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Cannabidiol (CBD), one of over 120 different phytocannabinoids derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, is one compound under investigation for its reported anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its ability to reduce symptom severity with insomnia and chronic pain. Lacking the widely known and often controversial psychoactive effects of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), research on cannabidiol has demonstrated symptom relief for a wide range of disorders, due in some part to its effects on activity in limbic and paralimbic areas of the brain and receptors throughout the body.
CBD also has an excellent safety profile with limited adverse effects compared with other available treatments.¹⁸ However, while popular belief holds that CBD is a relatively benign substance, clinical evidence shows that there is a potential for drug-drug interactions. Given the wide availability of products containing CBD on the market today, from tinctures to coffee additives, this underscores the necessity for medical supervision of CBD intake and formulation-specific clinical research.
Some biological interactions, and their related potential therapeutic benefits, include:
Activating 5-HT1A Serotonin Receptor: Helps with anxiety, addiction, appetite, sleep, nausea, vomiting
Binding to TRPV1 Receptors: Moderates pain, inflammation, body temperature
Activating Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPARs): Has been shown to produce anti-cancer effect and help with Alzheimer’s
Blocking G Protein Receptor GPR55: May decrease bone reabsorption and the spread of cancer cells