Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. It has the same chemical composition as cannabis, but it doesn't cause euphoria. Studies have shown that CBD can be useful for treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, problematic cannabis use, and reducing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. It is also commonly used to control psychiatric symptoms.
However, there is an unmet need for high-quality products and new effective treatments due to the prevalence of low-quality CBD products on the market. Many people report that CBD helps them manage health problems such as pain, anxiety, sleep issues, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the case of opioid use disorder (OUD), people may try to use CBD to avoid being associated with the stigma of treating OUD. However, CBD is a psychoactive substance with effects on mood and behavior and carries the risk of developing an addiction.
It is important to note that CBD does not suppress the respiratory centers of the brain like opioids do, so there is no concern of overdose. Dr. Joseph Pierre, a psychiatrist and professor at the University of California in Los Angeles, states that the possible role of CBD in treating schizophrenia begins with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in cannabis that causes euphoria. Thanks to an exclusive strategic partnership with Brains Bioceutical, DSM can help innovators explore the therapeutic potential of CBD as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).It is important to note that CBD and other products derived from CBD or cannabis should not be considered dietary supplements as they contain pharmacologically active ingredients. People who take other medications or have mental health problems should work with someone who has experience with CBD.
Resources used for this research include ORVID, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and EMBASE with keywords such as CBD, cannabidiol, hemp, and cannabinoids. In conclusion, CBD may have some medicinal value but there is limited research available on its efficacy in treating OUD or other mental illnesses. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with taking unregulated and low-quality CBD products. People should work with someone who has experience with CBD if they are considering using it for medical purposes.
