Raphael Mechoulam releases new book on the real science of CBD

The use of Cannabidiol (CBD) has become widespread throughout the world, but is this cannabinoid the panacea for all ailments? To help clarify what is often said about CBD, which is often unsupported by science, Raphael Mechoulam has released a book, co-authored with Linda Parker and Erin Rock, from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

It is a comprehensive review of the scientific literature about the possible benefits of CBD, which describes the results of preclinical studies and human clinical trials, helping to better realize the true potential of this cannabinoid. The book, edited by WITH Press, covers various pathologies, from Epilepsy to Anxiety, Psychosis or Schizophrenia, has 320 pages and costs about 30 euros.

Mechoulam began studying cannabinoids back in the 60s in Israel.

Raphael Mechoulam, often called “the father of cannabis research,” is Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a recipient of numerous awards, including the 2019 Harvey Award, for outstanding contributions to science and technology. Mechoulam has collaborated for several years with psychologist and neuroscientist Linda A. Parker, who is also a professor emeritus in the Collaborative Psychology and Neuroscience Program at the University of Guelph and author of the book Cannabinoids and the Brain. Parker works closely with Erin M. Rock, a postdoctoral fellow and adjunct faculty member at the University of Guelph. The authors report that the current CBD fad has “some basis in preclinical animal research” which indicates potential beneficial effects, but that doesn’t always mean it applies to humans. Clinical studies, hampered by regulations governing cannabis research, have lagged behind basic animal research.

The authors examine what research shows about the chemical and pharmacological aspects of CBD and the interaction of CBD with THC, the main psychotropic compound found in cannabis. The authors have extensively analyzed scientific publications on cannabidiol and present the results of the peer-reviewed scientific literature. The book results in a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on the effectiveness of CBD in the treatment of conditions as diverse as epilepsy, cancer, addiction, neuroprotection, nausea, pain, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. -traumatic, sleep disorders, psychosis and schizophrenia, among others.

Canadian teacher Linda Parker has been working closely with Mechoulam

CBD (cannabidiol), a non-intoxicating compound derived from the cannabis plant, can be found in products ranging from oils, flowers, lotions and smoothies even cosmetics, cookies, gummies and pet treats. Cannabidiol has been promoted – but not always scientifically validated – as a treatment for medical conditions. The now-published work looks at the science of CBD and offers a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the potential benefits of CBD, describing results from clinical, pre-clinical and human studies.

Margaret Haney, Director of the Cannabis Research Laboratory and Professor of Neurobiology at the Irving Medical Center at Columbia University in New York, said in connection with the book’s launch that “CBD is a topic surrounded by anecdotal cases and exaggerations, but this book offers an accessible, timely, and unbiased assessment of the evidence. Without exaggerating or pushing a specific agenda (problems that abound in the cannabis field), the book raises critical scientific questions and is an important and interesting contribution to the literature.”

Shawn Hauser, a partner at the hemp and cannabinoid company Vicente Sederberg, also said that “the science of cannabinoids is new and the market has grown at a faster rate than research and regulation. This book provides a comprehensive, fact-based summary that is desperately needed by consumers, patients, practitioners and policymakers to inform important decision-making.”