Is Cannabidiol (CBD) a Non-Psychoactive Phytocannabinoid?
Psychoactives February 3, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives5010004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Opinion piece Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | CBD |
| Keywords | Scientific literature Medline Mechanism biology Drug Scientific evidence Epistemology |
| Key points | Argues that CBD should not be classified as a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, based on its demonstrated clinical effects in treating various psychiatric and neurological conditions. |
Abstract
Interest in psychoactive substances, including psychedelics, is rapidly expanding in medical, academic, and other popular fields. Despite the classifications established within the psychopharmacological scientific community, certain plants, animals, and fungi, as well as the substances obtained from them, have been misclassified by both the media and academic circles. This opinion piece aims to present arguments to answer the following question: Is CBD a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid? Hundreds of robust scientific studies published in recent years involving CBD have strengthened its clinical use in the treatment of seizures, anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. As part of the arguments to answer the question posed, this text provides a historical overview of the classifications of psychoactive substances available to date, and offers reflections on these terminologies and a proposed classification of psychedelics.