Cannabidiol (CBD) and Colorectal Tumorigenesis: Potential Dual Modulatory Roles via the Serotonergic Pathway

Abstract

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the United States. This legislative shift catalyzed both public and scientific interest in CBD’s potential health benefits. However, the rapid expansion of the CBD market has considerably outpaced rigorous scientific research, leaving many health claims largely unsubstantiated. While preclinical studies suggest that CBD may exert antitumorigenic effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) by modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation, clinical evidence supporting these effects remains limited. This review critically examines the current evidence on the role of CBD in colorectal tumorigenesis, with particular attention to its molecular mechanisms and interactions with the serotonergic system—a signaling pathway implicated in the development of CRC and possessing potential dual anti- and pro-tumorigenic properties. By influencing the serotonergic system, CBD may confer both protective and potentially deleterious effects during CRC development. This review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms of CBD in colorectal tumorigenesis and to evaluate its therapeutic potential in clinical settings. Understanding these interactions could pave the way for novel prevention and treatment strategies, optimizing the anticancer efficacy of CBD while mitigating unintended risks.