CBD oils and hemp extracts

Recently, the popularity of cannabis preparations has increased tremendously. The association with cannabis may have contributed in part to this trend. However, legally available hemp extracts and CBD oils are not the same as marijuana because they do not contain the intoxicating THC. In this text, we will answer the following questions: what is hemp, what are CBD oils, how are they obtained, what is known about their effect on the human body?

Dr. N. Pharm. Maria Kaspshak

Note: This text is for informational purposes, is not a means of self-treatment, is not and cannot replace an individual consultation with a doctor!

Hemp is a plant that has been cultivated for centuries

Hemp, or Cannabis sativa, is a cultivated plant found throughout the world. As with any culture, there are many sub-species and varieties of cannabis, each with their own distinct characteristics. Hemp has been cultivated for centuries for the fibers used to make rope, cordage and tow, as well as fabrics (hence the variety of hemp). Hemp oil was pressed from the seeds, which was used for food and industrial purposes - for example, for the production of paints and varnishes. In this regard, hemp has the same use as flax (which is also grown for fiber and oilseeds), and before cotton was introduced to Europe, flax and hemp were the main sources of plant fibers for clothing and other products. An interesting fact is that before the spread of rapeseed cultivation in Poland, it was hemp oil, next to linseed oil and, less often, poppy seed oil, that was the most popular vegetable oil in the Polish countryside. The consumption of vegetable oils was especially popular during Advent and Lent, when animal fats were fasted and not consumed.

Hemp, hemp, marijuana - what's the difference?

Currently, hemp is of interest as a medicinal plant. Particularly important in this regard are the female inflorescences, rich in biologically active substances, mainly cannabinoids (or: cannabinoids) and terpenes. The ingredient responsible for the narcotic effect of cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is an intoxicating substance that causes feelings of euphoria, relaxation, changes in the perception of reality, etc. For this reason, THC and cannabis that contain more than 0,2 .XNUMX% THC in terms of dry weight, they are considered a drug in Poland, and their sale and use is illegal.

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa subsp. Indica, cannabis) has a high concentration of THC. Cannabis varieties containing lower concentrations of THC are classified as industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa, hemp), do not have intoxicating properties, and their cultivation and sale are not prohibited. Whether cannabis and industrial cannabis are varieties of the same species, or two separate species, there is no complete agreement, but for the average user, the botanical classification is not the most important.

Cannabinoids and terpenes are phytochemicals found in cannabis

Cannabis sativa contains trace amounts of THC, but there are other compounds classified as cannabinoids (or cannabinoids), including CBD - cannabidiol (cannabidiol) and terpenes, i.e. substances found in many plants with a characteristic, pleasant odour. CBD has no intoxicating properties for humans and is not addictive. The cannabinoids and terpenes of cannabis are most concentrated in the glandular hairs that grow on the female inflorescences. Their secretion, and the hemp resin containing these compounds, are very sticky and are likely to protect the plant from drying out and microbial growth if damaged.

Terpenes, such as pinenes, terpineol, limonene, linalool, myrcene (and many others) are compounds found not only in cannabis, but also in many other plants, especially those with a strong aroma. They are ingredients in many natural essential oils and perfumes, as well as fragrances added to cosmetics. Some of them have antibacterial properties that regulate digestion and bile secretion (for example, alpha and beta pinene). However, they can cause allergies, so allergy sufferers should use them with caution.

Therapeutic effects of cannabinoids - preparations containing THC and CBD

Cannabinoids act on the human body through the so-called cannabinoid receptors, found in particular in the nervous system and in the cells of the immune system. These receptors are part of one of the "communication and regulatory pathways" in the body, like opioid receptors and others. The endocannabinoid system in the body regulates a number of physiological functions such as mood and appetite as well as the immune response and influences the endocrine system. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) strongly affects receptors in the brain, causing, among other things, a feeling of intoxication. Cannabidiol (CBD) appears to have little effect on cannabinoid receptors, but also on others, such as histamine. It probably also changes the effects of THC.

 Anabinoids have found their application in medicine. A drug containing synthetic THC, dronabinol, has been approved by the US FDA to ease vomiting and improve appetite in debilitated AIDS and cancer patients. Sativex containing THC and CBD is available in Poland and is indicated for the relief of spasticity (excessive muscle contraction) in patients with multiple sclerosis. Epidiolex is a newly approved formulation containing pure CBD in sesame oil, indicated for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy in children - Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is not yet available in Poland.

Hemp oils and CBD oils - what do they contain and how are they obtained?

Hemp oils are basically hemp seed oils. They are a valuable food product, have a pleasant taste and contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids in a favorable ratio. On the other hand, CBD oils are usually vegetable oils (hemp or otherwise) with the addition of an extract (extract) from the green parts of hemp - leaves or flowers. And - because of their concentration - their taste is no longer necessarily pleasant.

One of the main ingredients of this extract is cannabidiol (CBD), hence the name of these drugs. However, hemp extract also contains other plant substances (or phytochemicals, from the Greek "phyton" - plant), i.e. other cannabinoids, terpenes and many other substances, depending on the type of hemp used and the method of extraction, i.e. extract. Manufacturers sometimes write "full spectrum" on the label to indicate that a full cannabis extract has been used. Organic solvents can be used for extraction, i.e. “washing out” and concentration of compounds of interest from plant materials, since cannabinoids and other phytochemicals do not dissolve in water. This method has its drawbacks - solvent residues can contaminate the finished product, and their residues must be properly disposed of. That is why the so-called supercritical CO2 extraction. This means using liquid carbon dioxide as a solvent under very high pressure, i.e. in the so-called supercritical conditions.

 This is a complex definition in the field of physics of physical states, but what is important for us is that liquid carbon dioxide dissolves substances that do not dissolve in water, is non-toxic and, under normal conditions, evaporates very easily without leaving impurities. Thus, this supercritical CO2 extraction is a very "clean" method used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

You may sometimes read about CBD oils that they are "decarboxylated". What does it mean? Well, many cannabinoids are produced by plants in an acidic form. We will remind you from the school bench that the group of organic acids is a carboxyl group, or -COOH. Heating the dried fruit or extract removes this group from the cannabinoid molecule and releases it as carbon dioxide - CO2. This is a decarboxylation process that, for example, cannabidiol (CBD) can be obtained from cannabidiolic acid (CBD).

Do CBD oils have a healing effect?

Are hemp extracts, herbal preparations or CBD oils the same as listed preparations, such as Epidiolex containing CBD? No, they are not the same. First, they do not contain THC. Secondly, Epidiolex contains pure cannabidiol dissolved in oil, which has been tested for specific dosages. CBD oils contain a whole cocktail of various cannabis compounds. It is not known how the presence of other phytochemicals alters the effects of cannabidiol on the body. One company's CBD oil may have a completely different composition than another's, as they may use different hemp strains, production methods, and quality controls. In addition, some studies on dietary supplements containing CBD oils indicate that the actual content of cannabidiol and other ingredients may differ from those declared by the manufacturer, since supplement production control is not subject to the same rigor as drug production control. . There are also not enough clinical trials yet to confirm the healing properties of CBD oils for certain diseases, so there are also no fixed doses that could cause certain effects.

For all these reasons, CBD oils cannot be considered medicinal and it is not true that, for example, Epidiolex is the same as CBD oil. Similarly, willow bark is not the same as aspirin. This does not mean that CBD oils do not affect the body and do not change the symptoms of the disease - there is simply little reliable, verified information on this topic.

How to safely use CBD oils?

Despite the lack of clinical evidence of the therapeutic effects of CBD oils, they are available on the market and are becoming increasingly popular. They are not sold as drugs, but more and more people want to try them. If you choose to use CBD oils, there are a few important rules to keep in mind.

• First of all, look for the highest quality CBD oils from trusted manufacturers. Ask about product registration status, composition analysis certificates, preferably performed by third party laboratories.
• Second, check with your doctor, especially if you are taking medication. Cannabidiol and phytochemicals can interact with drugs to reduce or enhance their effects or cause toxic effects. There are many plants and herbs that react adversely to many medications (such as St. John's wort or grapefruit), so "natural" does not necessarily mean "safe under all circumstances."
• Check with your healthcare provider to see if taking CBD oil can help. In the bibliography you will find sources to help you make your decision.
• Determine the amount or serving of oil you are taking with your doctor, especially if you want to support chronic disease management or are taking other medications. When determining the amount of oil you take, remember that there are oils with different levels and concentrations of CBD, choose a specific preparation.
• Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, do not exceed the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
• Be aware that cannabidiol and other phytochemicals can also have adverse effects on the body, especially at high doses or with long-term use. They can be, among other things, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, problems with the liver or kidneys. There may be other activities that are unknown to us due to scant research in this area. Watch your reaction!
• Do not use CBD oils if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor in case of doubt!
• Never turn down your doctor's prescription in favor of "self-healing" CBD oils! Especially if you are seriously ill, such as cancer, neurological or mental illness, you should not do this. You can hurt yourself a lot.

Bibliography

1. CANNABIDIOL (CBD), Critical Review Report, Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, Fortieth Meeting, Geneva, 4–7 June 2018 https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf (dostęp 04.01.2021)
2. Journal of Laws 2005 No. 179, Art. 1485, AWA Act of July 29, 2005 for counteracting drug addiction. Links to the law and other legal acts: https://www.kbpn.gov.pl/portal?id=108828 (date of access: 04.01.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX)
3. Information about Sativex: https://www.mp.pl/pacjent/leki/lek/88409,Sativex-aerozol-do-stosowania-w-jamie-ustnej (Accessed: 04.01.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX)
4. Information about Epidiolex (in English): https://www.epidiolex.com (Accessed: 001.2021)
5. Lecture notes: VanDolah HJ, Bauer BA, Mauck KF. "Physician's Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils". Mayo Clean Proc. 2019 Sep;94(9):1840-1851 doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.003. Epub 2019, August 22. PMID:31447137 https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0025-6196%2819%2930007-2 (dostęp 04.01.2021)
6. Arkadiusz Kazula "The use of natural cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in therapy", Postępy Farmakoterapii 65 (2) 2009, 147-160

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