India CBD market opportunity

A natural occurring cannabinoid is found in cannabis plants called Cannabidiol (CBD). In recent years,
apart from Δ9-THC many other constituents of Cannabis plants have come into focus, the most
important of them is cannabidiol (CBD). One of the main advantage of CBD over Δ9-THC is that it is non-
intoxicating and have many important pharmacological effects. CBD can be used as anxiolytic,
antipsychotic, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory [1].

Most of the CBD having medicinal properties come from hemp which is the least processed form of
cannabis plant. CBD oils are oils that contain concentrations of CBD. The concentrations and the uses of
these oils vary [2].

Mechanism

High doses of CBD is used for treating conditions like schizophrenia, dementia diabetes and nausea. At
lower doses, it has physiological effects that promote and maintain health, including anti-oxidative, anti-
inflammatory, and neuroprotection effects [3].

CBD oil can be used in treating :-

1. Pain Relief
CBD oil have gained popularity among people suffering from chronic pain. Many people find it
very useful and suitable for them as it is extracted from natural sources and is having no toxic
effect on body. According to a report published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid
Research people are using CBD as pain reliever from the time of ancient China [4]. Various
reports have shown that by reducing the inflammation CBD oil eases the chronic pain. CBD oils
also plays a role in treating sleep disorders related to chronic pain.

2. Cancer treatment :-
Many research have shown the role of CBD in preventing the growth of cancer cells. CBD acts by
moderating inflammation and affects the growth of cell. It has the effect of reducing the ability
of some types of tumor cells to reproduce.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Cannabis or cannabinoids for
use as a cancer treatment but two cannabinoids (dronabinol and nabilone) are approved by the
FDA for the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in patients who have
not responded to antiemetic therapy. [5]

3. Neuroprotective Role :-
CBD is a neuroprotectant and acts by reducing the damage to the brain and nervous system.
These plays significant role in growth and development of new neurons. Sometimes oxidative
stress causes the temporary or permanent damage to the neurons but action of CBD can reduce
this damage and can speed up the recovery process. CBD’s neuroprotective properties plays a
significant role in limiting the progression of neurological disorders such as
1. Epilepsy
2. Multiple sclerosis
 3. Parkinson’s disease
4. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In addition, clinical trials are currently underway by GW Pharmaceuticals, testing the efficacy of
Epidiolex, a purified CBD extract, for treatment of pediatric epilepsy. [6]

4. Anti- Acne :-

Various research have shown that CBD oil may be helpful for acne. CBD oil acts by adjusting the
way body creates sebum which ultimately leads to reduction of various types of acne.
According to a report published in Journal of Clinical investigation, due to the combined
lipostatic, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects, CBD has potential as a promising
therapeutic agent for treatment of acne. [7]
Researchers have also shown the role of CBD oil in treating various skin conditions like acne
vulgaris, allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, Kaposi sarcoma, psoriasis and skin cancer.

5. Anxiety relief :-
Studies have shown the importance of CBD oils in treatment of conditions like anxiety. CBD acts
by changing the way brain responds to the serotonin. preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD
as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder,
obsessive–compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered
acutely.[8] CBD may help relieve anxiety by:
 reducing stress
 decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, such as an increased
heart rate
 improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
 inducing sleep in cases of insomnia
Refrences

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
2. Everything you need to know about CBD oil
(https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.php)
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
4. Cannabis and Pain: A Clinical Review (https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2017.0017)
5. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq#link/_76
6. https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/testimony-to-
congress/2015/biology-potential-therapeutic-effects-cannabidiol
7. https://www.jci.org/articles/view/64628#SEC2
8. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1