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Pharmaceuticals
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The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol
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The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2026 | Viewed by 6247

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Karolina Walczyńska-Dragon

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Temporomandibular Disorders, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: temporomandibular disorders; bruxism; cannabidiol; orofacial pain; muscle relaxation; pain modulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anna Kurek-Górecka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 19 Jordana Street, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: cytokines; immunology; natural products; apitherapy; oral cavity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa, has recently attracted significant attention in both clinical and basic science communities due to its potential therapeutic benefits. Evidence suggests that CBD may offer promising effects in pain modulation, muscle relaxation, neuroprotection, and the management of inflammation—without the psychotropic effects associated with THC.

This Special Issue aims to explore and consolidate current research on the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol, with a particular focus on its application in conditions such as orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and neuromuscular dysfunction. We invite original research papers, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and short communications that investigate the efficacy, mechanisms of action, safety profile, pharmacological properties, and pharmaceutical formulations of CBD.

We also encourage submissions that examine interdisciplinary or biopsychosocial approaches incorporating cannabidiol as part of a broader therapeutic strategy.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this timely and rapidly developing field.

Dr. Karolina Walczyńska-Dragon
Dr. Anna Kurek-Górecka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cannabidiol
  • endocannabinoid system
  • pain
  • anti-inflammatory agents
  • muscle spasticity
  • pain management
  • chronic pain

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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16 pages, 1947 KB  
Article
Cannabidiol Regulates CD47 Expression and Apoptosis in Jurkat Leukemic Cells Dependent upon VDAC-1 Oligomerization
by Lixing Wang, Suzanne Samarani, Evgenia Fadzeyeva, MariaLuisa Vigano, Alia As’sadiq, Branka Vulesevic, Ali Ahmad and Cecilia T. Costiniuk
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(1), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19010095 - 4 Jan 2026
Viewed by 342
Abstract
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that exerts multiple biological effects in the body. It has been shown to exert anti-cancer effects in a variety of cancer cells, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia of pre-T cell origin (T-ALL), a highly aggressive hematological [...] Read more.
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that exerts multiple biological effects in the body. It has been shown to exert anti-cancer effects in a variety of cancer cells, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia of pre-T cell origin (T-ALL), a highly aggressive hematological malignancy. However, the mechanisms underlying CBD’s anti-cancer effects are not fully understood. Furthermore, cancer cells abundantly express surface CD47, which is a negative regulator of phagocytosis and linked with cell survival/death. Little is known about CBD effects on the expression of CD47 in T-ALL cells. The objectives of this study were to address these issues. Methods: Studies were conducted in vitro using Jurkat cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in different culture conditions, CBD concentrations, and in the presence or absence of different reagents. Results: CBD downregulates CD47 expression and induces apoptosis in Jurkat cells. Similar biological effects of CBD were also observed in primary human CD4+ T cells, albeit at reduced levels. The CBD’s effects on CD47 expression and apoptosis were not rescued by a cannabinoid receptor (CBR)-2 agonist, a CBR-2 antagonist, or an anion channel blocker. However, these effects on CD47 expression and apoptosis were significantly rescued by a Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC)-1 oligomerization inhibitor. Conclusions: Overall, we conclude that CBD downregulates CD47 expression and induces apoptosis involving VDAC-1 oligomerization. Furthermore, they also suggest that CBD’s pro-apoptotic effects on primary human T cells should also be monitored if it is used as an anti-cancer adjuvant or neo-adjuvant therapeutic in cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol)
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21 pages, 1896 KB  
Article
The Effect of Cannabidiol on Nociceptive Behaviour and the Endocannabinoid System in an Incisional Wound Model
by Maria C. Redmond, Catherine R. Healy, Mary Hopkins, Rosmara Infantino, Georgina Gethin, Abhay Pandit and David P. Finn
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19010043 - 24 Dec 2025
Viewed by 339
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Wound-related pain is a common, yet inadequately managed condition, and new therapeutic strategies are warranted. Limited data suggests that phytocannabinoids and cannabis may alleviate wound-related pain; however, further studies are required. This study investigated the effects of systemic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Wound-related pain is a common, yet inadequately managed condition, and new therapeutic strategies are warranted. Limited data suggests that phytocannabinoids and cannabis may alleviate wound-related pain; however, further studies are required. This study investigated the effects of systemic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) on nociceptive behaviour following dorsum incision and on the endocannabinoid system. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (150–200 g on arrival, n = 9/group) underwent a 1.2 cm incision on the hairy skin of the dorsum or sham procedure. Back and hind paw mechanical withdrawal thresholds were assessed at baseline and post-surgery/sham days (PSDs) 1, 4, 7, and 8 using manual and electronic von Frey tests, respectively. On PSD 8, the effect of a single acute administration of CBD (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg, i.p.) on mechanical hypersensitivity in the dorsum and hind paws was assessed. The levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in the plasma and discrete brain regions following CBD administration were analysed. Results: Robust mechanical hypersensitivity was evident in the dorsum and hind paws following the incision. CBD (3 mg/kg) partially attenuated primary mechanical hypersensitivity in the dorsum, in a site- and dose-specific manner. CBD had no effect on secondary mechanical hypersensitivity. CBD did not alter the levels of endocannabinoids or N-acylethanolamines, but in rats that received CBD (3 mg/kg), levels of 2-AG were lower in the contralateral amygdala and levels of AEA were higher in the contralateral lumbar spinal cord, compared to the ipsilateral sides. Conclusions: These data provide evidence for antinociceptive effects of CBD in a model of incisional wound-related pain. Further research on CBD’s mechanism(s) of action is warranted. The potential antinociceptive effects of other phytocannabinoids in this model should also be investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol)
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15 pages, 1206 KB  
Article
Expanding the Therapeutic Profile of Topical Cannabidiol in Temporomandibular Disorders: Effects on Sleep Quality and Migraine Disability in Patients with Bruxism-Associated Muscle Pain
by Karolina Walczyńska-Dragon, Jakub Fiegler-Rudol, Stefan Baron and Aleksandra Nitecka-Buchta
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18071064 - 19 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3396
Abstract
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated potential as a therapeutic agent for muscle tension, pain, and sleep bruxism, yet its broader impact on comorbid conditions such as sleep disturbance and migraine disability remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of topical [...] Read more.
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) has demonstrated potential as a therapeutic agent for muscle tension, pain, and sleep bruxism, yet its broader impact on comorbid conditions such as sleep disturbance and migraine disability remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of topical CBD on sleep quality and migraine-related disability in patients with bruxism-associated muscular pain. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 60 participants with bruxism were allocated equally into three groups: control (placebo gel), 5% CBD gel, and 10% CBD gel. Participants applied the gel intraorally to the masseter muscles nightly for 30 days. Sleep quality and migraine-related disability were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), respectively. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and the Bruxoff® device were used for objective evaluation of muscle tension and bruxism intensity. Results: Both CBD treatment groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PSQI and MIDAS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the 5% and 10% CBD groups, suggesting comparable efficacy. The sEMG findings corroborated a reduction in muscle tension. Improvements in sleep and migraine outcomes were positively correlated with reductions in muscle activity and pain. Conclusions: Topical CBD gel significantly improved sleep quality and reduced migraine-related disability in patients with bruxism-associated muscular pain, supporting its role as a multifaceted therapeutic option in the management of TMD and related comorbidities. Further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits and determine optimal dosing strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol)
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10 pages, 987 KB  
Brief Report
Oral Cannabidiol for Acute Post-Extraction Pain: A Randomized Pilot Study
by Ammaar H. Abidi, Modar Kassan and Karen Derefinko
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(12), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18121792 - 25 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 986
Abstract
Introduction/Objective: Dental extractions are among the most common oral surgical procedures worldwide, with postoperative pain representing a significant clinical concern. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, has recently gained attention as a potential adjunct for managing acute dental [...] Read more.
Introduction/Objective: Dental extractions are among the most common oral surgical procedures worldwide, with postoperative pain representing a significant clinical concern. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, has recently gained attention as a potential adjunct for managing acute dental pain. To explore its clinical utility to generate preliminary feasibility, we conducted the Simple Tooth Extraction with Analgesic Phytocannabinoid (SWAP) pilot trial to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of oral CBD at two concentrations (17 mg/mL and 37 mg/mL) compared with placebo and standard ibuprofen/acetaminophen therapy following simple extractions. Materials and Methods: Eight adults were randomized equally to four arms (n = 2 per arm) CBD 17 mg/mL, CBD 37 mg/mL, placebo, or treatment-as-usual (TAU; ibuprofen/acetaminophen). CBD/placebo groups received 0.5 mL every 4–6 h as needed for 7 days, while TAU followed the non-opioid regimen. The primary endpoint was pain intensity (0–10 Numeric Rating Scale) captured via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over 72 h. Secondary endpoints included worst pain, rescue medication use, adherence, tolerability, and qualitative feedback. Results: All participants completed follow-up with >75% EMA adherence. Because of the very small sample (n = 8), results are descriptive only. Baseline imbalance was observed; the CBD 17 mg/mL group reported substantially lower pre-extraction pain than other groups, limiting interpretability. Pain trajectories diverged by group: CBD 37 mg/mL showed the lowest ratings, paralleling TAU; CBD 17 mg/mL and placebo showed limited efficacy. Conclusions: This pilot suggests that higher-concentration CBD (37 mg/mL) may provide analgesia comparable to standard non-opioid therapy. Within this small feasibility cohort, higher-concentration CBD (37 mg/mL) appeared to produce pain patterns qualitatively similar to standard non-opioid therapy. Findings should be interpreted as exploratory only. A fully powered randomized trial incorporating biomarker endpoints and a taste-matched placebo is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol)
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