Synthetic Strategies for (−)‐Cannabidiol and Its Structural Analogs

(−)‐Cannabidiol ((−)‐CBD), a non‐psychoactive phytocannabinoid from Cannabis, and its structural analogs have received growing attention in recent years because of their potential therapeutic benefits, including neuroprotective, anti‐epileptic, anti‐inflammatory, anxiolytic, and anti‐cancer properties. (−)‐CBD and its analogs have been obtained mainly based on extraction from the natural source; however, the conventional extraction‐based methods have some drawbacks, such as poor quality control along with purification difficulty. Chemical‐synthetic strategies for (−)‐CBD could tackle these issues, and, additionally, generate novel (−)‐CBD analogs that exhibit advanced biological activities. This review concisely summarizes the historic and recent milestones in the synthetic strategies for (−)‐CBD and its analogs. By chemical synthesis: Non‐psychoactive (−)‐cannabidiol ((−)‐CBD) has recently attracted a great deal of attention for its therapeutic potential. Chemical synthesis of (−)‐CBD and its structural analogs would contribute to detailed mechanistic studies on their biological actions as well as to market production.