Angelo A. Izzo1, Francesca Borrelli,, Raffaele Capasso1, Vincenzo Di Marzo, and Raphael Mechoulam. Non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids:new therapeutic opportunities from an ancient herb. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences -730.

1. ADHD

When you think of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, I bet you picture kids who find it tough to focus and be still. But, ADHD affects kids and adults. Anecdotally CBD is a promising therapy for kids and adults alike, encouraging stillness and focus on the task at hand: A randomised controlled trial found Sativex, a cannabinoid medication (1:1 CBD:THC) to significantly improve hyperactivity/impulsivity, attention and even cognitive ability in adults with ADHD.

2. Drug Addiction (Opioids)

To say the opioid epidemic is a ‘real’ problem is an understatement. Opioids have become a drug of abuse given their accessibility through prescriptions. In 2015 prescription opioids caused 15,000 deaths in the US alone. Thats not even including heroin. Its clear that those without access to the appropriate council or resources to deal with their psychological/physical pain, use opioids to treat it with addictive and deleterious consequences. CBD, a safe and therapeutic Cannabinoid may offer a reverse gateway from opioid addiction. A study found that rats who had free access to heroin did not alter their use with CBD. But, CBD did interrupt heroin use induced by a cue (in a human that would be an event provoking relapse). These affects lasted up to two weeks! This is promising for the prevention of heroin dependence and relapse.

3. Drug Addiction (Cocaine)

Since CBD has therapeutic, non hedonic properties it might be considered an intervention for stimulant and amphetamine addiction. Whilst it fails to reduce the rewarding qualities of these drugs, it may help support recovery from addiction and help prevent relapse.

4. Drug addiction (Nicotine)

Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs, and is easily accessible throughout the world. In attempts to quit, efforts are frequently met with resistance and end up with a lit cigarette in hand for a lot of us. But, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 24 smokers who wished to stop smoking showed some promising results. A CBD inhaler vs placebo inhaler significantly reduced the number of cigarettes smoked during the week of treatment (~40%). There was even a reduction in cravings during the treatment week, and a reduction in cigarettes smoked in a two week follow up.

5. Cannabis Dependence

Prepare to be confused, this ones a real gem. Although highly medicinal, cannabis can be subject to abuse, like any drug. Cannabis use can become an issue when the person smoking it becomes dependent on it. Ironically, CBD might be useful in reducing this dependence given its opposing effects to THC, pharmacologically and behaviourally. A study tested 94 cannabis users when sober and when intoxicated, 7 days apart. Users who smoked higher CBD:THC cannabis showed a reduced draw to drug and food stimuli compared with smokers of higher THC:CBD cannabis. These results indicate CBD to reduce incentive for reward when a drug cue is presented.