Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the newest trend with huge claims attached to it
Can Cannabidiol – or CBD as it is more commonly known – really cure all the diseases people are claiming it can? From anxiety to cancer: that’s quite a tall order.
CBD is the part of cannabis that does not give one the ‘high’ that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another part of the marijuana plant, does.
“CBD (Cannabidiol) is produced in high concentrations in Cannabis sativa plants. It is the best-characterized molecule which does not bring on psychoactive side effects, such as with THC,” says Greg Taylor, a molecular biologist and plant biotechnologist with a specific interest in cannabis.
In December 2017, the World Health Organisation concluded that CBD is not dangerous to one’s health, stating that: “At present no public health problems (e.g. driving under the influence of drugs cases, comorbidities) have been associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Though many studies are currently being done on the possible properties of CBD, the scientific jury is still out on the so-called miracle drug.
Prof Anna-Mart Engelbrecht from the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University, who has done research into the medical use of CBD, says that the medical properties of CBD are still uncertain.
“Although CBD has been studied by numerous researchers, its clinical value as a cancer drug is still debatable.”
CBD is the part of the cannabis plant that does not give one a psychedelic feeling. PHOTO: Kara van der Berg
Users and sellers of CBD have claimed that the product can cure a variety of ailments and diseases, including anxiety, cancer and Alzheimers. “Although there are laboratory-based studies which might claim this in cell culture models, there is no evidence of clinical trials to support these claims,” says Prof Engelbrecht.
Yet, some research conducted by Prof Engelbrecht (https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/full/10.2217/fon-2018-0530), has shown promising results.
“It has been found that CBD enhances the impact of several chemotherapeutic drugs such as cytarabine, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, temozolomide and cisplatin. Clinical trial data also revealed that the main indications of cannabinoid use were for chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and as an appetite stimulant for cancer and AIDS patients.”
Although CBD’s effects have not been fully proven, it has gained a lot of attention in recent years, owing largely to its inability to give people a ‘high’ that is usually associated with cannabis as well as the legality thereof.
“I think the hype around it in South Africa is mostly due to the fact that it was legalised for personal use in the context of a private home,” Engelbrecht says.
It commonly comes in oils that can be ingested but is also available in creams, sweets, lip balms, coffee and countless other forms.
Taylor says that one’s mode of application will depend on what you are looking to treat. “You can take it sublingually, through edibles or vapes and it will have a systemic effect whereas topical applications are localised and do not come with psychoactive effects if THC is involved.”
In 2017, Stellenbosch University signed a Collaboration Research Agreement with Cannabis Science, Inc., an American company which specialises in the development of cannabinoid-based medicines.
“Cannabis Science and Stellenbosch University will jointly develop and investigate the use of Cannabinoids to treat chronic pain disorders and other critical/chronic indications,” a press release from the company reads.
“Working with Stellenbosch University provides Cannabis Science access to South Africa, as well as other opportunities throughout Africa,” Dr Allen Herman, Cannabis Science Inc., Chief Medical Officer (CMO), states in the press release.