Charlotte’s Web is a high-cannabidiol (CBD), low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabis strain marketed as a dietary supplement under federal law of the United States.
It is produced by the Stanley brothers in Colorado. It does not induce the psychoactive “high” typically associated with recreational marijuana strains that are high in THC. In September 2014, the Stanleys announced that they would ensure that the product consistently contained less than 0.3% THC.
Charlotte’s Web is named after Charlotte Figi whose story had led to her being described as “the girl who is changing medical marijuana laws across America.”
Her parents and physicians say she experienced a reduction of her epileptic seizures brought on by Dravet syndrome after her first dose of medical marijuana at five years of age. Her usage of Charlotte’s Web was first featured in the 2013 CNN documentary “Weed”.
Media coverage increased demand for Charlotte’s Web and similar products high in CBD, which has been used to treat epilepsy in toddlers and children. It was originally called “Hippie’s Disappointment” as it was a strain that had high CBD and could not induce a “high”.
While initially anecdotal reports sparked interest in treatment with cannabinoids, there was not enough evidence to draw conclusions with certainty about their safety or efficacy.
In 2018, Epidiolex (cannabidiol as the therapeutic ingredient) oral solution was approved by the FDA for two types of epilepsy.