cannabidiol

noun

can·​na·​bi·​di·​ol ˌka-nə-bə-ˈdī-ˌȯl 

kə-ˈna-bə-,

-ˌōl

plural cannabidiols

: a crystalline, nonintoxicating cannabinoid C₂₁H₃₀O₂ found in cannabis and hemp that is sometimes used medicinally

Note: After THC, cannabidiol is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis.

A 1986 study by Consroe and his colleagues … showed that cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive component of marijuana, calmed the abnormal movements of five people suffering from dystonia, a rare condition characterized by muscle spasms that contort the body.

—Kathleen Fackelmann

called also CBD

compare cannabinol

Examples of cannabidiol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The measure requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to do random testing of products containing cannabidiol oil, also called CBD. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2024

As the popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) continues to soar, consumers seek the assurance of effective, reliable, and safe products to address an array of health and well-being needs. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2023

This growing popularity can be attributed to the unique properties of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2023

The reduction process that extracts cannabidiol from the cannabis plant can introduce heavy metals and other contaminants, including solvents used to extract essential oils from the flower, Rahman explained. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 Sep. 2023

Delta-8 can also be synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) through a chemical reaction. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023

On the other hand, hemp naturally contains lower levels of Delta-9 THC but higher amounts of cannabidiol (CBD), another non-intoxicating cannabinoid with various potential health benefits. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2023

These aerosols contain marijuana’s active cannabinoid compounds—including intoxicant THC and cannabidiol (CBD), which is popularly believed to have calming and anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes prescribed for intractable epileptic seizures. —Rachel Berkowitz, Scientific American, 4 July 2023

While the benefits and risks of cannabidiol, or CBD, are well known and include upsides such as pain relief and inflammation reduction and potential downsides like upset stomach or irritability, some people aren't aware of the different forms the chemical compound is available in. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cannabidiol

noun

can·​na·​bi·​di·​ol ˌkan-ə-bə-ˈdī-ˌȯl  kə-ˈnab-ə- 

-ˌōl

: a crystalline, nonintoxicating cannabinoid C₂₁H₂₈(OH)₂ found in cannabis and hemp that is sometimes used medicinally

Note: After THC, cannabidiol is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis.

A 1986 study by Consroe and his colleagues … showed that cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive component of marijuana, calmed the abnormal movements of five people suffering from dystonia, a rare condition characterized by muscle spasms that contort the body.

—Kathleen Fackelmann

called also CBD

compare cannabinol