CANNABIDIOL IN BRAZIL: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF ONGOING RESEARCH

Abstract

This review addresses the current state of research on cannabidiol (CBD) in Brazil. The Cannabis sativa plant, known as marijuana, contains more than 100 cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), responsible for the psychoactive effect, and CBD, which has several pharmacological activities. CBD shows promising results in the treatment of several diseases, acting as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant, in addition to reducing intraocular pressure and the side effects of chemotherapy. Studies on CBD began in the 1940s with its isolation and, in the 1960s, with the isolation of Δ9-THC. In 1990, the identification of the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, linked to the G protein, deepened the knowledge of the neurobehavioral and immunological effects of cannabinoids. Currently, research is advancing in understanding the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of CBD, especially in antidepressant and neuroprotective activity. However, in Brazil, there are challenges due to restricted access to the compound. Despite this, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has implemented measures to simplify the registration and prescription of CBD-based medications. Regulatory and scientific efforts are converging to expand the understanding and medical applications of CBD, driving continued advancement in evidence-based medicine. Objectives: To analyze ongoing research related to CBD in the Brazilian context, highlighting advances that demonstrate its therapeutic potential in various health conditions. Methodology: This narrative literature review gathers relevant information on the topic in an orderly and comprehensive manner. Searches for original studies were performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar databases, using the descriptors “cannabidiol advances”, “cannabidiol research in Brazil” and “cannabidiol in Brazil today”. Results: The analyzed articles suggest that CBD research in Brazil is evolving, showing its therapeutic potential in several areas. Studies focus on conditions such as refractory epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain, depression, sleep disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), inflammation and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Conclusion: The results highlight the significant progress of ongoing research in Brazil, emphasizing the diverse therapeutic potential of CBD. The growing body of clinical and preclinical studies covers a wide range of health conditions, representing an advance in the understanding of the therapeutic effects of CBD. The convergence of regulatory and scientific efforts is driving the expansion of CBD’s understanding and medical applications, contributing to continued advancement in the field of evidence-based medicine.