plural cannabidiols
: a crystalline, nonintoxicating cannabinoid C21H30O2 found in cannabis and hemp that is sometimes used medicinally

Note: After THC, cannabidiol is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis.

A 1986 study by Consroe and his colleagues … showed that cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive component of marijuana, calmed the abnormal movements of five people suffering from dystonia, a rare condition characterized by muscle spasms that contort the body.Kathleen Fackelmann

called also CBD

compare cannabinol

Examples of cannabidiol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even more disturbing, some brands whose products were labeled as melatonin in the study actually had cannabidiol, or CBD, in them instead. Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026 Many people drink alcohol or take cannabidiol (CBD) supplements for stress relief or relaxation. Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026 This plant has tetrahydrocannabinol or THC as its main psychoactive substance and numerous other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol or CBD. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 14 Feb. 2026 Cannabis produces a complex suite of bioactive compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but how these molecules evolved has long been a mystery. New Atlas, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cannabidiol

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannabidiol was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“Cannabidiol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannabidiol. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: a crystalline, nonintoxicating cannabinoid C21H28(OH)2 found in cannabis and hemp that is sometimes used medicinally

Note: After THC, cannabidiol is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis.

A 1986 study by Consroe and his colleagues … showed that cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive component of marijuana, calmed the abnormal movements of five people suffering from dystonia, a rare condition characterized by muscle spasms that contort the body.Kathleen Fackelmann

called also CBD

compare cannabinol
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