Is Cannabidiol (CBD) a Non-Psychoactive Phytocannabinoid?
Psychoactives February 3, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives5010004 via OpenAlex
Summary
This opinion piece argues that cannabidiol (CBD) has been misclassified as non-psychoactive by media and academia, despite robust scientific evidence from hundreds of studies showing its clinical efficacy for seizures, anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. The text provides a historical overview of psychoactive substance classifications and proposes a new classification for psychedelics, ultimately challenging the accuracy of current terminology.
Study at a glance
| Design | opinion piece |
|---|---|
| Key finding | CBD should not be classified as non-psychoactive given the substantial scientific evidence of its clinical effects on the central nervous system. |
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.