Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Cannabis and Cannabidiol (CBD): Understanding the Distinct Pharmacological Properties, Therapeutic Applications, Regulatory Challenges, and Public Health Implications of Cannabinoids in Medicine and Wellness

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, with the two most prominent being psychoactive Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-impairing Cannabidiol (CBD). The growing market for CBD, derived largely from hemp with less than 0.3% THC, has spurred interest in its potential to treat conditions like pain, anxiety, and inflammation. However, most CBD products, apart from one FDA-approved prescription drug for rare epilepsy, remain largely unregulated, raising consumer concerns about quality, purity, and accurate concentration labeling.

THC, conversely, is primarily responsible for the "high" and is used therapeutically in some states for conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea or appetite stimulation. The divergence in regulation between THC and CBD creates a complex public health challenge, as researchers continue to study the long-term effects of chronic cannabis use, particularly in adolescents, and the potential risks of drug interactions when CBD is taken alongside other medications.