CBD

The variety of uses for CBD is rapidly growing. Is CBD effective? Is it safe?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a natural substance found in cannabis. CBD can be found in capsules, oil bases for vaporizers, tinctures, food items, and beauty products such as bath bombs and lotions. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating or psychoactive. (Note that the FDA considers hemp plants legal, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.)

I’ve come across claims that CBD can treat chronic pain, arthritis, inflammation, migraine headaches, nausea, allergies and asthma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, insomnia, depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Research is being conducted in a number of these areas. Much of the reasoning behind these claims is promising, and is related to our body’s CBD receptors:

• CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, and particularly in the brain. They coordinate movement, pain, emotion, mood, thinking, appetite, memories, and more.

• CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. They are related to inflammation and pain.

THC attaches to CB1 receptors, and CBD stimulates both CB1 and CB2 receptors.

The FDA has approved CBD for only one use: In 2018, Epidiolex (cannabidiol) was released to treat certain forms of seizures. Other promising uses that do not yet have FDA approval include treating multiple anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, seasonal affective disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Still other potential uses include treating pain, addiction to cigarettes and other chemicals, Alzheimer’s dementia, and acne (due to its effect as an anti-inflammatory).

There is still a lack of studies determining the ideal dose. Every drug carries with it risks, and these may depend on how CBD is used, the dose, and the form in which it is taken. Known risks include potential liver damage, especially if you have liver inflammation. Data indicates that CBD may decrease sperm count, sperm viability, and motility. CBD may increase irritability and decrease alertness, which can affect driving. It may even be associated with some loss of appetite.

On top of everything else that is still under study, consider drug interactions. CBD could have an effect on how a prescription or an over-the-counter medication works, or lead to side effects.

There is more and more interest in the use of CBD as a therapy for a wide variety of conditions. Be aware that regardless of marketing and word of mouth, we simply don’t yet have the science to back it up. I recommend that you speak with your own healthcare practitioner about side effects, drug interactions, and effectiveness, before using CBD.