Researchers at the University of California, Davis have determined that a synthetic analog of cannabidiol (CBD) is effective in treating seizures in rats. An advantage of synthetic CBD alternatives is they are easier to purify that a plant extract and eliminates the agricultural production efforts need for hemp cultivation. Their work is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
"It's a much safer drug than CBD, with no abuse potential and doesn't require the cultivation of hemp," said Mark Mascal, a professor at UC Davis Department of Chemistry. The 8,9-Dihydrocannabidiol (H2CBD) synthetic analog does not possess the intoxicating effects like THC and can be produced through large scale, commercially available chemicals. Researchers tested the efficacy of synthetic H2CBD against CBD in reducing seizures in rats and showed that synthetic H2CBD was equally effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of seizures.