Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound that has gained popularity for its multiple therapeutic benefits. Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD is distinguished by its ability to relieve pain, reduce anxiety, fight inflammation, and improve sleep quality, among other positive effects. However, not all CBD comes from natural sources. In recent years, the development of synthetic CBD has generated interest in the medical, pharmaceutical, and commercial fields, thanks to its ability to replicate the structure and effects of natural CBD in a controlled and scalable way.
The rise of synthetic CBD raises important questions: is it the same as natural CBD? How is it made, and what benefits does it offer? This text explores in depth the differences between both types of CBD, their impact on the human body, and the scenarios in which each is most suitable, providing a clear overview of the use and relevance of synthetic CBD today. Today we encourage you to learn more about synthetic CBD, its properties, and how it is made. Will you join us?
What is natural CBD and what are its main characteristics?
By now, you probably already know that cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main non-psychoactive compounds present in Cannabis sativa, both in the hemp variety (non-psychoactive) and in the marijuana variety (with psychoactive effects). Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not generate euphoria or psychotropic effects, which makes it attractive for medical and therapeutic applications, since by not having these effects it is a legal compound in many parts of the world.
As mentioned, CBD has several properties that make it a more than interesting compound for various therapies and medical treatments. You probably know many of them, but below we summarize the most important ones:
Main characteristics of natural CBD
- Plant origin: Natural CBD is extracted from hemp plants, which usually have a concentration of cannabidiol much higher than that of THC, which is in fact usually testimonial. This low level ensures that its use does not cause psychoactive effects, which is a great advantage both from a legal point of view and for many patients who do not want to deal with such effects.
- Therapeutic properties: Numerous studies have shown that CBD helps treat conditions such as anxiety and stress, drug-resistant epilepsy (such as Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome), or chronic inflammation and pain associated with diseases such as arthritis, to mention just a few of these conditions.
- Entourage effect: When extracted directly from the plant, natural CBD is accompanied by other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which can amplify its benefits through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This concept suggests that the plant’s compounds work together to enhance the therapeutic effects of each other.
- Various uses: It is used in products such as sublingual oils, creams, capsules, gummies, and functional foods. In addition, it is increasingly popular in cosmetics thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In our CBD Shop, you will find dozens of products rich in CBD!
Effects of CBD on the brain and body
CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps maintain homeostasis (internal balance) in the human body. Although CBD does not bind directly to ECS receptors, it modulates ECS activity to generate a series of therapeutic effects:
Effects on the brain
- Anxiety and stress: CBD interacts with serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety.
- Epilepsy: Its ability to reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain has led to the development of drugs such as Epidiolex, approved to treat severe forms of childhood epilepsy.
- Neuroprotection: Promotes neuronal regeneration and reduces oxidative damage, making it a possible treatment for diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.
Effects on the body
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: Reduces inflammation by interacting with pain-related receptors (such as TRPV1), making it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis or neuropathic pain.
- Sleep regulation: Helps improve sleep quality by acting as a muscle relaxant and reducing brain hyperactivity.
- Immune support: Regulates the immune response and can act as an immunosuppressant in autoimmune diseases.
Side effects of CBD
CBD has become the cannabinoid of choice since its beneficial properties for health were revealed a few years ago. In addition, this cannabinoid does not produce the psychoactive effect that we associate with cannabis, which is why many people believe that it is an innocuous substance. But is that really the case? Here we explain everything you need to know about CBD and its side effects.
Is natural CBD the same as synthetic CBD?
Although they come from different sources, both natural and synthetic CBD share many characteristics, both from a chemical point of view and in terms of the effects caused on the body. However, there can also be differences between them, so let’s look at the main points in common and the biggest differences between them:
Similarities
- Chemical composition: Both natural and synthetic CBD have the same molecular structure (C21H30O2). This means that, on a chemical level, they are equivalent and can act similarly in the body.
- Effects: The effects we have seen with natural CBD are the same as those of synthetic CBD, so patients should not notice significant differences between one compound or another.
Differences
- Source: Natural CBD comes from cannabis plants, while synthetic CBD is created in a laboratory without the need for plant cultivation.
- Secondary composition: Natural CBD includes other beneficial compounds (terpenes, flavonoids, other cannabinoids) that are not present in the synthetic one.
- Production: Natural CBD can vary in purity depending on the extraction method and the quality of the plant. Because it does not require processing plant material to obtain it, synthetic CBD is purer and free of plant contaminants or substances such as pesticides or heavy metals.
- Consumer perception: Some consumers prefer natural CBD because of its organic origin and the concept of the entourage effect.
Synthetic CBD: What is it and how is it made?
Synthetic CBD is an artificially created version in laboratories that mimics the chemical structure of natural CBD. Its development seeks a more controlled and scalable alternative for therapeutic purposes, eliminating the dependence on hemp crops for its production.
How is synthetic CBD made?
- Chemical synthesis: Basic compounds such as citronellol or limonene (organic substances) are used and chemically modified to form cannabidiol.
- Biotechnology: Microorganisms such as genetically modified yeast or bacteria are used to produce CBD through fermentation processes. This method is more sustainable than the previous one and is used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Advantages of synthetic CBD
- Purity: It does not contain traces of THC or other cannabinoids or, as we have already mentioned, phytosanitary products or heavy metals.
- Scalability: It is easier to produce in large quantities without depending on agricultural conditions.
- Standardization: Allows precise dosages, essential for medical treatments.
Is using natural CBD the same as using synthetic CBD?
The user experience and benefits may vary depending on the source of the CBD. While their properties are virtually identical, in certain circumstances, there may be a preference for one or the other based on various factors. Broadly speaking, these are the main reasons why each of them is chosen:
Natural CBD
- Ideal for those looking for a holistic approach that includes all the compounds in the plant, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
- It is most common in general consumer products, such as oils or cosmetics.
Synthetic CBD
- It is preferred in pharmaceutical applications due to its consistency and purity and can be dosed with great precision.
- Eliminates the risk of contamination by pesticides, heavy metals, or THC, which is unwanted in many cases given its psychoactive activity.
Important aspects to consider
- Therapeutic effects: Although synthetic CBD can offer the same effects as natural CBD in terms of interaction with the endocannabinoid system, it lacks the entourage effect, which could enhance the benefits of natural CBD and thus make it more effective in treating several ailments.
- Safety and Control: Synthetic CBD offers greater control in terms of purity, but relies on rigorous manufacturing standards to ensure quality.
As you can see, natural and synthetic CBD have advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for different purposes. While natural CBD stands out for its richness in bioactive compounds and its plant origin, synthetic CBD stands out in medical applications for its purity and standardization. The final choice will depend on the intended use, local regulations, and the individual preferences of each patient.
We will keep you informed!
References:
- An Overview on Medicinal Chemistry of Synthetic and Natural Derivatives of Cannabidiol, Paula Morales, Patricia H Reggio, Nadine Jagerovic
- Synthetic and Natural Derivatives of Cannabidiol, Paula Morales, Nadine Jagerovic
- Synthetic and Non-synthetic Cannabinoid Drugs and Their Adverse Effects-A Review From Public Health Prospective, Koby Cohen, Aviv M Weinstein
- Parallel Comparison Analyses Confirm That Insys Therapeutics’ Synthetic CBD Is Identical in Chemical Structure to Plant-Derived CBD, Insys Therapeutics
