With multi-state legalization and expanding marijuana approvals, the substance is being actively explored for usage in medicines. An industry report predicts that the cannabis pharmaceutical sector could represent 10% of the overall specialty pharmaceutical market by 2020 and balloon to $20 billion.

Among more than 100 active cannabinoids found in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) is of primary interest, as its medical benefits appear promising without the severe side effects found in another cannabinoid called THC.

Here is a list of top innovative usages of the substance to treat various health conditions.

Axim Biotechnologies Inc. (AXIM) is developing CBD-based chewing gums that can deliver a longer-lasting effectiveness for medication. Its MedChewRx gums are being assessed as potential candidates for treatment of spasticity and pain related to multiple sclerosis. CanChew gum is another potential candidate for treating irritable bowel syndrome.

The company continues its research for using CBD-based gums for treating Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The company believes the act of chewing can enhance the product’s neuroprotective properties. It has also secured a patent for using CBD in chewing gum based products in November last year.

Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ZYNE) is working on its lead candidate ZYN002, which is a synthetic CBD formulated as a permeation-enhanced gel for trans-dermal (through the skin) delivery. The results of the ongoing Ohase 2 trial are expected this year which is evaluating the therapy to treat refractory epilepsy and as an analgesic for osteoarthritis of the knees.

The company is also exploring early-stage research for using CBD for cancer-related pains, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autoimmune disorders.

Insys Therapeutics Inc. (INSY), which went public in 2003, is attempting to use its established sublingual (under the tongue) spray technology to deliver CBD for treating pediatric epilepsies like infantile spasms and Dravet Syndrome. The company already has two FDA-approved drugs, including the bestseller Syndros, which is based on THC.