How Cannabis‑based Therapies Are Evolving: From CBD to Full‑Spectrum
Cannabis has been in use since ancient times in the oldest traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. In recent years, cannabis legalization has been allowed for medical purposes in many countries and states. This official introduction of cannabis in the wellness industry allowed physicians and pharmacists to prescribe and prepare cannabis-related therapies legally.
Tracing the history, the medical use of cannabis evolved from normal to prohibition to legalization. The past scientific evidence showed the use of specific cannabinoid based therapies, which now shift towards the full-spectrum extracts to utilize the full potential of the cannabis plant. Continue reading to get insights about the historical shift from CBD to full-spectrum cannabis therapies.
Origin of Cannabis-based Therapeutics
The use of medical cannabis originated in central Asia or ancient China to treat ailments like gout, malaria, and rheumatic pain. Many ancient cultures showed evidence of cannabis being mixed with medicines to reduce pain and other symptoms. In medieval times, the use of cannabis for medicinal benefits was recognized by Muslim scholars, like Avicenna. Cannabis was used for treating inflammation and pain, as mentioned in the book ‘Canon of Medicine’, a medical masterpiece. In modern medicine, the use of cannabis-based therapeutics was introduced by Irish physician W.B. O'Shaughnessy, mainly for muscle spasm related to rabies or tetanus.
In the late 19th century, cannabis was included in the U.S. pharmacopeia, with a subsequent decline in the 20th century due to the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act. In the mid-20th century, the creation of THC led to the development of cannabinoid specific therapeutics. The chemical structure of CBD was determined in 1963, following continued research into its therapeutic potential. The discovery of THC and CBD paved the way for subsequent developments and endocannabinoid system (ECS) research.
Evolution From Isolated CBD to Full Spectrum
Historical Context: Whole Plant Use
Documents from the history of cannabis use for medicinal purposes showed that physicians at that time were using the whole plant for the treatment. However, the Chinese mainly used the seeds of the cannabis plant for therapeutic purposes. They acknowledged that seeds were deficient in delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant. The seeds contain proteins and essential fatty acids with therapeutic effects, such as γ-linoleic acid, typically used for psoriasis and eczema. Oral consumption was helpful for atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory ailments.
The Mid-20th Century: Scientific Breakthroughs
The use of cannabis started in the mid-20th century in Western medicine after its efficacy was observed in India. Many important scientific discoveries and regulatory shifts have happened in this century. The structure of delta-9 THC was determined in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and Yehiel Gaoni. The discovery of synthetic delta-9 THC led to the development of the drug Marinol to treat conditions like nausea and vomiting.
After identifying specific cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, the discovery of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its receptors provides scientific understanding of how these cannabinoids affect the body. In the 1970s, the U.S. classified cannabis as a Schedule I substance and strictly restricted research into it. Then the major policy shifts came when California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical cannabis use under a physician’s supervision.
Rise of CBD Isolate in Modern Medicine
In recent years, CBD isolate has become popular due to its non-psychoactive nature and therapeutic potential. In 2005, an oromucosal spray named Sativex was approved by Health Canada for treating multiple sclerosis spasticity. This was the plant-derived World’s first pharmaceutical prescription medicine. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the CBD formulation, ‘Epidiolex’, to help in the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy. The focus was to provide cannabinoid-specific therapeutics to help patients ease chronic symptoms.
Modern Full-Spectrum Trend: The Entourage Effect
The emerging scientific research is shifting towards a more holistic, plant-based approach to provide cannabis-based therapies to patients. Research showed that cannabis works better as a whole than specific cannabinoids. The emergence of the ‘entourage effect’ theory proposes that cannabinoids work synergistically with other plant components, including terpenes and flavonoids, to enhance therapeutic potential and reduce side effects. According to research studies, full-spectrum CBD is more effective than isolate CBD for pain relief.
Diverse Product Development
The individual cannabinoid-based therapies were useful, but they overlook the therapeutic potential of the whole plant matrix. The popularity of the entourage effect led to the development and increasing demand for full-spectrum extracts. In the market, a wide variety of consumer-oriented products are available in various forms.
Exploration of Minor Cannabinoids
This century is witnessing ongoing research focusing on the therapeutic potential of minor and rare cannabinoids. Cannabigerol (CBG) possesses neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties to help in Huntington’s disease models and inflammatory bowel disease. CBN is discovered to have sedative effects to help with sleep issues. Cannabidivarin has the potential to help in the treatment of epilepsy and neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorder.
Cannabis Regulation and Medicinal Therapeutics
The history of cannabis regulation and the use of cannabis-based therapies suggests that research on cannabis-based treatments is still a challenge in the 21st century due to complex cannabis regulation. Modern medicine demands research and evidence-based policy options. In the ever-changing era of cannabis use, the therapeutic potential of cannabis from a regulatory research perspective is complex. Policymakers, researchers, and clinicians must understand the complexity of using cannabis-based therapies and the effects of legalization on other health and society issues.
Future Trends in Cannabis-based Therapies
The future of cannabis-based therapies forecasts personalized medicine, medical cannabis standardization & regulation, and targeted research. Advancements in pharmacogenetics and genomics help in tailoring personalized treatments based on a patient’s genetic profile and cannabis metabolism. Evidence-based cannabis treatment algorithms provide a revolutionary framework to help healthcare professionals in the efficient use of cannabis-based therapeutics.
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