Cannabidiol CBD: What we know and what we don’t

We’ve partnered with Medterra to bring you this article covering six evidence-backed health benefits of CBD. Learn more about the difference between hemp- and cannabis-derived CBD here. Also called the farm bill, this law removed hemp and its derivatives from the Controlled Substances Act. Although anecdotal evidence and early studies show promising results, researchers haven’t yet reached a scientific explanation for why CBD might help reduce seizures. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

CBD and pain

Lotions, balms, gels, sprays, oils, creams, lubes … CBD topicals come in many forms. Some absorb faster (water-based), and others absorb more deeply (oil-based). When talking about hemp, we’re referring to the low-resin industrial crop commonly used to make clothing, textiles, food, and other materials. And in this context, we’re using the word cannabis to describe the high-resin plants that are grown specifically for medical consumption or enjoyment. The molecule itself is the same regardless of its source plant, but there are still important differences between hemp- and cannabis-derived CBD products. In 2018, the FDA approved a CBD-based medicine called Epidiolex for treating two forms of epilepsy—Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

CBD-rich products characteristics

We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. While people generally tolerate CBD oil well, it carries a risk of side effects. Poor quality CBD can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and nausea to fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite and weight. Although the FDA has not approved using CBD to treat any of those conditions, there are signs CBD could be beneficial.

Substance Use Disorders and Withdrawal

• High blood pressure is linked to higher risks of several health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome.
• CBD is also found in many foods and drinks in the U.S., so if you plan to consume these, discuss your total daily dose with your healthcare provider.
• Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil derived from cannabis, is a popular natural remedy for many ailments.
• CBD may also interact with other over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including blood thinners.

One double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated CBD’s effects on patients with Huntington’s disease. Patients received 10 mg/kg/day oral CBD (i.e., roughly 700 mg/day) or placebo (sesame oil) for six weeks. No clinically significant improvements were observed on Huntington’s disease-related symptoms (e.g., chorea sensitivity, sustained tongue protrusion, functional ability, or information recall and storage) compared with placebo [39]. Rigorous, controlled evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of CBD is lacking for many health conditions. Possible concerns with the use of CBD as a therapeutic include the potential for adverse effects (e.g., liver toxicity), drug-drug interactions, and lack of sufficient regulatory oversight of retail CBD products. Epidiolex was granted Orphan Drug designation as well as Fast Track Approval from the FDA for further study in these hard to treat conditions.

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• Additional important considerations concerning the use of CBD as a therapeutic including potential adverse effects, drug-drug interactions, and current lack of sufficient regulatory oversight of CBD products are discussed.
• Yet, CBD is commonly consumed and often in over-the-counter products that are unapproved and of unknown composition.
• Because they can be long-lasting in effect, CBD edibles are most popular among people managing pain, inflammation, and stress.
• The interactions between these medications and CBD may be mild, and you might not have to change your treatment.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B substrates) interacts with CANNABIDIOL (CBD)

If you’re concerned about the ingredients in CBD oils, consider herbal vaporizers. These devices allow you to enjoy pure CBD flower—find some grown locally, organically, and without pesticides for a reliably clean product. If you live in a state with legal cannabis, we recommend finding a high-CBD strain at your local cannabis shop, but smokable hemp flowers containing CBD can also be found at a few online retailers. Only CBD vapes sold in legal cannabis stores undergo mandated testing. CBD vapor products sold online or in smoke shops, gas stations, or other non-licensed shops are not currently held to the same strict regulations.