THE HISTORY OF CBD

The Isolation of CBD in 1940

In 1940, American chemist Roger Adams and his team made a ground-breaking discovery by successfully isolating cannabidiol (CBD) from the cannabis plant. The isolation of CBD was a significant scientific achievement as it provided the first clear evidence that cannabis contained multiple compounds, each with distinct properties. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD was found to be non-psychoactive, sparking interest in its potential medicinal benefits. Adams' research laid the foundation for subsequent studies on cannabinoids, paving the way for the modern understanding and therapeutic use of CBD in treating various medical conditions.

Furthering this understanding, in 1946, Dr Walter S. Loewe conducted experiments on lab mice with different cannabinoids, notably observing that CBD did not produce intoxicating effects. This early experiment was crucial as it provided one of the first empirical evidence of CBD's non-psychoactive properties, differentiating it significantly from THC.

The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and CBD

The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs aimed to streamline and unify international drug control policies, focusing on substances with significant psychoactive and addictive properties like opiates, cocaine, and cannabis. Notably, the Convention did not specifically mention CBD. At the time, the primary concern was controlling THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for its intoxicating effects.

This omission resulted in CBD not being explicitly categorised as a narcotic under international law. Consequently, the regulation of CBD fell into a grey area. Countries interpreted the Convention's stance on CBD differently. Some treated CBD as part of cannabis and subjected it to the same strict controls as THC-containing products. Others recognised CBD's non-psychoactive nature and did not impose such stringent regulations.

1963- Structural Identification of CBD:?

In 1963, Dr Raphael Mechoulam and his team in Israel identified the chemical structure of CBD, differentiating it from THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. This discovery highlighted CBD's non-psychoactive properties, opening doors to its therapeutic use. The following year, Mechoulam's lab isolated and elucidated the structure of Δ9-THC and synthesized both (±)-Δ9-THC and (±)-CBD. In 1965, they further synthesized the (+)- and (?)-enantiomers of these cannabinoids, including Δ8-THC. Mechoulam's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for targeted cannabinoid research, leading to significant advancements in CBD-based treatments and influencing ongoing global studies on the medical potential of cannabinoids.

1990s- Initial Research on CBD

In the 1990s, initial research on CBD explored its therapeutic potential and interactions within the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). Scientists focused on understanding how CBD, a non-psychoactive compound from cannabis, could modulate ECS activity without causing intoxication. Early studies investigated CBD's anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, and potential applications for conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain. Despite regulatory challenges due to cannabis's Schedule I classification, this decade laid the foundational groundwork for future research. The era highlighted CBD's promise in alleviating various symptoms and its potential as a therapeutic agent. These early insights spurred scientific progress, paving the way for extensive research in subsequent decades.

2013- Charlotte Figi: A Pioneering Case in the Medicinal Use of CBD

Charlotte Figi’s story is a pivotal moment in medical CBD use. Born in 2006 with Dravet syndrome, Charlotte suffered up to 300 seizures per week, with traditional treatments failing. Her parents discovered CBD's potential and, despite legal hurdles, connected with the Stanley brothers, who had developed a high-CBD, low-THC cannabis strain. Under medical supervision, Charlotte's seizures dropped from hundreds per week to just a few per month, improving her quality of life dramatically. The strain was named "Charlotte’s Web" in her honour. Her case received significant media attention, driving legislative changes and inspiring scientific research, culminating in the 2018 FDA approval of the CBD-based drug Epidiolex.

2015- Clinical Trials Begin for CBD

In 2015, broader clinical trials for CBD began, focusing on its use in treating epilepsy and other medical conditions. These trials aimed to validate anecdotal evidence and smaller studies that suggested CBD's therapeutic benefits, especially in reducing seizures in treatment-resistant epilepsy conditions like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The research also explored CBD's potential for managing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, and sleep disorders. Conducted with rigorous methodologies and regulatory oversight, these trials assessed both efficacy and safety.

2016/2018- the World Health Organization (WHO) reviews

Between 2016 and 2018, the WHO's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) reviewed CBD, focusing on its safety and abuse potential. The WHO found that CBD has a favourable safety profile and low potential for abuse or addiction. Consequently, the ECDD recommended that pure CBD should not be classified as a controlled substance under international conventions, specifically the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. They also suggested that CBD products with less than 0.2% THC should not be scheduled. Despite these recommendations, global CBD regulations remain varied, with some countries adopting the WHO's stance and others maintaining stricter controls. These reviews highlighted CBD's therapeutic benefits, influencing global regulatory discussions and research.

2018- FDA Approval of Epidiolex: A Milestone in CBD-Based Medicine

In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the first cannabis-derived medication, for treating seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients two years and older. Developed by GW Pharmaceuticals, Epidiolex is a plant-based CBD drug that showed significant efficacy in reducing seizure frequency during clinical trials. This is the first FDA-approved medication that contains a substance derived from marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. Clinical trials showed that Epidiolex significantly reduces seizure frequency when used in conjunction with other medications. Common side effects include drowsiness, lethargy, liver function changes, and diarrhoea. Additionally, it can cause mild to severe liver damage. Epidiolex has received priority review and orphan drug designations to expedite its availability for treating these challenging disorders. This approval highlights the FDA's commitment to rigorous research and the development of cannabis-based treatments, ensuring safe and effective treatments.

In 2019, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also approved Epidiolex, further recognising its therapeutic benefits for patients in Europe. This approval by the EMA not only validated the positive results seen in the FDA’s review but also expanded the accessibility of this treatment to a broader audience, offering hope to patients suffering from these severe forms of epilepsy across the European Union. This marked another significant milestone in the global acceptance and recognition of CBD-based medicine.

2018- USA Farm Bill

In December 2018, the U.S. Farm Bill legalised hemp by defining it as cannabis with THC levels below 0.3%, removing it from the Controlled Substances Act. This legalisation allows for regulated cultivation and commercial use of hemp but maintains FDA oversight over hemp products. Hemp seeds, recognised as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), can be used in foods, adhering to standard FDA requirements for ingredient and nutrition labelling. However, the regulatory landscape for CBD, a derivative found in parts of the cannabis plant other than seeds, is more complicated. Since CBD is an active ingredient in the FDA-approved drug Epidiolex, it cannot be added to food or marketed as a dietary supplement under current federal law. The FDA is considering rulemaking to potentially allow CBD in foods and supplements but recognises the complexity and time required to amend existing regulations. The agency is exploring faster ways to provide regulatory clarity given the significant public interest in CBD and hemp products.

Today- Navigating the Future of CBD: Advances, Predictions, and Global Regulations

Cannabidiol (CBD) has rapidly evolved from a little-understood compound to a major subject of biomedical research, focusing on its potential to treat conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This research delves into CBD's therapeutic effects, safety, long-term impacts, and its interactions with other medications, aiming to solidify its role in modern medicine.

Expectations for CBD's integration into medical therapies are high. Innovations in delivery methods are on the horizon to improve efficacy and patient experience. Such advances could broaden CBD's application, making it a cornerstone in treating a variety of health issues.

CBD regulation varies significantly by region. In the European Union, CBD is regulated as a "novel food," meaning it must undergo extensive safety assessments before it can be marketed. This ensures that CBD products meet stringent health standards akin to those of other foods and supplements.

Following Brexit, the UK adopted similar regulations, treating CBD products as novel foods that require thorough safety and efficacy evaluations before approval. This process ensures that all CBD products on the market are safe for consumers.

In the United States, despite the federal legalisation of hemp-derived CBD in the 2018 Farm Bill, the FDA has not approved CBD for use in foods or as a dietary supplement. However, it is allowed in cosmetics and topical applications under specific conditions. The FDA is in the process of evaluating further regulations to manage the growing CBD market effectively, focusing on consumer safety.

The future of CBD looks promising, with ongoing research expected to expand its therapeutic applications and regulatory frameworks likely to evolve to ensure safe consumer access. As science and regulations advance, CBD is set to play an increasingly significant role in global healthcare, providing new treatment options and shaping the future of medical treatment

Disclaimer

This article provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects, as well as discussions on the scientific/pharmaceutical landscape in selected areas of interest to us. The information and other content provided here or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider or seek other professional medical treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read here or in any linked materials.

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