Glossary
CBD (cannabidiol)
Non-psychoactive cannabinoid with established use in some seizure disorders and emerging use in anxiety.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with well-documented efficacy in specific refractory paediatric epilepsies (Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes) and emerging evidence in anxiety disorders at controlled doses. Clinically relevant CBD interacts with several CYP450 substrates — most notably clobazam, valproate, and warfarin — and regular monitoring is required in these combinations. In South Africa, two regulatory tracks exist: low-dose CBD (≤600 mg/pack, ≤20 mg/dose) under Gazette 43347 Schedule 0 for general-health claims, and clinically relevant anti-seizure or anxiety doses via pharmaceutical-grade Section 21 access.
Related terms
- THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol)The principal psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
- Schedule 0OTC category in South Africa; allows low-dose CBD under Gazette 43347 conditions.
- Section 21SAHPRA authorisation for access to unregistered medicines — the primary legal pathway for medical cannabis in SA.
- CYP450Family of liver enzymes that metabolise many drugs, including cannabinoids — source of many clinically relevant interactions.