Products
Hemp with a high content of cannabidiol and a low total content of tetrahydrocannabinol (less than 1%) can be legally sold in many countries since 2016 and is available from specialized suppliers and web stores. Cannabidiol hemp is approved as a tobacco substitute product and not yet as a medicine. Neither cannabidiol nor cannabidiol hemp are subject to the Narcotics Act. This is in contrast to hemp with a THC content of more than one percent.
Stem plant
Hemp from the hemp family (Cannabaceae) is an annual, herbaceous and dioecious plant, i.e. a male and female form exists. Pharmacologically, the female plants are of most interest because they produce the inflorescences.
Parts of the plant used
The hemp herb (cannabis herba) is used. These are dried inflorescences and young leaves of the female plant.
Ingredients
Cannabidiol (C21H30O2, Mr = 314.5 g/mol) is a natural cannabinoid from hemp that is found in high concentrations in the female plant. Cannabidiol is a lipophilic molecule and is therefore well distributed throughout the body and into the central nervous system. Cannabidiol hemp contains very little tetrahydrocannabinol. Nicotine and tobacco is not present in cannabidiol hemp, which is why there is no dependence.
Effects
Cannabidiol has antiepileptic (anticonvulsant), antianxiety, neuroprotective, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, and antioxidant properties. Unlike Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is not psychoactive (euphoric) and does not bind as an agonist to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabidiol is a multi-target drug. Its effects are attributed to its interaction with various systems. These include the ENT transporter, the GPR55 receptor, serotonin receptors (5HT1A), PPAR receptors, and the TRPM8 channel.
Indications for use
Cannabidiol hemp is smoked as a stimulant (tobacco substitute). It is not yet intended for medical uses such as anxiety disorders or psychosis in many countries and may not be advertised for such uses. Cannabidiol hemp is also smoked as a substitute for tobacco products and as a substitute for hemp with a high THC content.
Adverse effects
Smoking is very unhealthy. With each puff, harmful and carcinogenic substances are added to the body, which cause cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, among others. Countless health problems are associated with smoking. It worsens the quality of life and shortens life. Smoking is strongly discouraged. Every pharmacologically active substance has side effects. Therefore, from our point of view, adverse effects should also be expected when cannabidiol is administered. When the epilepsy drug Epidiolex, which contains cannabidiol as the active ingredient, was administered, diarrhea, drowsiness, lack of appetite, fever, and vomiting occurred as adverse effects.
