Cannabinoid of the Month: Cannabidiol (CBD) | AusCannaReviews
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of more than 100 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants. In recent years, CBD has garnered significant attention for its purported health benefits and therapeutic properties.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain sensation, by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters and receptors involved in pain signaling. In November 2023, a systematic review published in Pain Management Nursing aimed to gather evidence on the effectiveness of CBD in chronic pain management. They included 15 studies among 1,516 identified articles with the majority of the studies indicating a pain reduction ranging from 42% - 66% with the use of CBD alone, meaning CBD may offer relief from conditions such as arthritis, neuropathic pain, and inflammatory disorders.
CBD has demonstrated promising results in reducing anxiety and stress levels. Research suggests that CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which are implicated in regulating mood and emotions. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science in February 2023 examined the impacts of being left alone and travelling in a car had on dogs to establish whether a single dose of a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-free CBD distillate could positively influence any measures of stress. The study concluded that a single dose of 4 mg/kg of CBD two hours before exposure to these events lessened some indicators of acute canine stress, meaning CBD may improve canine emotional well-being.
CBD has emerged as a potential treatment for various neurological disorders, such as epilepsy for its ability to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant forms of the condition. The TGA has approved the CBD-based medication, Epidyolex, for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet Syndrome for patients two years of age and older. Similarly, research suggests that CBD may help alleviate symptoms associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), such as muscle spasticity and neuropathic pain, thereby improving the quality of life for affected individuals. The TGA has approved the medication Sativex, for the treatment of all forms of MS.
In addition to its therapeutic effects, CBD is recognized for its neuroprotective properties, which may support brain health and cognitive function. It’s believed CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, CBD has the potential to preserve neuronal function and slow the progression of these conditions. A study published in Frontiers in Neurology in February 2023 examined CBD's therapeutic potential against the secondary injury cascade from traumatic brain injury (TBI). While the study acknowledged identifying safe and effective dosing strategies remains a challenge it concluded there is compelling mechanistic evidence indicating that CBD may serve as an effective pharmacological intervention for TBIs.
If you’re looking for medicinal cultivars on the Australian market that are high in CBD**…
Maali’s Cloud (Total CBD 20%)
Heyday Flow (Total CBD 20%)
Superbly Green’s Superbly Rosey LSO (Total CBD 18%)
ANTG’s Eve (Total CBD 16%)
Little Green Pharma’s Silver Mist (Total CBD 13%)
If you’re looking for medicinal cultivars on the Australian market that are balanced**…
Aelleve WF Balance10:15 MH (Mango Haze) (Total THC 10%/Total CBD 15%)
ANTG’s Juno (Total THC 11%/Total CBD 12%)
Tasmanian Botanics’s Huon (Total THC 9%/Total CBD 11%)
Cannatrek’s Argamon (Total THC 7%/Total CBD 9%)
Kind’s Libra (Total THC 7%/Total CBD 7%)
**This data was provided by Catalyst by honahlee. The honahlee team requires all product suppliers to verify their cannabinoid percentages beyond the suppliers’ brochure or health professional marketing claims via a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with measured cannabinoid value for the products to be searchable.
This substack aims to provide anecdotal information from my personal experiences in hopes it will lead to meaningful conversations between my readers and their healthcare professionals about medicinal cannabis.
I have no formal training in medicine or science. This article does not constitute medical advice.