The Frontiers of Cannabidiol: Exploring Future Therapeutic Uses
by Nicole Donovan, 2022 PharmD Candidate, Tuyet Nguyen, 2022 PharmD Candidate, Kenton Cooksey, 2022 PharmD Candidate, Marcus Pribyl, 2022 PharmD Candidate, Fitim Useini, 2022 PharmD Candidate
"When many people think about cannabidiol (CBD), they think about marijuana. They might be surprised to learn that we humans have our own regulatory system related to these chemicals. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of receptors, neurotransmitters called cannabinoids, and enzymes for degradation, all used to regulate homeostasis of the immune system and nervous system within the human body. One thing this system does is to treat inflammatory processes, which helps explain why tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD might be useful to treat processes like headache, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, and sleep. This article focuses on two main cannabinoids: THC and CBD. THC works as a cannabinoid (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) agonist. Action on the CB1 receptor leads to the “high” that people can experience when using THC (as in marijuana), and can lead to psychoactive effects. Activation of the CB2 receptor has a major role in the immune system, by mediating cellular immune responses. CBD, in contrast, has less effect on both CB receptors; thus, it has less of an intoxicating effect on the brain. Additionally, CBD does not cause euphoric effects in the brain like THC. CBD is an expanding topic in current therapeutic research, as it has the potential to be used in treatment of numerous disease states. As we learn more about CBD and it has become more available, there has been a recent market boom: CBD is sold at gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants.6 The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved cannabinoid substance is Epidiolex. All other forms of CBD and THC are currently unregulated and can vary in strength and content, no matter where they are sold. Given the prevalence of CBD in the marketplace, pharmacists need to know more about it. The objective of this review article is to present current research involving novel CBD/THC use in various disease states.
Keywords: Cannabidiol, Dronabinol, Cannabis, Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2, Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1, Endocannabinoids, Cannabinoids, Cancer Pain, THC 5, Prevalence, United States Food and Drug Administration, Pharmacists, Supermarkets, Brain, Neuralgia, Immune System, Headache, Sleep, Commerce, Neurotransmitter Agents
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2021 March/April Table of Contents
"When many people think about cannabidiol (CBD), they think about marijuana. They might be surprised to learn that we humans have our own regulatory system related to these chemicals. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of receptors, neurotransmitters called cannabinoids, and enzymes for degradation, all used to regulate homeostasis of the immune system and nervous system within the human body. One thing this system does is to treat inflammatory processes, which helps explain why tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD might be useful to treat processes like headache, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, and sleep. This article focuses on two main cannabinoids: THC and CBD. THC works as a cannabinoid (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) agonist. Action on the CB1 receptor leads to the “high” that people can experience when using THC (as in marijuana), and can lead to psychoactive effects. Activation of the CB2 receptor has a major role in the immune system, by mediating cellular immune responses. CBD, in contrast, has less effect on both CB receptors; thus, it has less of an intoxicating effect on the brain. Additionally, CBD does not cause euphoric effects in the brain like THC. CBD is an expanding topic in current therapeutic research, as it has the potential to be used in treatment of numerous disease states. As we learn more about CBD and it has become more available, there has been a recent market boom: CBD is sold at gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants.6 The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved cannabinoid substance is Epidiolex. All other forms of CBD and THC are currently unregulated and can vary in strength and content, no matter where they are sold. Given the prevalence of CBD in the marketplace, pharmacists need to know more about it. The objective of this review article is to present current research involving novel CBD/THC use in various disease states.
Keywords: Cannabidiol, Dronabinol, Cannabis, Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2, Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1, Endocannabinoids, Cannabinoids, Cancer Pain, THC 5, Prevalence, United States Food and Drug Administration, Pharmacists, Supermarkets, Brain, Neuralgia, Immune System, Headache, Sleep, Commerce, Neurotransmitter Agents
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2021 March/April Table of Contents