CBD (Cannabidiol) | Cannabinoid Guide
Complete Guide to CBD in Medical Cannabis
Pronounced: see-bee-DEE
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive major cannabinoid. Everything you need to know about CBD. Learn about FDA-approved uses, anxiety research, dosing, drug interactions, and how CBD works in the body..
Boiling Point
320-356°F (160-180°C)
Formula
C₂₁H₃₀O₂
Legal Status
Legal federally when derived from hemp (<0.3% THC); prescription CBD (Epidiolex) is Schedule V
Research Sources
8 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
February 2026
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis and the dominant cannabinoid in hemp. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce intoxication. It gained FDA approval in 2018 as Epidiolex for treating severe forms of epilepsy, marking a landmark moment for cannabinoid medicine.
How CBD Works
CBD has a complex mechanism of action and doesn't directly bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors like THC. Instead, it modulates the endocannabinoid system indirectly, inhibits anandamide reuptake, and interacts with serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), TRPV1 pain receptors, GPR55, and adenosine receptors. This multi-target approach may explain its diverse effects.
Researched Effects
Seizure Reduction
Strong EvidenceFDA-approved for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Strong clinical trial evidence.
✓ Compliant Language
FDA-approved for certain severe epilepsy syndromes
✗ Avoid Saying
Cures epilepsy or replaces seizure medication
Anxiety Relief
Moderate EvidenceHuman studies show anxiolytic effects, particularly for social anxiety.
✓ Compliant Language
Research suggests anxiety-relieving properties
✗ Avoid Saying
Treats anxiety disorders
Anti-inflammatory
Moderate EvidenceStrong preclinical evidence; human trials ongoing.
✓ Compliant Language
Shows anti-inflammatory properties in research
✗ Avoid Saying
Treats inflammatory conditions
Sources
Sleep Support
Moderate EvidenceMay improve sleep quality, particularly when anxiety is a factor.
✓ Compliant Language
May support better sleep
✗ Avoid Saying
Cures insomnia
Sources
Medical Applications
Dravet Syndrome
Strong EvidenceFDA-approved as Epidiolex. Reduced seizure frequency by 39% in trials.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Strong EvidenceFDA-approved as Epidiolex for this severe epilepsy syndrome.
Anxiety
Moderate EvidenceParticularly studied for social anxiety and generalized anxiety.
Chronic Pain
Moderate EvidenceOften used in combination with THC for enhanced efficacy.
Dosing Guidance
Dosing varies widely by condition. Anxiety research uses 25-75mg. Epidiolex dosing starts at 2.5mg/kg twice daily. Most over-the-counter products contain 10-50mg per serving. CBD is biphasic—low doses may be alerting, high doses may be sedating.
Safety Information
CBD is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. CBD inhibits CYP450 enzymes and can interact with many medications—always consult your physician. Quality varies significantly among OTC products.
Potential Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness at high doses
Drug Interactions
CBD inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes significantly. It can increase blood levels of many medications including blood thinners, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. Always consult your doctor before combining CBD with medications.
Scientific References
8 peer-reviewed sources cited
- 1
Silvestro S, et al. Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease Molecules. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications and molecular targets.
- 2
Thiele EA, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial Lancet. 2018
Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.
- 3
Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial Lancet Neurology. 2016
Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.
- 4
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series Permanente Journal. 2019
79.2% of patients reported reduced anxiety within first month.
- 5
Bergamaschi MM, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011
CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.
- 6
Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015
Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- 7
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series Permanente Journal. 2019
66.7% of patients reported improved sleep in this anxiety and sleep study.
- 8
Urits I, et al. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD for chronic pain management.
Research Verification
All citations link directly to PubMed or the original source. You can verify any claim by clicking the reference link. Learn more about how we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp. It does not produce a "high" and is FDA-approved as Epidiolex for treating severe forms of epilepsy.
Does CBD get you high?
No. CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce intoxication or the "high" associated with THC. However, some full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC.
How much CBD should I take?
Dosing varies by condition and individual. Most people start with 10-25mg daily and adjust based on effects. Clinical trials use doses ranging from 25mg to over 1000mg depending on the condition.
Does CBD interact with medications?
Yes. CBD inhibits liver enzymes (CYP450) that metabolize many medications. This can increase or decrease blood levels of drugs including blood thinners, anti-seizure meds, and antidepressants. Always consult your doctor.
Quick Facts
- Full Name
- Cannabidiol
- Category
- major Cannabinoid
- Psychoactive
- No
- Boiling Point
- 320-356°F (160-180°C)
- Formula
- C₂₁H₃₀O₂
Want to explore CBD products? Get your medical marijuana card today.
Get Your CardRelated Cannabinoids
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Individual Variation
Cannabis affects everyone differently based on genetics, tolerance, and other factors. What works for one person may not work for another.
Start Low, Go Slow
Always begin with the lowest effective dose and increase gradually to minimize risk of adverse effects.