. Oral anti-inflammatory activity of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, in acute carrageenan-induced inflammation in the rat paw https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14963641/
23. ibid
24. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
25. Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/
26. Cannabinoids As Potential Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4960260/
27. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/
28. ibid
29. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
30. ibid
31. ibid
32. Neuroprotective Effects of the Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoid Cannabidiol in Hypoxic-Ischemic Newborn Piglets
    https://www.nature.com/articles/pr2008260#
33. ibid
34. CB2 cannabinoid receptors as an emerging target for demyelinating diseases: from neuroimmune interactions to cell replacement strategies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2219542
35. ibid
36. ibid
37. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
38. ibid
39. ibid
40. Common questions about medical cannabis https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-questions-about-medical-cannabis-20210528246
41. ibid
42. ibid
43. ibid
44. ibid
45. ibid
46. ibid
47. Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
48. Objective Testing – Urine And Other Drug Tests
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4920965/
49. ibid
50. ibid
51. Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425762/
52. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425762/
53. CBD vs. THC: What’s The Difference?
    https://www.forbes.com/health/body/cbd-vs-thc/
54. ibid
55. Clinical Interpretation of Urine Drug Tests
    https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(16)30825-4/fulltext#sec2.1
56. Common questions about medical cannabis
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-questions-about-medical-cannabis-202105282467
57. ibid
58. CBD products are everywhere. But do they work?
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/cbd-products-are-everywhere-but-do-they-work#
59. World Health Organization Reports CBD Oil Is Generally Safe
    https://www.rtor.org/2019/07/05/who-report-on-cbd-oil/#
60. ibid
61. ibid
62. ibid
63. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
64. What Does CBD Stand For?
    https://sciencetrends.com/what-does-cbd-stand-for/
65. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
66. CANNABINOIDS page 1
    https://www.caremark.com/portal/asset/FEP_Rationale_Cannabinoids.pdf
67. ibid
68. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
69. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700#

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