What is cannabidiol ( CBD )?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a weak psychoactive cannabinoid from the female hemp cannabis sativa / indica. Medically, it acts anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anti-nausea. Other pharmacological effects are explored.
The consumption of cannabis products (hashish, marijuana), a high CBD content causes a more sedative, a low CBD share a rather stimulating effect. Indian hemp (Cannabis indica) contains more CBD as Cannabis sativa (including var. Ruderalis) and industrial hemp. The concentrations of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD relate to each other inversely proportional. The ratio of THC to CBD is dependent on the time of harvest next to the variety.
Chemistry
Cannabidiol is - like all cannabinoids - mainly in the plant as an acid (CBD-carboxylic acid) ago.
Cannabidiol was first synthesized by Raphael Mechoulam. CBD cyclized in the presence of Lewis acids (eg, boron trifluoride diethyl or proton donors such as p-toluenesulfonic acid) to Δ9-THC and Δ8-. Also, the heating with water under reflux leads to cyclization. In strongly basic medium CBD is oxidized by oxygen to a quinone. For prolonged storage in the presence of air, it is dehydrogenated to cannabinol.
Pharmacology
Cannabidiol agonist binds to the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, but it can also block the activity thereof over a unclear mechanism. However, it acts as an antagonist of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR55, whose physiological role is still unclear.
CBD is used as an antispasmodic in multiple sclerosis. CBD immunosuppressive effect and is used for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Use in mood disorders is studied. CBD is part of the medicinally used hemp extract Nabiximols.